Teaching union would welcome Sheffield schools ‘closing for older students’ to curb Covid-19

A teachers’ union in Sheffield, which has previously criticised the Government’s approach to education during the Covid-19 crisis, says it would ‘welcome’ such a move if greater support for home learning is provided.

Professor Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to the original lockdown in March, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the NHS would be unable to cope if coronavirus cases keep rising.

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He said it was too early to say whether the new tiered lockdown system is working but if it doesn’t further steps will be needed.

"If we go beyond that there is a limit to what we can do in terms of reducing contacts, short of starting to target, for instance, the older years in schools and sixth form colleges where we know older teenagers are able to transmit as adults,” he said.

“Of course, nobody wants to start moving to virtual education and closing schools even partially. The challenge may be that we are not able to get on top of the transmission otherwise.”

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Responding to his comments, Toby Mallinson, of the National Education Union’s (NEU) Sheffield branch, said: “The Government is currently ignoring scientific advice and taking a 'one size fits all' approach to schools – i.e. they all stay open regardless of risk.

"If it started to follow a more nuanced and scientifically justified approach we would welcome it wholeheartedly. Moving to remote learning for older students nationwide, or in certain areas, may well be part of such an approach and if it is, we would welcome it as well.

"However, it must come with adequate funding which is something that continues to be lacking. Staff in schools are exhausted and need to know they are not being told to perform miracles with little or no support or resources.

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"Likewise, the provision of IT to disadvantaged students for home learning must be ramped up massively to prevent an even greater social divide.”

The Government has previously said all other possible measures, including implementing restrictionson other sectors, would be explored before considering restricting attendance in education.