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A local teachers’ union says it has been “inundated” with calls from “frightened” staff because they are “being expected to teach 30 or more pupils in an enclosed space without any real protections.”
The NASUWT says it met with Ministers last week to make an urgent call for 'blended' learning – meaning some online and some in the classroom – for students, allowing for smaller class sizes to enable 2m distancing.
It said it had also requested greater use of face masks on school sites, more testing in education settings and additional protections for vulnerable staff, including allowing staff who are extremely clinically vulnerable to work from home.
However, according to NASUWT General Secretary Patrick Roach, teachers’ concerns have been disregarded by Government, leading the union to accuse it of failing to meet its responsibilities to keep staff safe.
Pictured: The union wants smaller class sizes to allow proper physical distancing.
“Nearly three-quarters of confirmed cases of covid among school staff since September occurred in a single two-week period to the 7 December. Given the rate that cases have increased in Jersey since then, it is likely that this is now even higher,” he explained.
“The NASUWT has been inundated with concerns from frightened teachers who are being expected to teach 30 or more pupils in an enclosed space without any real protections.
“The NASUWT pressed hard for additional mitigation to be put in place during a meeting with ministers last week, yet these calls were ignored by the Government.
“The Government must act now to protect teachers and pupils. At the very least the numbers of pupils must be reduced to enable effective 2m social distancing.
“Ministers must pull their heads from the sand and take action, rather than the constant dithering and delay that is causing more harm with every passing minute.
“The NASUWT will be putting the Jersey Government on notice of their legal responsibilities in respect of the health and safety of our members and will not hesitate to take further action if there is evidence that the welfare of members is being compromised.”
Express has asked the Government for a response and is awaiting a reply.
NASUWT's urgent plea came just hours after the Government confirmed that the island’s only dedicated special educational needs school would have to close its doors earlier than the end of term due to staff shortages. One staff member and one student there have both tested positive for the virus.
Staff members at Haute Vallée, Grouville and Plat Douet schools were also confirmed to have the virus over the weekend.
Yesterday afternoon, Government officials confirmed that a staff member at Hautlieu, a member of the First Tower school community and a student at Samarés had tested positive for covid.
As a result of these cases, as well as many identified within the student population, hundreds of students and staff are now isolating.
Officials also reported a staff shortages at Le Rocquier, Plat Douet and St. Saviour's School Nursery.
Reform Jersey Deputy Rob Ward made a bid last week to get schools closed early amid concerns about staff wellbeing.
95% of learning support staff polled by union JCSA Prospect backed the proposal, but States Members ultimately voted against it on Thursday. The Government has always maintained that pulling children out of school for long periods of time is detrimental to their wellbeing.
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