PUPILS, parents and teachers have expressed mixed reactions to the news that schools will remain closed until February 1 to control the spread of coronavirus.

Yesterday, the First Minister announced that pupils would continue to learn from home while the Scottish Government investigates vaccinating as many teachers as possible to ensure their safety.

Glasgow teachers have welcomed the news, which they believe would help make schools safer when they reopen.

One teacher, who asked not to be named, said: “I think there should be emphasis put on teachers when it comes to getting the vaccine.

“If there is going to be any hope about getting schools back in February, then it would be reassuring to know we would actually be safe.

“We have been working through the pandemic for the last five months. 

“There has been a lot of anxiety among staff particularly for those coming to work and going home to older and more vulnerable family members.

“I welcome the idea of teachers being vaccinated and I hope that it will be rolled out quickly to allow us to go back to work safely.

“In terms of schools not returning until February 1, I think it is the right thing to do, rather than leave it another week, since the new strain of the virus is more transmissible.

“From my point of view, I am happy to work from home and teach the children using online learning methods until it is safe to return to school.

“I would ask parents to encourage their children to take part in online learning to enhance their education experience.”

But sixth-year pupil Molly is worried about what this means for her final grades and whether this will affect her ability to qualify for a place at university. She said: “I am quite concerned for many reasons. I think it is the right thing to do and the closure of schools will protect many people from getting the virus, but on the other hand these new restrictions will cause problems.

“I was personally preparing for my prelims which would count towards my overall grade, but this will not happen now and again we don’t know how our final grade will be marked. I hope we will be back to school on February 1, but who knows where we will be in a month’s time. 

“It is a lot of pressure for young people to be in and we are now wondering if online learning will count towards our final grade. It is a total nightmare.”

Following the announcement, the National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) is urging parents to communicate with their schools and seek assistance, guidance and resources whenever they need them.

Speaking on behalf of the NPFS, chairwoman Margaret Wilson said: “There is no decision today that is going to please everyone in this situation.

“The pressures faced by families, living with restricted measures, coping with stress created by the pandemic, supporting remote learning whilst balancing many other issues will be a challenge to all parents or carers.

“Our young people have already been through a significantly stressful time.
“However, the safety of our children and young people is paramount. Most importantly we must ensure parents are aware that their school is available for support and to make contact with them as soon as possible.”

The Educational Institute of Scotland, Scotland’s largest teaching union, has expressed its support for the decision to keep schools on a remote learning platform for at least the month of January, as part of the lockdown announced today by the Scottish Government.

EIS general secretary, Larry Flanagan said: “There was already heightened concern from teachers in Level 4 areas around school safety and the surge in infection levels, driven by the new variant, will have compounded those concerns especially as it seems clear that children can be as easily infected as anyone by the new strain, with subsequent transmission also occurring.

“Given that social distancing amongst pupils is physically impossible in crowded classrooms, moving to remote learning is the correct decision, therefore, if we are to successfully drive down community infection levels.

“Suppressing the virus is key to school buildings safely reopening.”