If 'urgent action' isn't taken to address 'inadequate' ventilation in schools, there could be 'large numbers' of pupils absent with COVID-19, education unions on the Isle of Wight are warning.
Representatives from the Island's Unison and the National Education Union (NEU) branches have joined calls for the Government to make changes ahead of the start of the new school year.
It follows a similar plea from Lib Dem MP Daisy Cooper, who wrote to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson urging him to take action to reduce further disruption.
Islander Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“In this letter, these education unions say 'the benefits of ventilation in the control of airborne diseases are already well understood and accepted'. They point to carbon dioxide monitors – to ensure air is flowing adequately – and micro filters for removing harmful particles as measures that will make a significant difference and should be properly funded.
“It is incredible that the Department for Education has only just announced a pilot scheme involving 30 schools in Bradford to trial the use of air purifiers, with results not due until the end of the year. Where have these trials been for the last 18 months and why were they not started sooner?
“Scientists are aware 'the typical state-school classroom contains 31 people, and teaching periods last up to two hours before the children leave for a break'. Classrooms are, therefore, a high-risk environment. Ventilation of classrooms in particular should align with expert guidance on air ventilation.” Why isn’t Government just as aware and ready for action?”
Mark Chiverton, Secretary- UNISON Isle of Wight Local Government Branch, also echoed calls for better ventilation.
He said:
“It’s essential that the Government should act without delay to develop a properly funded plan which will enable airflow to be effectively filtered and monitored.
“If the scientific evidence isn’t followed, and if adequate measures aren’t out in place in readiness for the start of the new school year, there’s a genuine danger of pupils again being away from school in big numbers. The Government must act now to avoid the threat of potentially disastrous further spread of infection."
As well as the NEU and Unison, NASUWT, ASCL, NAHT, GMB and Unite unions have also joined nationwide calls to implement 'proper measures'.
We've asked the Isle of Wight Council what measures it is putting in place ahead of the new term.
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