Teachers' union warns it won't be safe to return to schools in September

Teachers say it won’t be safe for students or teachers to return to schools full time in September.

And the union has warned “the classrooms will be empty” because under current safety rules the teachers won’t be going to work.

The latest advice is for one metre social distancing in classrooms from September.

But the ASTI (Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland) union say this will mean part-time students because they won’t be able to fit all the students in on a single day.

The union reps were appearing before the Oireachtas special committee on coronavirus.

Leo Varadkar says schools will reopen in late August

ASTI general secretary, Kieran Christie, said: “When you have regard to all the circumstances, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that there will still remain a necessity for a blended learning model of some sort upon reopening of our schools and some phasing of the return to school may be necessary.

"Given the fact that we have among the most overcrowded classrooms in the OECD countries and the requirement for a social distancing regime, it seems to us that no matter how creative schools are in using their available rooms and facilities, you simply will not be able to accommodate everyone on a full time basis.

“Even a one metre social distancing provision is an issue for our big classes.

“There is the additional consideration that a number of staff members and students, because of their vulnerabilities, may still have to work or study outside of the classroom.

“Enormous difficulties will also have to be overcome in the management of practical classes in woodwork rooms, metalwork rooms, Art rooms, PE, Music and Home Economics, together with the cleaning requirements necessary between classes.

“We think that the task will be extremely difficult, but not insurmountable."

He added: “ASTI will play a full and constructive role in the reopening of our schools.

“We will do this by engaging with the Department of Education and Skills and all the other relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe reopening of our schools to the maximum extent possible.

“It is only an agreed set of protocols that enjoy the trust and confidence of all the stakeholders that will secure that objective, thus decreasing anxiety and supporting the health of the entire school community.”