Norfolk's schools return but teachers are concerned by updated Covid rules
Many teachers are worried by the changes made to testing and self-isolation rules.
Last updated 6th Sep 2021
Norfolk's schools are heading back from today after a six week summer break, but concerns remain over how safe teachers and students will now be testing and self-isolation rules have been relaxed from last term.
Keith Anderson, Norfolk and Suffolk's regional director for the NASUWT Teachers Union says many local members are worried and sceptical over how effective these new rules will be at stopping the spread of coronavirus.
He told us: "The Government needs to have a clear position on ensuring they're reducing the transmission of covid in schools. At the moment it seem they are just crossing their fingers and hoping for the best."
What are the new rules?
Social distancing has been relaxed and masks are now optional
Classrooms will be ventilated and done outside if there are too many positive cases in a single class
Secondary school pupils will be asked to take two lateral flow tests at home- three to five days apart
Pupils who test positive will have to self-isolate along with any establish close-contacts.
Mr Anderson told us that the Teachers Union's still believe "that testing plays a really important part".
"There needs to be an increase of testing in schools, because if you're asking people to do it from home, you're probably going to fall short.
"One thing are members are also really worried is the removal of bubbles. I'm not sure how practical it would be to have all lessons outside, many subjects don't lend themselves to that, plus if it rains what happens then?"
He concluded by saying that younger teachers are being completely overlooked by the Government's new plans.
"Not all our members have had both vaccinations. We have a lot of young members who are teaching as well. If we have a situation where a lot of teachers are getting ill, that's going to have an effect on learning."