Safe reopening of schools in June.
Given that we do not have scientific evidence about transmission within schools, current teaching and learning approaches are incompatible with social distancing, education professionals are unlikely to have expertise in infection control, closure is harmful to many children and finally that the attainment gap is growing with each day of closure, I suggest the following:
1. Schools should return in a limited capacity in June for four weeks as a trial for August.
2. Social distancing within schools must be rigorously enforced in all parts of the school (classroom, playground, communal areas). This would have different impact in different schools. Rural schools with small classes may be able to go back full time depending on space and town schools only part-time. The system in individual schools should be based on their ability to comply with social distancing criteria. A one size fits all approach would not work.
3. All school staff should be trained on infection control measures by appropriately qualified people in advance of setting up classrooms and routines for reopening. Appropriate risk assessment and PPE must be in place. This training must be based upon a shared understanding of normal school routines and allow for education staff and families to raise concerns.
4. There should be recognition that the delivery of the curriculum will alter in response to social distancing measures. This must be clearly communicated to families in advance of reopening in order to prepare pupils and manage expectations.
1. Schools should return in a limited capacity in June for four weeks as a trial for August.
2. Social distancing within schools must be rigorously enforced in all parts of the school (classroom, playground, communal areas). This would have different impact in different schools. Rural schools with small classes may be able to go back full time depending on space and town schools only part-time. The system in individual schools should be based on their ability to comply with social distancing criteria. A one size fits all approach would not work.
3. All school staff should be trained on infection control measures by appropriately qualified people in advance of setting up classrooms and routines for reopening. Appropriate risk assessment and PPE must be in place. This training must be based upon a shared understanding of normal school routines and allow for education staff and families to raise concerns.
4. There should be recognition that the delivery of the curriculum will alter in response to social distancing measures. This must be clearly communicated to families in advance of reopening in order to prepare pupils and manage expectations.
Why the contribution is important
We must come up with a system that allows schools to reopen safely.
by Glenda on May 09, 2020 at 12:04PM
Posted by Maz May 09, 2020 at 12:30
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Posted by Bournefabee May 09, 2020 at 12:37
And spare a thought for teachers. If you can get enough to run the school who aren't affected or shielding you still have a staff who never signed up for a healthcare role.
Yes we need to come up with measures to allow them back, but not in June. It is far too soon. Our testing capabilty is still too low and there may be treatment developments by August which would make it a different proposition.
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Posted by MargaretAnne May 09, 2020 at 13:03
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Posted by Jaruic May 09, 2020 at 13:22
By August the way forward might be clearer and ideas for socially distancing schools may have been rethought.
For children to restart, possibly for just a couple of days per week or every third week etc just to say the children are back in school and then stop for the Summer is disruptive to them more than re opening later.
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Posted by Karenh May 09, 2020 at 13:25
by Karenh on May 06, 2020 at 11:39PM
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Posted by Callendar May 09, 2020 at 13:32
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Posted by David924 May 09, 2020 at 13:52
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Posted by saltpepper May 09, 2020 at 14:05
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Posted by Balderdash May 09, 2020 at 15:51
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Posted by Aham25 May 09, 2020 at 16:56
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Posted by Lucy1980 May 09, 2020 at 17:50
There’s also lots of staff with underlying conditions who are still in the shielding period.
Schools should not return until August 2020 as we have a LOT of planning and preparation to do before this point for the safety of all.
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Posted by Riley54 May 10, 2020 at 11:36
Despite what some people think, teachers are not stupid. They will.do what is best for their pupils. Their job is to have the 'child at the heart' of everything and to ensure that transitions run smoothly for every child.
Ideally, I would like to bring pre-schoolers/new S1 pupils in to school to see their classrooms, meet their teachers etc all from a safe distance. Even if this was done in extremely small groups over the course of a week or two during June but only if this was done in a safe way. Then gradually begin to open school in August.
Arguments I've read on other comments to have schools open during the holidays....teachers ARE working online or in schools. They are NOT on an extended holiday despite what others think. They are working in Hub schools or supporting vulnerable families. Many are doing over and above the work they would normally do when in front of a class.
Teachers would love to be back doing the job they chose and love but throwing them and children 'under the wheels' to appease parents who have had enough of home learning is not the answer.
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