England’s schools are left to make decisions about next term’s plans in light of Omicron cases that continue to rise. Unions again called on the government for clarity and promptness from head teachers to determine what measures they can expect for next year.
Teachers and students across the country were leaving today to celebrate Christmas. It was unclear if classrooms would be empty again in January, and what additional restrictions might schools in England face.
Unions had requested that the government inform schools by the end of the term about the plans to reopen in January. But they received only vague information on getting vaccinated, and how to keep Covid testing going.
Teachers in Wales were told by the authorities to prepare for “high-risk scenarios” and Scotland’s government insists that closing schools is only an option.
Geoff Barton is the General Secretary of Association of School and College Leaders. He stated that the government had asked schools and colleges to examine their contingency plans during the last week of term to prepare for any measures that might be implemented next term due to the Omicron version of Covid-19.
England schools have been left to make decisions about next term planning, despite Omicron increasing in severity. As a result unions demanded that the government inform head teachers quickly and clearly what changes they can expect for next year. Pictured: North London school
“It is crucial that the government promptly communicates with schools and colleges about the implementation of any additional measures. This government does not have an excellent record on both fronts.
According to The Guardian, a number of schools across England and Wales have sent their children for Christmas earlier than expected due to staff shortages and illness.
The school informed parents of Mersey Drive Community Primary School in Bury that they were unable to keep safe levels of staffing.
“After consulting the local authority, we were forced to take the difficult decision to shut down early Christmas for safety reasons.”
But pupils and teachers going home not knowing when they will return has prompted fears of a repeat of last year when staff scrambled to reopen following a last minute decision by the government.
The Omicron virus, a variant of the coronavirus that causes rising infections in schools has caused concern about school’s ability to return next academic year.
According to The Guardian, a number of schools across England and Wales have sent their children for Christmas earlier than expected due to staff shortages and illness.
Operational guidance made for schools by the government has left teachers and parents confused after it appeared to suggest each school is responsible for making its own decision.
According to the document, schools and trusts are expected to work in close collaboration with parents and caretakers (future references should refer as including parents), staff and unions for the purpose of determining the most appropriate approach.
MailOnline spoke to a teacher from an East of England high school who said that decisions were not being made in the best interest of the students.
“We’ll never know, but they’ll do all they can to keep the schools open,” they stated.
“Teachers” will discover the truth [what’s happening] when it’s announced to the nation and will be expected to spring into action – and we basically will.’
The teacher added: ‘In the meantime, I’ll be bringing my laptop home each day – ready for remote learning.
“I don’t really want to go online again, but it seems pretty likely.”
In Wales, known for its draconian restrictions under First Minister Mark Drakeford, Welsh Education Minister Jeremy Miles (pictured) told head teachers the start of term would be delayed by two days so that they could get plans in place before lessons started up again
Staff have clearly been told to plan for a ‘high risk scenario’ and also for the possibility of moving lessons partly or wholly online. Pictured: Roath Park Primary School in Cardiff
However, the picture was slightly more clear in Scotland and Wales’ devolved governments.
Teachers in Wales are advised to prepare for high-risk scenarios and consider the possibility that they might be able to move lessons online.
Head teachers were informed by Jeremy Miles, the Welsh Education Minister, that term will be delayed for two days to allow them time to make plans before classes resume.
I am offering two planning days to all schools at the beginning of spring term. Miles stated that this will give schools time to evaluate their staffing and to put in place the appropriate measures to support all learner’s return.
Scotland today stated that they are not looking at school closings and insist it would be a last resort.
Despite First Minister Nicola Sturgeon imposing new restrictions to stop the spread Omicron, which she claimed was the predominant strain in Scotland.
According to a spokesperson, the Scottish Government has no plans for school closings.
“As First Minister made it clear, protecting education for young children remains a priority.
National school closures are an option that would be considered an emergency only. Due to an increase in Omicron variant cases, COVID-19 protections are being reviewed daily.
According to a spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE), “As we near Christmas break and many schools close term today, our hearts are full of gratitude to all teachers and education staff for their tireless efforts to ensure that young people continue face-to-face learning.”
“We are aware that children and youth want to learn in the classroom. It is the best environment for them.
‘In response to rising cases and the Omicron variant we have asked older students and staff to wear face coverings in communal areas, and the Education Secretary has written to all education staff to explain what we’re doing to support the workforce, boost supply teacher capacity, and keep children in school.
‘We strongly encourage students, staff and families to keep testing regularly and get their booster jab – or second jab if they are 12-15 – as soon as possible.’