Schools' lateral flow Covid tests described as 'reassuring' for South Wiltshire staff

The CEO of the Magna Learning Partnership says they're coping well with remote learning

The number of positive tests in both counties is on the decline
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 29th Jan 2021

As schools learn they won't be opening up again for all pupils until at least the beginning of March, one group in South Wiltshire say they'll keep adapting to whatever's thrown at them.

The Magna Learning Partnership, which includes Sarum Academy in Salisbury, Wyvern St Edmunds in Laverstock, the Trafalgar School at Downton, Amesbury Archer Primary, Bemerton St John Primary, Pembroke Park Primary in Salisbury, the New Forest School at Nomansland and Landford, and Salisbury's Sixth Form College, say lockdown lessons have been working well for them so far.

Their Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Busby, says they're just hoping to get back into classrooms when Covid rates mean it's safe to do so:

"It wasn't a surprise to hear that we wouldn't be going back after half term, and of course, if we can get back from the 8th of March, that would be wonderful. I'm guessing it might be that primaries are a priority perhaps and then maybe exam years, I don't know. But we'll cope, we'll manage and look forward to the day when we can all be back in."

TESTING STARTING TO BE ROLLED OUT

The school's are now starting to use lateral flow tests on all of their staff twice a week.

Sarah Busby says that's a positive step:

"(Lateral flow tests) provides, inevitably, a level of reassurance, so we are on the way (to getting back to normal). That's not belittling the anxiety that is around amongst many people, but I think what's keeping us all going is that we're reading in the right direction and obviously the rollout of the vaccine is really encouraging."

Families have been getting used to home learning, with MLP saying they're adapting well to the situation - but they'd love to be back in classrooms

MLP has kept its schools open for the children of key workers and for vulnerable youngsters during the latest lockdown, so the tests are some added protection to make sure they're safe places to be.

In recent weeks, there have also been discussions over whether teachers and school staff should be higher up the priority list for Covid-19 vaccines.

CEO of the Magna Learning Partnership, Sarah Busby, has been giving us her thoughts on that:

"Of course it would be wonderful to have all of our staff vaccinated, but on the other hand, it would be wrong to say that teachers should nudge up the priority list, because who are we to say that we should be higher than the police for example, or frontline workers in supermarkets. Everybody is deserving."

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