Graham White is from the Suffolk branch of the National Education Union
- Credit: Graham White
Graham White, the National Education Union (NEU) representative for Suffolk, said there is still risk pupils will take Covid home to their families, infect teachers and feels the impact of coronavirus over time is still not well understood.
He added: Let s protect the population and let s wait and see to deal with the virus. I m still going to wear a mask [after July 19, known as Freedom Day] even If I don t need to as I want to protect myself and my family. We can then see about bubbles in November.
I understand the system locally stood up well and thank all those involved for their hard work. Our ask of residents is to continue to maintain distancing, wear masks, wash hands, ventilate when indoors with other people and test regularly at the mobile site on Hurstlea Road, or by using lateral flow tests. I will continue to have close contact with the clinical commissioning group and Suffolk public health teams and would ask any constituents with concerns to contact my office if they require further assistance.”
Dave Lee-Allan said that the school was monitoring the situation
- Credit: Gregg Brown
We re trying to reassure the community, and there are some vulnerable teachers who are concerned about coming back into school. It is so important that students come back. For us to be able to reassure them and set out our plans will become important for them. We re delighted to see them face to face.
Debenham High School is another that has opted for a staggered return and will be testing students in its hall from 7.30am to 5.30pm next week.
The school s Year 11s will be welcomed back on Tuesday, followed by Years 9 and 10 on Wednesday and the rest of the school on Thursday.
Students wearing face masks in a lesson.
- Credit: PA
High schools in Suffolk are making it mandatory for pupils to wear face masks in lessons when they return next week.
Dave Lee-Allan, headteacher of Stowmarket High School
- Credit: Charlotte Bond
Dave Lee-Allan, headteacher of Stowmarket High School and chair of the Suffolk Association of Secondary Heads, said: At Stowmarket we intend to insist that students and staff wear masks in lessons - in fact our key worker lessons have been doing this for some time now.
He added: It would be helpful if the Government line was more definitive. However, we will take the necessary decisions that reassure our school community that we are making the school as safe as we can.
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