Coronavirus: Grandparents a stumbling block over schools return, says NI principal

One of the government proposals for exiting lockdown suggested children going back to school as early as May 11 and a phased return to the workplace for employees.

Greig Savage, who is the principal of Lisnadill Primary School in Armagh, pointed out that grandparents, many of whom will remain under strict lockdown measures for the foreseeable future, played a key role in school life.

He estimated that around 70% of the children at his school are picked up by grandparents because parents are at work.

He also said that many teachers’ children, including his own, are looked after by grandparents.

Mr Savage said: “That’s the big stumbling block. If they’re in isolation, who looks after the children until five or six in the evening?”

The Lurgan man said he wanted nothing more than to be back at school, but not if people’s health is at risk.

He added: “I’m really looking forward to schools reopening in the future but the correct procedures must be in place.”

He said social distancing and PPE for teachers needed to be considered: “Social distancing is impossible in a primary school. Watch Primary 1 play and you’ll see. Our classrooms aren’t big enough to implement social distancing.

“I know children don’t appear to be as susceptible to this virus as adults but what is being put in place for the adults in the school?

“Teachers, classroom assistants, lunchtime supervisors, etc are petrified that they will come into contact with this virus and bring it home to their families.

“Have the government thought about the adults? Are we getting PPE? Many teachers will find it very difficult going into an unsafe environment without protection.

“We await government guidance. There’ll be massive headaches ahead, but I would guarantee you that all teachers will look forward to going back to work if the circumstances are correct.

“As it stands there’s many risks and in my opinion the risks outweigh the benefits.”

English Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I can reassure schools and parents that they will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so.”