Schools will only open when it is safe to do so
SCHOOLS will only fully reopen to all pupils when there is sufficient evidence to show it can be done safely.
Education, Sport & Culture president Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen is attending a Civil Contingencies Authority meeting tomorrow [16 February] to advise on decisions, which may include testing students.
At the meeting, the CCA will also decide whether the Bailiwick can move into Stage 1 of the exit from lockdown later this week.
Last week around 260 children of essential workers and children identified as vulnerable returned to school who, along with teachers, will continue to have weekly tests to actively find cases.
‘We’re working with Education to see whether there’s a type of surveillance programme we put in, perhaps focussing just on the teachers, but this is really early days and it’s part of the planning process,’ said Dr Nicola Brink, director of Public Health.
‘So the aim at the moment is to continue with the weekly testing, look at what happens to Covid in the community, do a risk assessment on the basis of that, and then look at what mitigations we need to put behind Stage 2.’
Information will be published as soon as it can be.
‘We’re monitoring the situation day by day and we will give as much information as we can.
‘What we don’t want to do is set a date and then either overachieve and want to go before that or not hit that date.’
Today, over 7,000 States schools students returned to distance learning after half term.
States of Guernsey chief executive Paul Whitfield thanked the 300-odd school staff who volunteered to work during half term to offer support at a critical time.
Parents and carers were reminded to cut themselves some slack.
‘No one expects you to take on the role of a classroom teacher, especially as so many of you are also working from home.
‘It’s difficult,’ Mr Whitfield said.
Distance learning package development has been overseen by senior educationalists, and are not expected to replace a usual school day, he said.
Instead the focus has been on supporting young people and their families. Families have the flexibility to complete school work at a suitable time, juggling work commitments with parenting and schooling. Teachers are on hand to support families and pupils with any concerns or queries.
Chief minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache said teachers have had their teaching processes and their lives interrupted greatly by Covid-19, but they have dedicated themselves and done a splendid job: ‘We do appreciate you, we appreciate all the work you are doing.’
