As many schools stay open for the children of key workers, Shadow Education Minister Jamie Halcro Johnston has praised teaching and support staff for their contribution to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Halcro Johnston, a Highlands and Islands MSP, said: “By allowing front-line NHS, social care staff and other essential workers with school-age children to return to work, our teachers and school support staff are playing an invaluable role in supporting efforts against Covid-19.
“It is quite simple – their efforts mean more NHS staff available on the front line, more care workers supporting our most vulnerable in care homes and the community, and other essential work in areas like food retail and distribution – and so many more – able to continue.
“On top of that, many teachers are also supporting their students through online learning and social media, making sure they’re available to continue to help and advise students, as well as reducing as far as they can the impact of this disruption on students’ education.
“This health emergency has seen many people - across many sectors - go the extra mile to play their part. Our educators have certainly done that and deserve our thanks”.
However, Mr Halcro Johnston warned of the need to address the longer-term impact of the disruption on young people’s education.
He said “Even with the very best efforts of our teachers and support staff, the need for schools to reduce access will impact on the education of most young people.
“We must recognise the additional burden that will place on teaching staff when schools reopen to all pupils and attention is turned to addressing that impact of the disruption.
“It is therefore essential that measures are in place to minimise the impact of the coronavirus shutdown as far as possible, as well as providing support and reassurance to those pupils who may be understandably anxious about how the disruption in their schooling may affect their future prospects.
“As a member of the shadow ministerial team covering education, I would welcome feedback from teachers, parents and anyone with expertise or an interest in how we address the undoubted challenges ahead, as well as their experiences with home-schooling so far.
“There have been some remarkable examples of innovative practice which has allowed pupils, supported by parents and teachers, to continue their studies. It is likely that further support will be needed once schools fully reopen and things start to get back to normal.
“It therefore important that we start to look forward to what additional support will be necessary, how it will be delivered and how it will be resourced.”
Mr Halcro Johnston can be contacted by email at: [email protected]
