Buckinghamshire head teacher calls on government to prioritise school staff for Covid-19 vaccination
She is one of over a hundred to sign a letter calling for prioritisation for teachers and school staff
Last updated 5th Feb 2021
A teacher in Buckinghamshire has backed a call to have school staff prioritised for the vaccine.
Jane Thorpe, Head Teacher at Swanbourne House School, is one of 135 Head Teachers to sign a letter calling on the government to prioritise teachers and school staff in the vaccination process.
The priorisitation is decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, who so far have not classed the groups as frontline like NHS Staff in order to allow an earlier vaccination.
Currently, teaching staff will be vaccination in line with the general timeline depending on their age and medical issues.
The letter, first published in The Times, reads:
"Sir, As Head Teachers, we are heartened by the progress that has been made with the coronavirus vaccinations and encouraged that the target of 15million people is likely to be reached by 15 February.
"This is saving lives, bringing light to a dark period for many and giving hope that pupils will be back in their schools without any further delay. To support this mission, we urge the Government to vaccinate all teachers and school staff, along with other priority groups of workers.
"The emotional and social wellbeing of young people is a significant concern to us, and every day we see the need for pupils to be in school; with each hour that passes the need to be back with their peers and teachers grows stronger.
"Teachers have demonstrated that they are ready for the challenge ahead; without neglecting anyone’s safety, reopening schools from 8 March should be the priority under any circumstance."
Jane Thorpe says it is a matter of safety for the wider community not just teachers:
"Many similar letters have been written by other groups, head teachers, teaching unions and this letter is one of several.
"I urge all school leaders to work together to ensure the protection of our school communities and the wider community. It is our duty.
"Everyone agrees that getting children back to school is a national priority and as heads of school we have a responsibility to ensure this happens as safely as possible.
"Ensuring we identify teachers, teaching assistants etc as professional int he community for prioritisation is an important step in my view."