'Dangerously reckless' - Unions and teachers in Sheffield critcise school return plan

Toby Mallinson, the joint district secretary of the National Education Union’s Sheffield branch, described the plans which were unveiled on Monday as ‘dangerously reckless’.

He said: “The Government’s behaviour has been reckless throughout this pandemic and we fear they are doing it again.

“The SAGE advisors say the return of schools should be phased but the Government has chosen to ignore them.

“Masks still won’t be compulsory and social distancing is utterly impossible. Some of our members - especially those who have vulnerable adults at home - are very anxious.

“We want schools to open and stay open. Getting 10 million students and staff all to go back at the same time is not the way to do that.”

And a Sheffield secondary school teacher, who asked to remain nameless, also told The Star that they felt the move had come ‘too soon’ and put ‘too many people at risk’.

They said: “People’s views are mixed but some colleagues definitely feel like we are being put in the firing line.

“I would have expected that we would do what Wales is doing and staggering the return so we can keep an eye on its affect on case numbers.

“My parents haven't had the vaccination yet and I have been trying to keep them safe but I will soon be seeing 120 pupils every day plus members of staff as well.

“And lots of teachers feel that the testing schools and pupils will have to do is just not logistically possible.”

But Stephen Betts, the chief executive of Learn Sheffield, a not for profit company owned by the city’s schools and Sheffield Council, warmly welcomed the news.

He said: “The reopening of schools to all pupils from 8 March is a welcome step and, as the Chief Medical Officer said yesterday, there is no doubt about the huge benefits of being in school or college for children and young people.

“There may be some differences in how quickly this happens in the secondary and post-16 sectors where settings will have different circumstances to consider when complying with student testing requirements.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.