Despite their determination to re-open places of education, the Government are being urged to keep Schools, Colleges and Universities closed, due to concern about the new COVID strains.
At the moment, plans are in place to return Year 11 and Year 13 students next week. Other students will return the week after.
Despite most Universities moving to online learning, there is a travel window for students to travel back. A designated time is provided by each HE provider.
Scientists from SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) expressed their concerns about students returning, last week. They said the new strain of coronavirus is more infectious and spreading quicker.
Labour Education MPs Kate Green and Wes Streeting have written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson:
They’ve asked for the SAGE advice to be published. They’ve also asked for clarification on mass testing and vaccinations for staff.
Kate Green states “The government cannot continue to hide from reality and must urgently publish the scientific advice on the return of schools.”
Their full letter can be read here.
Many people on Twitter are discussing this under the hashtag #CloseSchoolsNOW:
We saw more cases after 3rd September and we will see more cases after 5th January. #CloseSchoolsNOW pic.twitter.com/qYoK6qSm8V
— Rooners (@rooonyq) December 29, 2020
What’s wrong with ppl who disagree with school closures? It’s not taking away their education forever, it’s short term. I know a 40 yr old who died of covid and left four children without their dad #CloseSchoolsNOW https://t.co/FsH2G1lTW1
— 💙 jean#johnsonout (@HannantJean) December 29, 2020
Those arguing for schools to open have suddenly had a new found concern for children’s mental health
They have been notably absence during the years of underfunding of CAMHS. I think they were too busy calling kids ‘snowflakes’
— Selina j 🧚🏻🌙⚒ (@OfSelina) December 29, 2020
You know whats REALLY bad for children's mental health?
Dead Teachers & Dead Parents #CloseSchoolsNOW— Stephanie B 💙 🐝 (@LessNoiseMore) December 29, 2020
I wish 40 year olds would stop trying to tell me, A STUDENT, what’s best for me.
What’s best is schools close so I know I’m not gonna bring back a virus that will kill my father whom is recovering from a major heart attack. #CloseSchoolsNOW— carl (@chloemxnnxo) December 29, 2020
They waffle about bad mental health by closing schools, but it’s so hard as a GCSE student being at school relearning my missed education, then at home doing 3 hours of more work & revision with no chance to go out or see family. Cancel exams & #CloseSchoolsNOW
— charlotte 🧋 (@charlorrell_) December 29, 2020
Should schools, colleges and universities reopen? Let us know what you think in the poll below!
Should UK places of education re-open in 2021?
— Pie Radio (@PieRadioUK) December 29, 2020
