A school staff union has warned that ending school bubbles and the need for Covid contacts to self-isolate will be “dangerous”.
Unison’s head of education, Jon Richards, said that these measures suggested by the education secretary, Gavin Williamson, will lead to more disruption in schools, not less.
In a statement issued today, the union described the move as “dangerous”.
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Mr Richards said: “Coronavirus cases in schools are at their highest levels since February because the government has scaled back safety measures.
“Self-isolation is one of the proven ways to keep cases under control.
“It has to be in place at least until the autumn half-term and then reviewed to minimise problems.
“Rather than rolling back effective precautions, the government must bring back face coverings immediately and place children in smaller bubbles to reduce the risk of disruption.
“Allowing larger-scale exposure creates the perfect environment for new, more transmissible variants to develop.”
The NAHT school leader’s union has also voiced concern about the plans.
Its general secretary, Paul Whiteman, said: “No one wants to see children’s education disrupted any more than it already has been, least of all school leaders. But the delta variant is currently having a very significant impact in schools and the rising numbers we are seeing is a real concern.
“As we move into September, everyone will want to see disruption to education minimised.
“However, scrapping self-isolation for close contacts would be a very significant step to take, and the onus would be on the government and public health advisers to explain how the alternative arrangements would work and, most importantly, how they will maintain the safety of all members of the school community.”
The comments come after Mr Williamson said that school bubbles could be scrapped as part of the next step of easing Covid-19 restrictions in England.
He told MPs that he believes pupils “would not be facing” bubble arrangements in September.
He added that he wants to end regular Covid-19 testing for schoolchildren “at the earliest and most realistic possible stage”, although he acknowledged this was a long-term aim, amid calls for schools to “move back to normal”.
Concerns have been raised in recent weeks and months about large groups of pupils being sent home for 10 days if another pupil in their bubble tests positive for Covid-19.
Mr Williamson has also indicated that he is looking at the need for pupils to self-isolate as the government considers “a new model for keeping children in education”.
