Yesterday, Education Secretary John H. Smith stated that entire classes could need to be combined into smaller groups or sent home for work from home because of teacher absences due to coronavirus.
Nadhim Zahawi said that schools may not be able to provide face-to-face education to all students because of the Omicron variation, which leads to massive staff shortages.
He was admitted by the Department of Education as secondary school students will need to be wearing masks inside classrooms. They also have to test themselves two times a week after returning from vacation.
Yesterday’s open letter was sent to schools by Mr Zahawi. It stated that remote learning should only be used as a short-term solution and that all schools must return to regular in-person attendance as soon possible.
He stated that if you have to teach face-to–face because of operational problems or a shortage in the workforce, then I urge you to look at flexible learning options.
The schools could use all of their staff to provide on-site support for some students, while the school’s can provide flexible provision. He stressed however that these arrangements should be temporary.
Due to the Omicron variant leading to massive staff shortages, it may prove difficult for schools to offer face-to–face instruction to all pupils. Nadhim Zhawi (pictured) said that.
He stated that if you have to teach face-to–face because of operational problems or a shortage in the workforce, then I urge you to look at flexible learning options.
It could mean that all staff are used to “maximize on-site education for the most pupils possible” while schools can ‘flexibly provide provision on-site and remotely for some pupils’. He stressed however that these arrangements should be temporary.
Other options than sending the children home for learning remotely include hiring supply staff, combining classes and creating larger groups.
At the beginning of this month, less than 3% of teachers reported being sick. But worries are growing that numbers could rise sharply – with one of Britain’s largest academy trusts saying it had experienced staff absence levels of 10 per cent.
The unions predicted that disruption would be a part of the new term.
There has been a lot of criticism directed at the Government for bringing back face masks. Critics have called it a declaration of war on children (file image).
There has been a lot of criticism directed at the Government for deciding to reinstate face masks. Critics have called it a declaration of war on children.
Teachers unions and teachers have generally welcomed this move, stressing the benefits of remote learning.
Boris Johnson, August 2020 called the idea of masks being worn in schools ‘nonsensical. However, the recommendation was put in place for two more months last March. It will still be in effect from January 26th to the end of the next term.
Geoff Barton (general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders) stated: “Face coverings have been recommended for students in year seven and beyond in communal areas.
“Pupils are used to them, and we believe that the return of face-coverings into classrooms will be a success. Schools and colleges can do it with ease.
Dr Mary Bousted (joint general secretary) of the National Education Union said that masks are unlikely to have any’significant mental effects’ on students.
“We have secondary schools in Wales (and Scotland) that allow mask-wearing, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem. The founder of Oasis Community Learning academy trust, Rev Steve Chalke said that although it wasn’t ideal, it was better than having masks enforced in the classrooms.
Pictured: Yesterday’s Covid infection in the UK
Sky News spoke to him: “We cannot afford the loss of days for these kids’ schooling, and we have seen media reports that leaving children alone is bad for their health as well as for society.
Robert Halfon from the Tory party, who chairs the Commons education Committee, said that the Government should’set forth the evidence’ in Parliament to justify the decision.
“Masks in restaurants and offices are not necessary, then why should we be requiring young people to use them?” He said.
And Us For Them was founded by parents who have fought to stop schools closing during pandemics. It said that it is ‘dumbfounded” by this decision.
Never use the faces of children as political pawns. According to the group, this was a “declaration of war against children.”
It was also announced that schools, colleges, and early-years programs will receive approximately 7,000 units of air cleaners to help improve the air quality. The announcement also stated that staff and pupils are encouraged to perform self-tests at home prior to returning and begin testing two-weekly at school.
According to the Department for Education, colleges and schools can get tests via a separate route of supply and will have access to more as necessary.
According to a Government spokesperson, masks and other methods will help’maximise’ the attendance of schoolchildren for the maximum time.
Pictured is the number of Covid hospitals in London as of December 31st