School leaders will “move heaven and earth” to keep children in face to face learning next term, but are worried that Covid may still cause problems this winter. All Covid restrictions in schools were lifted by the Welsh Government in May.
As the new academic year starts headteachers hope it will not be as disrupted by Covid as last year. But they will need enough money to pay supply teachers if staff are off sick, the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru warned.
“We hope we can get back to as close to normality as possible, but if last term is anything to go by in terms of Covid cases then we need to be doing everything we can to prepare for further disruption,” said ASCL Cymru director Eithne Hughes.
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School budgets are under pressure and will be even more so with some local education authorities saying they won’t fund the latest recommended teacher pay rise. That means the rise must come from individual school coffers, leaving less money for supply cover and other spending, said Ms Hughes.
"I hope we are not going to get it, but the reality is that Covid has not gone away. In terms of Covid preparation schools are going to have their backs against the wall with funding.
“Some local authorities have indicated they won’t fund the full teacher pay award and we need Welsh Government funding to support schools fund supply staff (if teachers are absent with Covid).”
While headteachers are not expecting to have to send entire year groups or classes home to learn remotely again next term there may be isolated instances where it causes problems, she warned.
“I don’t think we are anticipating wholesale closures, but there may be occasions where a remote teaching/learning plan may have to be dusted off. But people will move heaven and earth to keep schools open. Schools will follow the Welsh Government guidance. The very obvious concern is that Covid has not gone away. It is still here and will still have an effect on schools and other organisations. We should be prepared.”
Describing high levels of pupil absence last term and last year as “horrible” Ms Hughes said it was vital for children and teenagers to be in school learning.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Guidance and a checklist has been provided to schools and settings to help identify the measures that can be considered that help to reduce Covid transmission, such as effective ventilation and handwashing. Schools and settings should continue to ensure that the measures in place for their school remain appropriate and proportionate at all times and work closely with their public health advisors and local authorities.
“Funding has been provided to schools to monitor air quality and improve ventilation where needed. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will make changes to guidance if necessary, based on the latest advice from Public Health Wales and the Chief Medical Officer. We know the best place for pupils is in school. We are working with schools and local authorities on what further steps can be taken to ensure education continues for all children.”
Can children with Covid go to school?
Welsh Government guidance says children can go to school with mild respiratory illness symptoms, but should stay at home if they are unwell or have a temperature and/or have Covid symptoms. The guidance states: “Attending education is important for children and young people’s development, health and well-being. The long-term impact of missing education should not be underestimated.
“Children and young people with mild symptoms can continue to attend their education setting. Mild symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, in children who are otherwise well. Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home. They should avoid contact with other people where they can. They can go back to their setting when they no longer have a high temperature and are well enough to attend.”
It adds that if a child has the three main symptoms of Covid - continuous cough, fever or high temperature or loss/ change in, sense of smell or taste they should self isolate until they feel better.
“Children displaying symptoms of Covid-19 should remain at home, and parents are advised to arrange a test for them. Children are not required to provide evidence of any negative test on return to school.”
The guidance also says children can go to school if they have been in contact with someone with Covid, but parents should watch out for symptoms. All Covid restrictions in schools were lifted by the Welsh Government in May since when they have had to follow a checklist to help lower risk of infectio
The Welsh Government schools Covid checklist asks schools to consider whether ventilation and cleaning regimes are adequate and whether there is enough provison for handwashing and personal hygiene. The checklist also asks Whether learners, staff and visitors are provided with access to hand sanitisers.
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