A teaching union has welcomed assurances it has received from the Education Minister as the island prepares to enter the next phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The National Association of Head Teachers said it will be working with Minister Dr Alex Allinson ’to ensure that the safety of children, staff and parents is paramount’.

On Friday, the island’s economy will start to reopen as the construction and horticulture trades can resume work, if they can do so in a safe manner. They will not be classed as key workers, so their children will not yet be granted permission to attend school.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said on Tuesday that Dr Allinson would be working with teachers to see ’if we need to bring in the children of those sectors that are going back [to work]’.

Rob Kelsall, NAHT national secretary, said: ’Members are reminded that children with a parent or carer who is listed as a critical worker should be considered for a school place, so long as their job cannot be done from home.

Spread

’Many parents working in these sectors will be able to ensure their child is kept at home.

’And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

’We would urge you to continue to carry out checks to ensure their parents are bona-fide critical, key workers.’

This is done by parents’ employers emailing the department to state they are critical workers.

The union said if the department is minded to gradually increase the number of children in schools then this can ’only be done through prior planning based on honest dialogue and cooperation’.

Mr Kelsall added: ’We also need to discuss issues like regular stringent cleaning of schools, PPE, social distancing where possible and adjustments to the school day and routine to try and minimise any risk.

’No date has been set for the opening of schools to more children until meaningful discussion and negotiation can take place with teacher unions and all staff.’