The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has said that vigilance will be required by all to ensure that the phased return to school students is safe and sustainable. The union has said that it is absolutely imperative that all safeguards and measures to protect health and safety in schools are adhered to.
Special classes in post-primary schools reopened on 22nd February and final year Leaving Certificate students return to schools today.
Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Micheal Gillespie said:
‘We have always stated that the preference of our members is a return to face-to-face teaching and learning in safe working environments. As the phased return to schools continues, there is understandable anxiety among all in school communities, particularly given concerns around new strains of the virus.
At a national level, the situation must be kept under constant and forensic review, while adherence to the measures that protect the health and safety of students, staff and their families must be the key priority in every school.
It is essential that social distancing measures be adhered to, and the additional space in school premises as a result of the phased return allows the opportunity to further enhance this critical measure.
Tracking and tracing measures must be robust and fit for purpose, while any member of the school community - staff or student - who has symptoms of COVID-19 or is a close contact of a confirmed case must stay at home. We have already stated that we will not tolerate breaches of key safety measures in workplaces.
We welcome that those staff in high risk categories, those who are over 60 and those who are pregnant will continue to provide remote teaching.
Keeping schools open in a manner that is safe and sustainable is a challenge for all of society.’