NASUWT REACTION TO WELSH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

The NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union has reacted to the announcement of new restrictions by the Welsh Government, including the partial closure of secondary schools from 2 to 6 November.

NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said:

“There is no doubt that Wales has reached the point where severe measures must be taken to bring Covid-19 transmission under control. The last month has seen the exponential growth in the rate of Coronavirus transmission and the full reopening of schools.

"It is essential that Ministers’ decisions are led by the scientific evidence and advice. It is disappointing that the Welsh Government has bowed to political pressure by opening schools to 100% of learners, despite increasing evidence of the role of schools in the spread of the virus.

“Going forwards, if the measures announced today do not bring the virus under control, the Welsh Government should not rule out considering additional measures that include all schools.”

Neil Butler, NASUWT National Official Wales, said:

“We are witnessing the inevitable consequence of the decision to abandon social distancing in schools. The NASUWT warned in August that the Welsh Government should not bow to pressure and go for a full return to schooling.

“School leaders and teachers have done their best, but it is an impossible task. Many schools have been impacted by positive cases and the need to self-isolate.

“Schools are regularly sending home whole year groups for two-week periods, while some schools have lost many of their permanent teachers. Schools are closing for pupils, but in a haphazard and uncontrolled manner.

“The Welsh Government needs to draw up a new plan, not based on opening schools no matter what, but one based on keeping schools open in a sustainable and safe manner which controls the spread of the infection.”