I wonder if the media will actually stop casting its critically damaging spotlight on schools. Here are a few facts.....

Schools didn’t choose to close their doors to most of their pupils in March. That was a decision from on up high.

Schools were asked to perform a completely new, remote learning function. There is little evidence that live online lessons are any more effective than any other MO of remote delivery.

Unions challenged decisions about opening in September on the grounds of safety. Things that were promised to be in place, eg testing, still are not as widespread as we hoped.

Schools widened their doors in June/July as asked.

Schools have also opened in September as asked.

Schools are operating in a manner that isn’t their usual MO. Schools are seeking to mitigate against as many factors & variables as humanly possible to keep their communities safe.

All decisions are based first and foremost with safeguarding in mind.

No school deep down wants to close again.

All the individuals that make up a school community have put in huge efforts to make new systems, processes & protocols work....for the good of their school community

Plans for schools are crafted by an array of people.... the Head, SLT, staff input, governors, Trusts, Trustees.... coupled with union input no doubt.

Schools are doing all of this, as asked, without really grumbling since the start of the new year. Most teachers have been positive about being back.

The bit the media seems to ignore..... there’s an international pandemic & schools have been asked to crack on. We are. Fin