Covid: Schools preparing to close next term

Covid: Schools preparing to close next term. Some schools are already preparing to hand out laptops in preparation for possible closures in January.

The number of omicron cases in the UK is growing rapidly and schools are preparing for online learning again. According to recent data from the government, more than 200,000 pupils were off school last week due to the virus.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has already admitted that there are “no guarantees” that schools will be able to reopen in January if cases of the omicron variant continue to rise.

Head of the Oasis Academy chain Steve Chalke commented on how his schools are already preparing for staggered starts and the return of bubbles after Christmas. He explained: “We are quite prepared for online learning. If we get to January 2 and the Prime Minister says all schools need to be shut, we are prepared.

“January is the great unknown. But Omicron is sweeping London now and it is going to sweep the country.”

Chalke already has far too many teachers off sick and he expects that this number will grow dramatically.

Schools are getting prepared for the return of online learning as worries over the omicron variant grow. Two London schools are already set to send laptops home with their pupils this Christmas. The schools are managed by the Letta Trust and Jo Franklin commented: “This picture is changing on a daily basis. We’ve had seven new staff cases so far this week.

“Teachers are making sure that everything they plan to teach in the first week of the new term can be taught remotely if it needs to be.”

She added: “Some people are telling us that they are having problems booking a booster, with no appointments available until mid-January.”

“There will come a point when we cannot safely keep classes open.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has encouraged people to ensure their children are jabbed as soon as possible. He commented: “We know how crucial it is to keep children in schools so let’s all make sure our children and young people are vaccinated before they go back next term.”

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