Risk assessments for school reopening
Before the lockdown, catastrophic errors were made by schools advising pupils, parents and staff that they were “low risk” (based on advice from Health Protection Scotland) - even in cases where there were suspected / confirmed cases of coronavirus in the school community. This approach was arguably in breach of the public sector duty of equality and human rights legislation, eg children who are vulnerable or live in a household with vulnerable family members (diabetes, asthma etc) have a right to have the risk to them and/or their families properly assessed and measures put in place to safeguard them and protect vulnerable family members.
Discussions around school reopening plans include little mention of how schools will ensure the safety of ALL members of the school community, or even of the need for schools to conduct more accurate risk assessments for ALL of the pupils in their care and their families (plus of course staff who may have varying health needs). Deferring to “one size fits all” advice rather than properly looking after the needs of all pupils and their families is not a suitable way forwards.
Why the contribution is important
Even during a pandemic, human rights legislation and the public sector duty of equality are important.
by heatherl on May 08, 2020 at 03:56PM
Posted by TMcCurrach May 08, 2020 at 16:41
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Posted by HighlandLass May 08, 2020 at 17:48
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Posted by MAnderson May 08, 2020 at 19:15
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