Teaching union accuses Jersey government of risking children and staff's health

The NASUWT says its calls for more protections for students and staff were 'ignored' by ministers. Credit: PA

The head of a teaching union says the Government of Jersey's decision to keep schools open until the end of term is putting children and staff at risk.

The NASUWT wants the government to move towards blended learning to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading in classrooms.

It comes as the Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois confirmed that 55% of pupils are currently absent from school.

The union called for more measures to be introduced in the islands schools, such as mandating masks in more settings and reducing the number of students in classes to allow social distancing - but says these calls were 'ignored' by Ministers.

NASUWT says it has heard from worried teachers who are concerned they are now being expected to teach classes of 30 or more pupils in an enclosed space.

The General Secretary accused the government of 'dithering and delay,' urging Ministers to 'pull their heads from the sand'.

A proposition to close schools to prevent children and staff potentially having to isolate over Christmas was defeated in the States Assembly.

Jersey's Children's Commissioner called for more clarity, particularly for those who face mock exams in January.

ITV News has contacted Jersey's government for a response.