Concerns about reopening of schools not being listened to says local SNA
The concerns of teachers and SNAs over the proposed reopening of schools for students with special needs on Thursday are not being listened to.
That's according to a local SNA, who says that “teachers and SNAs have become public enemy number one and no one is truly listening to the facts behind our concerns”.
The SNA, who asked that her name not be published, is also worried about the implications of thousands of “vulnerable children with underlying conditions” returning to education when the Covid-19 infection rate is still high and the health system is struggling to cope with the demands being placed on it.
“Some children have no concept of danger or hygiene and will be travelling to schools to mix with adults and children outside their own family bubbles
“SNAs and teachers provide education to other people’s children putting them and us at risk from the sum of all our individual contacts because it is not possible to do tasks like writing and other classwork, wiping noses and dirty hands, getting bitten, scratched and slapped, tying shoe laces, playing games and carrying out personal care while maintaining social distancing of two metres.”
“There is a lot of talk in the media and from our ministers telling the public that schools are safe. Perhaps some are because of the Trojan work of teachers and SNAs, who now double up as cleaners, but it is a mammoth undertaking and there is so much room for human error that it beggars belief.”
A mother of two, the SNA also noted that she and many others returning to school on Thursday will struggle to find people to look after their own children while they are working.
“I have two school going children in both primary and secondary school who need home schooling from me.
“There are no childcare facilities available to me because of limited numbers and the priority for healthcare staff children. If I could get safe childcare, which they never needed before, it would cost me at least €350 per week [the SNA says that her take home pay is €350].
“Children have not been and cannot be home schooled in a crèche due to lack of equipment, adequate supervision and distancing requirements.”
In a letter to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan, the SNA urges him to “put pressure on government to do the right thing”.
“The very fact that so many thousands more will be back travelling in and out of their own homes and communities to mix with others, buy lunches and coffees, shop for petrol and school supplies, drop kids at vulnerable grandparents or neighbours because safe childcare isn't available, send children on crowded school transport, poses not only a dangerous risk to further community transmission but it also sends a message to the public that it is OK to move about again. If school staff and children can move about why can’t they?”