‘Crazy’ year not over yet for head
SCHOOL SET FOR MORE CHANGES IN TIER THREE
THE head teacher of a secondary school in Clifton has described what staff and pupils have faced during the start of the year and what he expects after the break.
Martyn Jobling – who has been head teacher at Farnborough Academy since 2018 – said the last few months had been “the craziest and strangest by a long way” in his 20 years in education.
He added: “It has been the most challenging due to the sustained relentless of it since February and we’re still looking at it continuing well into next year.
“Usually, we can overcome challenges and move on but the pandemic means schools have had to change every little thing, even modifying their teaching style.
“As a head teacher, I am constantly switched on ready for the next thing and needing to re-plan.
“There is all sorts whirring around and it’s not something any of us trained for but this is where the best of education comes out and the camaraderie from trusts and other local schools.
“It has been the hardest of times, but brought out the best in us.”
Mr Jobling said the school had been “quite fortunate” in the first part of the year, when more than 70 Nottinghamshire schools were affected by Covid-19.
Farnborough has had only two positive results and not many students have had to be sent home.
But Mr Jobling said the school would continue preparing for “a second wave of infection”, particularly as Clifton is also home to a university campus and a large residential area.
One of the biggest changes after the half-term break, when pupils return to school on November 3, will be that masks or face coverings will be compulsory in communal spaces, corridors and on entry and exit from the school building.
“This advice has gone from optional to strongly advised and now, in an update from the Department for Education. It is compulsory for schools in Tier Two. Staff will also be wearing visors and continuing to socially distance.
“I don’t expect the change to be an issue, as the community has been so supportive and understanding – there is definitely a heightened awareness.
“We make sure to explain the rationale behind all decisions so the kids get it and there’s been no backlash.”
Mr Jobling said attendance had been higher than the city and national average at 92 percent, which a further 3-3.5 percent needing to be in self isolation.
“We have structured our timetable in a way that outbreaks would only impact small groups so we’ve never had anymore than a dozen off from a year group,” Mr Jobling said.
Schools will have to approach some measures differently such as having windows open for ventilation during the cold months.
“We will have to use our professional judgement on cold classrooms, seating kids sensibly – but it’s not insurmountable,” Mr Jobling said.
“With the Year 11 mock exams coming up and the hall now not available due to being used for a lunch space, I have been sourcing heated marquees to go outside – there’s lots to think about.
“But we’re not expecting any further changes in Tier Three other than perhaps more children isolating.
“Our wellbeing team is also aware of all children where Tier Three may affect their circumstances.”
With the arrival of the annual cold and flu season, he expects more cases and the school has a dedicated email address for guardians to notify when a child is self-isolating.
He said: “I am confident the academy and trust is doing everything we can to be safe but at the back of my mind, I know it’s the winter season.
“That is why we are getting our online learning offer ready, staff are training, so if there are more pupils in isolation or any closures, the virtual and blending learning can continue.”
A statement on wearing masks from the Department for Education reads: “When an area moves to the local Covid alert level ‘high’ or ‘very high’, in education settings where Year 7 and above are educated, face coverings should be worn by adults (staff and visitors) and pupils when moving around indoors, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
“As in the general approach, it will not usually be necessary to wear face coverings in the classroom, where protective measures already mean the risks are lower, and they may inhibit teaching and learning.”