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1/ @IndependentSage report on schools is worth looking at, they would also like feedback on suggested measures.
#edutwitter https://twitter.com/IndependentSage/status/1294284786110992390
#edutwitter https://twitter.com/IndependentSage/status/1294284786110992390
2/ Key graphic is the Ladder of Measures dependent on local data. Without the right measures schools amplify transmission in the community.
Worth noting that good ventilation is more effective at reducing risks than masks.
Worth noting that good ventilation is more effective at reducing risks than masks.
3/ However as schools amplify
community transmission, the
science also shows that where
infection rates are lower than 10 in
100k the risks in school are really
very low. So we need good reliable
up !g date data because if we know
our local infections are low then it
will
community transmission, the
science also shows that where
infection rates are lower than 10 in
100k the risks in school are really
very low. So we need good reliable
up !g date data because if we know
our local infections are low then it
will
4/ increase confidence of staff, students and parents to come to school and we can focus on learning and manage stress levels, as long as the basic and important measures are reinforced and adhered to.
5/ The issue in regards to current government policy is when cases are above 10+ per 100k, here social distancing and smaller class sizes are important to break chains of transmission. This can be achieved by creating additional spaces for teaching which the government won't fund
6/ Or by moving to blended learning, which the government seems to refuse to countenance, I believe this is for purely political reasons, they have made full return a hill to die on and worry about the negative press from the RW media if they were to back down. However the DfE
7/ recently changed guidence to recommend schools have plans for remote learning in place for full national or local lockdown or school closure due to outbreaks they have put money into Oak Academy for this purpose but its still an all or nothing strategy at the moment
8/ so at the moment the gov wants schools to operate almost normally even as local infection rates increase, and only once infections are out of control then they hit the breaks with a lockdown/ closure due to outbreak.
9/ In theory TTI could help reduce the risk of this happening but it isn't effective enough, and one of the main issues is testing in schools doesnt take into account asymptomatic cases.
More detail on TTI and schools in this thread https://twitter.com/karamballes/status/1292726624979492865?s=19
More detail on TTI and schools in this thread https://twitter.com/karamballes/status/1292726624979492865?s=19
10/ Testing for asymptomatic cases will only occur once a major outbreak happens in a school, when a mobile testing unit MIGHT be sent for this purpose.
Its a bit late then, the amplification of transmission will have already taken place
Its a bit late then, the amplification of transmission will have already taken place
11/ So the question is why won't the government embrace the idea that schools should move to blended learning when local data indicates this would be sensible?
Is it because the NEU have been saying this for ages and MPs and press have spent months trying to make unions look
Is it because the NEU have been saying this for ages and MPs and press have spent months trying to make unions look
12/ like the enemy so they just can't face admitting the unions were right? Surely its better to move to blended learning when necessary than risk raising infection rates and full school closures?
