EU neighbours in class already

WHILE Ireland struggles with the question of how it can reopen schools, with some teachers doubting whether they’ll be at their desks in September, other countries have already sent their children back to classes.

England aims to send some pupils back to school by the start of June, after government research found the risk to children was ‘very very small but not zero’ and that teachers were not at above average risk from Covid-19.

Scotland and Northern Ireland are aiming for a phased return in August, while Wales has yet to decide. Denmark reopened primary schools and nurseries a month ago, and although the virus numbers jumped initially, infection rates continue to fall.

Children are kept in small groups of ten to 12, with minimum contact, sitting two metres apart.

Groups arrive at separate times, eating lunch separately and staying in their own playground zones, with one teacher for all classes.

Germany reopened schools for older children earlier this month and plans to allow younger year groups back in summer term.

Students in final year were first back for exams, and told to disinfect their hands with sanitiser and sit at least two metres apart. A pilot scheme sees teenagers are disease-tested every four days, and swab their own throats.

Finland allowed children back to school two weeks ago with strict social distancing and hand-washing rules. Arrival times are staggered and unused spaces turned into classes to allow pupils to spread out.

In France, nurseries, primary and secondary schools returned two weeks ago, with measures to keep children distanced from each other.

Pupils aged 11 to 15 are expected to wear face masks – made available for those who do not have them. Class sizes are kept to 15 and creches capped at a maximum of ten per group.

Sweden kept schools open for children under 16 throughout the outbreak. Pupils and teachers with any symptoms were urged to stay at home, and schools and colleges for older teenagers were closed.

School premises are cleaned at least once a day, with staggered break times, limits on assemblies and spaced-out desks and chairs.

Norway reopened nurseries and primary schools in April amid some opposition, but health experts said there had been no rise in infection rates.

‘Groups arrive and dine separately’