Schools should stay open but teachers should be prioritised for Covid vaccination say Portsmouth parents

With daily case numbers at a record national high and the National Education Union advising members not to attend work if they feel unsafe, two-thirds of Portsmouth primary schools decided to remain closed over increasing concerns about Covid transmission and uncertainty over staffing.

Despite the government stating that primary education should remain open, 30 infant, junior and primary schools decided to move to remote learning apart from for vulnerable children and key workers’ children.

A total of 13 schools have stated they intend to remain fully or partly open while two are undecided, according to figures released by Portsmouth City Council.

One of the city’s schools to reopen to all pupils was College Park Infant School on Crofton Road. While parents were ‘grateful’ for the decision some have also been left confused and uncertain as to ‘what to do for the best’.

Lauren Malone, 28, said: ‘I’m really grateful to the school for opening. I understand the teachers’ concerns but I do believe if schools can be open then they should be. Children need routine and structure but it also needs to be safe.’

Fellow parent Sophie Ripner, 30, added: ‘Hats off to the teachers for coming into school. If the children get it they seem to be okay but if teachers develop the virus then you just don’t know what can happen.

‘I don’t know what the right thing is to do. It’s important for children to be in school but only if it’s safe.’

One particular concern is the virus may be passed on to older family members.

Grandfather David Evans, 64, who has two children at College Park said: ‘I think schools should stay open as it is difficult to manage learning at home. However I understand why the teachers are concerned and I do worry about transmission of the virus.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth schools closed: Updating list of primaries not fully reopening due to Covid

Paul Simons, 37, is concerned about the implications for his children’s education if schools have to close.

He said: ‘I’m really glad the school is open as learning from home is very difficult and I am concerned my children will fall behind. I am fortunate that my wife does not work and so is able to help but this is not the case for all parents.’

To help ensure schools remain open, Paul believes teachers should be given priority status for vaccination – a sentiment shared by other parents.

Hannah O’Donnell, 35, said: ‘It was really hard to help my children learn from home during the last lockdown and I do think schools should remain open. To help with this I believe teachers should be prioritised for vaccination.’

Gavin Beal, 41, added: ‘My children missed out on so much education during the last lockdown and so I do think schools should remain open. However I also understand why teachers are concerned and they should be prioritised for vaccination.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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