Appeal for clarity on support for school teachers

Council to be asked what is being done amid Covid- 19

TEACHERS and school staff throughout Glasgow should have an adequate support system available at their work to help alleviate the stress and anxiety of coronavirus.

Labour’s education spokeswoman Aileen McKenzie hopes to raise the issue at the full council meeting later today and discuss the conditions teachers are dealing with this year.

Ms McKenzie will ask the SNP convener for education what support is being offered to teachers and support staff who may be feeling unsafe at their place of work due to the increased number of Covid- 19 cases in Glasgow schools.

The Springburn/ Robroyston councillor said: “The health and wellbeing of our teachers and support staff is paramount, any anxiety caused by fears of unsafe conditions at their place of work given the increased number of positive Covid- 19 in Glasgow schools must be alleviated as a matter of priority.

“The safety of both our pupils and our staff is unequivocally important and any concerns of unsafe working must be treated seriously.”

In the past few months school staff have said they felt unsafe and unsupported at work during the pandemic.

Ms McKenzie added: “This is about the safety and risk assessment of schools given the increase of coronavirus cases. We need to look at the physical and mental health risks of coronavirus.

“Are staff meetings going ahead where social distancing is being adhered to? Are pupils wearing their masks when they should be? Is there enhanced cleaning?

“In some instances teachers are having to buy masks for pupils who don’t have them or can’t afford to buy one. There are some children refusing to wear masks but that is always going to be an issue.

“I want to know what support is in place for teachers who have to deal with this on a frequent basis.”

A teacher at a Glasgow school who does not wish to be named has highlighted the stress she and her family feel on a daily basis as a result of her job.

She said: “The school seems to be more anxious than normal. There is heightened anxiety amongst parents, pupils and teachers.

“We have to keep the young people safe but also manage our own fears about our health and how it could impact our families.”

A council spokeswoman said: “It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to respond to the question prior to it being asked in full council but we are continuing to follow the current government advice and guidance with risk assessments in place for individuals who have concerns which can be regularly updated as circumstances change.

“We encourage staff meetings to be held safely and in line with the current Scottish Government advice and guidance – this could be digitally or in large well- ventilated spaces where all staff can physically distance.

“We’ve always been proud of the fact that schools across the city support our children and families when they need it. This could be with the provision of school uniform, footwear for gym or now with face coverings.”