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The choice between education and health was not one we should have been forced to make. Conflicting guidance and lack of support compounded many losses already experienced by families at risk. @SafeEdForAll_UK @AppgCoronavirus @dgurdasani1 @SarahDRasmussen @CarolineLucas https://twitter.com/appgcoronavirus/status/1356571457757806593
Difficult to detail the specific impacts but there was significant evidence of harm to my childrens mental well-being which led to me pulling them out of school . Acknowledging the impact on my children would not have detracted from or negated the differing experience of other
The narrative of children not transmitting was repeated in standard letters sent home following positive covid contact. For families whose only outside contact was school - where else was the virus coming from ?
School risk assessments focussed on wipe and wash. Not #COVIDisAirborne. Bubbles ineffective thru crossover of siblings and travel home. Isolation only of front rows ignored airborne virus science as did failure to allow masks. No extra ventilation as uniform policies unchanged.
Vaccinating the top 4 JCVI priorities and/or school staff will not directly reduce risks of transmission amongst pupils. Risks of long covid and covid take home still remain. Current outbreaks prove more needed. #MakeSchoolsSafe
Schools need clear, timely guidance which follows the science. Otherwise we risk further detrimental impacts on children and their families. Acknowledge and mitigate all the risks before insisting on in-person learning for all.
Parents need schools to challenge unclear guidance, be fair and consistent in interpretation. Trust the medics that know and support families and trust parents themselves to act in best interests of child and family wellbeing. All lives worth saving, not education at any cost.
