So this may be the way to get them back in class
‘These children do not get another chance’
SOME schools are rising to the challenges of the current situation – and it seems the solution is as simple as a ‘bubble’.
Caldicotes Primary Academy in Middlesbrough, northeast England, has seen around 20 key workers’ children and vulnerable youngsters come in to school every day for the last nine weeks of the lockdown in the UK.
Head teacher Helen Steele said the children were happily socially distancing within days, after staff developed a system of ‘bubbles’ – classes of up to 15 pupils, with two members of staff responsible for their care. They are adhered to from the moment children arrive until home time.
Schools here in Ireland may be watching with interest – as they seek solutions to the problems brought by the need for social distancing.
‘We introduced social distancing on a
Monday and by the Wednesday the children were used to it,’ Ms Steele said.
‘Obviously they are young children and they need comfort, but there are so many ways we can make sure they get that. I’m most concerned about their wellbeing and so are my staff.’
When the Mail visited this week, pupil Samuel was learning Spanish at his desk two metres from Leo – who is two years below him – working on his maths.
Their bubble had five children in it, while another bubble of 12 was at work in a classroom down the hall.
Ms Steele, whose school is part of Academies Enterprise Trust, Britain’s second largest chain, is looking forward to more of her pupils returning.
She said: ‘These children generally do not get another chance in life so we want to be there for them. Fundamentally, I can’t wait to get them back.’