THE rapid rise in Covid cases could cause “significant disruption” to schools unless “immediate action” is taken, teachers’ leaders have warned.
As schools prepare to open again after the Christmas holidays, the NASUWT union has insisted a range of measures are needed to help combat surging infection levels resulting from the Omicron variant.
The Scottish Government is being urged to fund air-cleaning units for every school and college which requires such devices.
The union is also calling for schools to get more resources for on-site coronavirus testing and additional cash to help both schools and colleges cover the costs of supply staff brought in due to Covid-related absences.
NASUWT general secretary Patrick Roach said: “Teachers have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic to support pupils and students and provide them with the best education possible.
“However, the rising number of cases of the Omicron variant could cause significant disruption in the next academic term with many teachers being forced to self-isolate.
“The Scottish Government must take immediate action to ensure that schools can continue to operate safely and provide high-quality education.”
READ MORE: Scottish teens urged to get boosted before returning to school
Mike Corbett, NASUWT national official for Scotland, added: “Teachers, pupils and students, and parents will be concerned about the potential risk of further disruption to schools caused by the Omicron variant.
“The Scottish Government must do everything it can to prevent schools from experiencing significant staffing problems next term and further damage to the education of children and young people.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the safety and wellbeing of pupils, teachers and school staff is “our top priority”.
She added: “Our updated guidance on reducing Covid risks in schools is informed by expert advice and the views of those on the Covid Education Recovery Group, which includes teachers’ representatives.
“We know this is a concerning time and we will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep the schools safety guidance under regular review, while focusing on minimising further disruption to learning.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel