January 2021
This month, January 2021, sees another national lockdown, introduced by the Government at the end of the first day of the new term. Why pupils were allowed in at all for one day when the statistics were so alarming and the scientists were expressing their concerns about schools being hubs for superspreading before Christmas we don’t know.
Schools are ‘closed’, or only open to children of key workers, or vulnerable children. Yet we have seen many more pupils attending school than during the first lockdown between March and May 2020. This has proved very challenging for schools, leaders and staff and the reasons are manifold.
There has already been Union pushback to lower the numbers in school and reduce the risk of transmission as much as possible. Stricter rules are coming into place but members need to have access to and read carefully the latest school Risk Assessment for Covid-19. These are often slightly adapted LA generic documents, so members must check that all protocols are fit-for-purpose, for their school and setting.
If members are in any doubt that the risks are not being taken seriously enough, that there is a danger to the safety of staff or pupils, they should collectively bring this to the attention of the Senior Leadership Team, preferably in writing.
If your school has an NEU rep, pass your concerns to them. The more collective a response, the more powerful it is. If your school does not have a rep and you feel at risk in some way then please consider becoming the school rep, even if only temporarily whilst the pandemic continues. With member support within your school and a wider network of school staff in the same position you will not be on your own. Contact us for further information.
The NEU website if full of advice for members on all matters Covid: https://neu.org.uk/january-advice
For Wirral members we have a new Facebook page, currently open to the public, and a closed WhatsApp group for Reps which has proved invaluable in facilitating member support and advice in recent months. Contact us to request access.