Wait for the vaccination

I can’t envisage any way of having 100’s of children back in school without increasing the transmission of COVID 19. We need to wait for the vaccination and meantime allow video conferencing to be used for teachers to support the learning and check on their welfare.
I have children in P7, S3 and S5. They have missed out on so much already compared to the private sector who are supporting distance learning with video conferencing.
As a health professional I don’t yet think we are safe for them to return to school.
Could we please consider an extra year at school to allow everyone to catch up?

Why the contribution is important

As soon as pupils are travelling back to a school building and mixing with people from other families the R number will climb.
Using technology isn’t perfect but it does allow some learning to continue until the vaccination is available.
I understand that there is concern about the safety of video links but I am using them safely in the NHS on Microsoft teams, attendanywhere and with a tutor who has another adult present on the call.
The lack of video links discriminates against learners with additional needs. Even videotaped lessons would be helpful when I have a house full of dyslexic people.
Businesses have been able to donate laptops to those who don’t have them and support their staff getting back to work.
The improvements in NHS IT have been incredible and it is now time for education to get the same help.

by JInnes on May 06, 2020 at 12:21PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 2.5
Based on: 7 votes

Comments

  • Posted by cresswell May 06, 2020 at 14:16

    A vaccination is likely to be 12 - 18 months away

  • Posted by codenamev May 06, 2020 at 14:59

    The virus has ready said to have mutated rendering any vaccine completely useless. The hope for a vaccine cure is misplaced and not based in reality. Remember Matt Hancock was back to work within a week having had covid, is it really that serious to justify living our lives in complete abnormality and fear ?

  • Posted by Villager1 May 06, 2020 at 15:25

    Test all staff and children before being allowed back to school. Facemasks to be mandatory together with compulsory regular handwash during the day.

    It will take too long to wait for a vaccine. But infection in population must be eradicated before considering going back.

    Educate children in detecting symptoms of virus and thoroughly test track and trace any who develop symptoms.

    Try to keep spacing as much as possible in classes.
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