Arundel & South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, has publicly supported the support and measures introduced by the Government for schools as they return from the Christmas break.
As part of prioritising continued face-to-face education, the Government has invited retired teachers and those who have moved away from education to return to the classroom to support schools with Covid-related teacher absences. The Government has also confirmed that schools, who have a dedicated supply chain for lateral flow tests, have received their supplies for the start of term to ensure that the mass-testing programme can continue.
Although the final decision is for Heads, the Government has recommended that students in Year 7 and above should wear face-coverings in all teaching spaces. Additionally, the Government is also providing up to 7,000 new air cleaning units where quick improvements to ventilation are not possible, building on the 1,000 units already provided. This follows the rollout of 350,000 carbon dioxide monitors last year which continue to be used by schools to monitor ventilation.
Commenting, Andrew said:
“I am pleased that the balanced action that the Government took quickly when Omicron first appeared have prevented further stringent measures – protecting both lives and jobs. The booster campaign is working as intended.
We must do whatever we can to support schools and other education providers in continuing to deliver face-to-face teaching. The best defence against Covid-19 remains vaccination and I would encourage everyone over the age of 12 to get boosted now.”
