The Reader: Help teachers feel safe and give them the vaccine

Young students attend online school lessons in Milton Keynes
REUTERS
7 January 2021
WEST END FINAL

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With schools closed we urge the Government to prioritise teachers and early years professionals for the Covid-19 vaccine.

If the Government is serious about education and getting children back to school, they must show a commitment to protecting the staff that make this possible. Face-to-face learning undoubtedly has benefits and we must minimise the disruption to education provision where we can, but this can only be done if a safe environment is created.

It is also vital that we protect those who continue to provide in person  support throughout lockdown. Nurseries, childcare centres and special schools are to remain open, and vulnerable children and those of key workers can continue to attend school. We need to ensure staff feel safe in their classrooms. It is only fair that they should be put at the front of the queue for the vaccine.

Leonor Stjepic, Chief executive,  the Montessori Group

Editor’s reply

Dear Leonor

Reopening schools as soon as it is safe to do so is crucial. Children are missing out on so much by being at home. Of course lots of teachers are still going in to look after vulnerable children and children of key workers. And you are right to mention nursery staff who are doing such a crucial job and enabling many, many parents to  work. If vaccinating them speeds up the reopening of schools and keeps them safe, it is hard to see a reason not to do it.

Anna Davis, Education Editor

No wisdom in open nurseries

In light of Boris Johnson’s shockingly belated national lockdown in England, why are nurseries and places of worship staying open? As the new Covid variant is up to 70 per cent more transmissible, is this a wise idea?  

I suspect not, and I doubt I’m alone in this scepticism. The government must explain itself.

Sebastian Monblat

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