Fórsa today advised SNAs to co-operate with a phased resumption of in-school SEN services with reduced or staggered attendance to reduce the number of individuals on site at any one time, whilst providing much needed structure and stability for SEN students and their families.

This is contingent on a number of measures including - DES obtaining new NPHET assessment of safety of staff and students attending school during this phase of the pandemic with the rationale and conclusions relayed directly to staff members.

The prioritisation of school staff for receipt of the Covid-19 vaccination, in light of their recent designation as essential workers. Serial school-based Covid-19 testing similar to that in place for essential workers in health, social care and the meat industry,

New risk assessments prior to the re-opening of any school services and compliance with public health guidelines, established mitigation measures, and new HPSC guidance on SNAs being provided with surgical masks.

Acceptance that SNAs with high risk medical conditions should not be required to work in classrooms, review of guidance for bus transport and contingency plans for childcare as many SNAs cannot access normal arrangements

These steps can be taken quickly, the most important measure is the NPHET assessment on safety, this should be relayed directly to staff answering their queries as simply stating schools are safe is not engendering the necessary confidence.