‘Teachers must jump vaccine queue for sake of our children’
TEACHERS should be given priority access to vaccines i n order to allow schools to open, it was claimed yesterday.
Campaign group Us For Them Scotland said the move would enable teachers to continue working in the classroom without risk of severe illness.
Pupils had initially been set to return to the classroom this week, but were later told they would begin remote learning from January 11, with face-toface classes from January 18.
The First Minister may now scrap this plan after serious concerns over the new mutant coronavirus strain, which is believed to spread rapidly among younger people.
Nicola Sturgeon will make an announcement in the Scottish parliament today, with tougher new measures to curb Covid-19 expected. Before that happens, the Education Recovery Group will meet to consider advice to schools.
Us For Them organiser Jo Bisset said: ‘Either teachers are at more risk of contracting Covid-19 and therefore need to be vaccinated as a matter of urgency – or they are not, and therefore schools should remain open.
‘Whatever the scenario, if we move teachers to the front of the queue to be offered the vaccine, it will ensure schools definitely stay open. It’s the responsibility of this government to ensure children receive a good education, and the only way to do that is keeping the school gates open.
‘If that means moving teachers to the front of the vaccination queue, then that’s what has to happen.’
However, last week Health Secretary Jeane Freeman rejected calls for teachers to be given priority for vaccines, insisting the roll-out will concentrate on those most vulnerable, including the elderly.
The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association has called for extra protections in the classroom – and it has also sent a letter to Education Secretary John Swinney asking that teachers be allowed to conduct remote learning from home to limit contacts.
Scottish Conservative education spokesman Jamie Greene said: ‘Decisions to keep schools closed must be based on transparent and solid scientific advice which clearly explains what role, if any, schools play in the spread of the virus.
‘Parents understand society must act as a whole to stop the spread of this new strain of Covid, but to date the Scottish Government has offered little by way of explanation for keeping schools closed in low- prevalence areas.
‘If mass community testing, including in places of learning, is the key to unlocking the front doors of education, then that must be a serious and immediate consideration for
‘That’s what has to happen’
‘Transparent and solid advice’
ministers. The onus is firmly on the SNP to throw the book at this problem, maximise face-to-face learning and reassure parents and teachers that schools are indeed safe places to be.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said yesterday: ‘The safety and wellbeing of pupils and school staff is our top priority.
‘Guidance was issued on December 21 regarding the detailed arrangements for schools after the festive break. It provides clarity for learning arrangements through to Friday January 15.
‘In line with our pledge to keep plans under review, the Education Recovery Group is meeting again t omorrow morning, immediately before a meeting of Cabinet. The First Minister then intends to update parliament.’