Secondary schools across South Yorkshire prepare to roll out widespread coronavirus testing
The start of the new term's been delayed by a fortnight
Teachers across South Yorkshire are preparing for onsite coronavirus testing.
Last month, the government announced that secondary schools across the county would be able to test all staff and students more often to try and identify positive cases.
The start of term's been delayed by two weeks so preparations for the testing programme can be put in place.
However, exam year students will return next week instead.
Pepe Di’lasio's the headteacher at Wales High School in Rotherham, and he says plenty of hard work is taking place behind the scenes;
“We’re looking at how we recruit staff to help make sure that we can safely implement mass testing and roll out mass testing to all our students and our staff during the spring term.
“That’s a massive logistical operation in itself that we need to get our heads around.
“We look forward to being back in school. More than anything though, this needs to be done safely, securely and in the confidence that we aren’t rushing anything.”
Mr.Di’lasio added that he fears the disruption may lead to exams being postponed later this year;
“I do think that summer examinations are now being called into question, because there’s an increased time that students have had away from the classroom, so we need to reconsider how they’re being assessed and whether or not exams are the best way in which we can do that.
“Online learning resources aren’t quite the same as being in the classroom. It’s far better to have a teacher with you, who can help you resolve problems. It’s just a more effective way of learning.”
Elsewhere, Primary school pupils are still returning today as planned.