Weir’s refusal to close schools early ‘disturbing’: union
A TEACHERS union has said Education Minister Peter Weir’s refusal to close schools early at Christmas was “disturbing”.
Justin Mccamphill, from the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), was reacting to claims that the Stormont Minister could be forced to shut schools in the new year if Covid-19 infections continue to rise.
On yest e rday’s BBC St ephen Nolan Show the presenter claimed that an unnamed Executive minister told him that “Peter Weir might be left with no choice but to close schools in January if the R number goes up”.
A Department of Education spokesperson told the Belfast Telegraph that they “don’t comment on media speculation”.
The news comes as Methodist College in Belfast (MCB) sent 500 sixth-form pupils home yesterday following a coronavirus outbreak at the school. The pupils will be taught online for the rest of the school term.
Methody took the decision after 35 positive cases of coronavirus among sixth-form pupils this week.
Unions, principals and many parents had been hoping the Christmas closure date would actually be brought forward to December 11 and have expressed dismay at the Minister’s reluctance to consider this.
Earlier this week, leading principals told the Belfast Telegraph that an early closure was essential — on the basis that a child or teacher testing positive for Covid-19 will ruin Christmas for whole families.
Mr Mccamphill told the Belfast Telegraph that “prevention is better than cure”.
“We are disturbed that the Executive’s plan appears to be to close schools in January in the event that infections and hospital transmissions increase over the Christmas period,” he said.
“The Executive needs to focus on ensuring that the R rate remains below 1 and should therefore follow the scientific advice which is most likely to achieve that outcome.
“Ministers must ensure that the decisions about the operation of schools over the Christmas period and the start of the new term do not undermine the safety and welfare of pupils and school staff.”
The NASUWT national official said “there remains strong evidence of in-school virus transmission increasing” which “is only likely to be exacerbated by the inevitable rise in virus cases as a result of Christmas gatherings and relaxations around hospitality”.
Diane Dawson, Braniel Primary School principal, is against a new year closure.
“Whilst I have been adamant that schools should close by December 10 for staff and pupils, I’m not in favour of an extended closure in January,” she said.
“We need the new school term to start as planned to allow our children to settle back into their routines, continue with their education and be with their friends.
“A delayed start to school life in January would not be advantageous to anyone.”
Ms Dawson said a problem with closure in January is that Year 7 pupils are due to sit AQE and GL transfer exams.
She added: “If we are to close at all — close school doors this side of Christmas to give us all the chance of a Christmas.”
A Department of Education spokesperson said: “The Minister has consistently made the position on schools clear. Further unnecessary time away from the classroom will only cause greater disruption to children’s education and lead to an increase in levels of stress and anxiety. The Minister’s main priority is to guard children’s education, mental health and well-being.
“Schools should not change or extend their holidays or close early this term. Children should continue to attend school until the last day of term unless they have been told to self-isolate.”