Schools in Essex are cautiously optimistic as they prepare to reopen
The new academic year for schools in the county begins today
Last updated 1st Sep 2021
An assistant head-teacher from Essex says that schools in the region are cautiously optimistic as they prepare to reopen today.
Darrell Chart-Boyles is assistant head-teacher at Colchester Royal Grammar School. He clarifies the current guidance for students in schools: "Things like social distancing and the enforcement of wearing masks no longer apply but we are keeping mask-wearing optional for staff and students." In order to keep students safe, the school is also enforcing measures like separating year groups in assemblies and at lunch time, to avoid crowding.
With much of learning restricted to online classes last academic year, a lot of discussion has taken place around helping students catch up on any lost learning. He does stress however that focussing on lost academic learning is not enough. "I think a crucial area for us and other schools is not necessarily on the academic lost learning, but on the social side as well as mental health and wellbeing", he adds
The UK Government has also provided funding to schools to help with this aim. Mr. Chart-Boyles says the funds will be used to provide students with one-on-one sessions with teachers as well as to acquire IT resources for those students who may need to self-isolate.
School reopening also comes at a time when there is debate about vaccinating youths, who are at a lesser risk of serious illness from Covid-19. Mr. Chart-Boyles says a number of his sixth-form students were willing to take up the Covid-19 vaccine when the age requirement fell to 18. He explains, "Because of our wide catchment area and a number of students who travel by public transport, I think a lot of our students have taken up the offer of a vaccine over the summer". He also adds that most of his members of staff have had both doses of the vaccine to protect themselves from the virus.
The guidance for the school year is also available on the Essex County Council website. Mr. Chart-Boyles also praised them for keeping schools up-to-date on the latest regulations and helping draw up risk-assessment templates.