Millions of students around the world have had to stay at home for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, schools in England are getting ready to reopen in September.
The Prime minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, stated in his recent remarks on schools reopening that the UK government sees the resumption of schools’ normal activities as a moral duty. That was his response to the pressure he has had to shoulder from students and their parents over the actions of the UK government toward the reopening of schools during the ongoing pandemic.
Initially, the government intended that the reopening of schools would only be for the children of key workers. However, the unforeseeable spread of the coronavirus necessitated that the idea was shelved as the government initiated a total lockdown for the protection of its citizens. Despite the resumption of year six and reception students in June, hopes for the resumption of schools for primary pupils were dashed as a result of the pandemic.
Hence, some regulations have been put in place to ensure that schools pay attention to the safety of their students. However, many teachers are sceptical and wonder if any measure can be safer and more effective in protecting students than asking them to stay at home.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SCHOOLS REOPENING?
The UK government has given the go-ahead for schools in England to resume operations at the start of September. However, schools will not be business as usual for obvious reasons. Despite the anticipation of the majority of these schools of reopening on the 1st and 2nd of September, local authorities will have to approve a date for all schools to resume.
One of the rules given to schools as they reopen is ensuring that their pupils must maintain social distancing measures both inside and outside the classrooms. This implies that schools will need a lot more space, aside from other things, to appropriately accommodate their students. A great solution to this challenge is hiring or purchasing temporary modular buildings as they can be constructed within days or weeks. Using professional companies such as Smart Space will ensure that you get a professional partner in the construction process, allowing you to set up your classrooms as quickly as possible. You can investigate this site to learn more about this.
WHAT THE NEW SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WILL LOOK LIKE?
The UK government has insisted that English schools reopen on a full-time basis. Hence, eliminating the confusion of schools operating on a week-on and week-off fashion.
The UK government has softened its stance on having a maximum of 15 students in a class. However, it insists that the ideal social distance measure must be complied with to ensure the safety of students. This implies that there will be no possibility of assemblies, choir rehearsals as shouting and singing further enhances the risk of students being exposed, etc.
Schools may have to stagger lunch and break times to comply with social distancing regulations. However, teachers will not be compelled to stay 2 metres away from students as they would be subject to testing as often as possible.
SCHOOLS REACTION TO AN OUTBREAK
The UK government has directed all schools to “declare an outbreak” if they experience a surge of pupils and teachers getting sick. They are also instructed to do the same if at 2 of their students or teachers test positive for COVID-19 within the space of 2 weeks.
The government intends to open mobile testing units within schools to ensure the safety of students.
Also, the government has mandated that any student that has been in proximity to a teacher or student with the coronavirus self-isolates in their homes.
