Why wait? UK schools reopen next Monday

IN stark contrast to the uncertainty of when schools will reopen here and despite suffering with the coronavirus worse than Ireland, the UK is to begin opening its schools from next Monday.

As desperate parents here continue to wait for clear information on when and how their children can return to school, Britain has opted to follow several European countries in reopening schools.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the plan was ‘the most effective way to ensure that not just our schools, but all our economy, is ready to go back as fast as possible’.

Indeed, in an economic context, many parents here looking to return to full employment are stymied by a lack of creche care and schools remaining closed.

On Friday, the Education Minister here even cast doubt on a September return to school for all pupils. Joe McHugh said the reopening of schools in September will be complicated due to the current health guidelines. He highlighted overcrowding and narrow corridors as being particular pain points.

The possibility of the closure of schools being extended further was described by the Children’s Rights Alliance as damaging to students, who it said will suffer a ‘learning gap’ if this occurs.

Its chief executive, Tanya Ward, told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘The Government really has to consider the impact that these school closures are having on children.

‘Their education is a key importance and the sooner we get them back into a classroom the better it will be for their development. If there are children still waiting to go back to school in September then we’re going to have a significant learning gap.

‘There are a whole range of families currently at breaking point. Some children are doing very well learning at home, but there are many others who aren’t.’

The UK government says primary schools in four- to six-year-olds, and ten- to 11-year-olds from June 1, while nurseries and playschools should also reopen then, subject to a final approval on Thursday.

Secondary schools and colleges will start to resume face-to-face teaching for Year 10 (the equivalent of Junior Cert students) and Year 12 pupils (aged 16 to 17) from Monday, June 15. Mr Johnson admitted it would be ‘tough’ for all schools to meet his timeframe but promised extra assistance for any ‘experiencing difficulties’.