THE Scottish Government’s guidance on the re-opening of schools needs strengthening to avoid schools being “a catalyst to a resurgence”, a teaching union has warned.
The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has written to Education Secretary John Swinney expressing “significant concerns” about the proposals to re-open schools.
But a Scottish Government spokesperson said a “safe environment” is the “absolute priority”.
It was announced last week by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that all schools should have re-opened full-time by August 18 “at the latest”.
EIS have said some of the safety guidance contains “inherent contradiction” about how physical distancing would work in schools.
The letter, from EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan on behalf of the union’s executive committee, suggests urgent changes to the guidance, as well as regular coronavirus testing for school staff regardless of whether they have symptoms.
“I write to you in order to raise some significant concerns regarding the now published guidelines for the re-opening of schools,” Flanagan says.
Calling for further safety restrictions, he adds: “The EIS welcomes the fact that Scotland appears to have successfully suppressed the virus at this point in time; however, we would not wish to see the re-opening of schools act as a catalyst to a resurgence.
“That means we must ensure that school buildings are Covid-secure.”
Flanagan also relayed fears from teachers who have been shielding but could soon be expected to return to work in a classroom full of pupils.
“This seems to be an enormous leap and one which does not sit well with the First Minister’s warning to those who had been shielding until August 1 about continuing to be especially cautious,” he said.
On Thursday, Swinney said he was “very confident” his son will be safe when he returns to school.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Swinney tried to reassure parents who may be anxious about their children returning to schools.
He said: “I understand entirely parental anxiety about young people going back to school. It’s been a difficult period for everybody and there’s adjustment that has got to be made.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Ensuring the highest quality education for our young people in a safe environment is our absolute priority, and we also want to make sure teaching staff feel supported.
“Our guidance clearly sets out the approach that must be taken, including a number of specific risk-mitigation measures that will need to be introduced in all schools in order that they provide a safe environment for staff and pupils.
“Individual schools will carry out risk assessments on their estate, as they will know how to apply the guidance in a way that works best to ensure the safety of their setting.
“An enhanced surveillance programme for schools will allow us to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic on school-age children and young people and staff.”
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