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OK. Seems very likely that we're currently cruising towards a potentially extremely damaging failure to get, and keep, kids in #school in England (and beyond). I hope I'm wrong but worry I'm not.
Some brief thoughts... THREAD
Some brief thoughts... THREAD
First, Why the worry?
Rising cases https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51768274, lots more interaction as people encouraged (or coerced?) back to workplaces at the same time as schools return.
Rising cases https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51768274, lots more interaction as people encouraged (or coerced?) back to workplaces at the same time as schools return.
Oh, and far too much wasted time trying to pre-emptively shift the blame onto others + a pretty poor track record to date.
Second, Education, and especially early education, matters. This shouldn't need to be said, but seems it does.
Second, Education, and especially early education, matters. This shouldn't need to be said, but seems it does.
Time out of education impacts both individuals, and also whole societies. https://esrc.ukri.org/files/news-events-and-publications/evidence-briefings/education-vital-for-social-mobility/
No studies yet, but is there a bigger aimplifier of inequality than the different experiences of even partial lockdown for a kid from a well off family (complete with some…
No studies yet, but is there a bigger aimplifier of inequality than the different experiences of even partial lockdown for a kid from a well off family (complete with some…
…combination of parent in white collar job wfh and/or a parent with time/resources to home school/ spend on tutoring, send to sports clubs) vs. that of a kid from low income family (who may have less time for parent involvement, less internet/IT, less space at home, etc)?
It's GREAT to hear clear and consistent words from @CMO_England and others making this point https://twitter.com/CMO_England/status/1297530272829906946?s=20 AND to hear them echoed by @BorisJohnson and others.
*BUT WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH*
*BUT WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH*
As @anneLongfield and many others have been saying for a while, and articulate clearly here: ( https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/aug/28/time-for-a-nightingale-moment-for-englands-children-says-watchdog)
*Where is the money?*
Where is the 'whatever it takes' pledge to make education as "covid secure" as it can be?
*Where is the money?*
Where is the 'whatever it takes' pledge to make education as "covid secure" as it can be?
And yes, that includes BOTH keeping kids safe AND keeping their teachers safe too.
Headteachers I've heard from tell me that while the advice has helpfully become a bit more consistent recently, it doesn't come with money. They've been asked to find money from existing budgets.
Headteachers I've heard from tell me that while the advice has helpfully become a bit more consistent recently, it doesn't come with money. They've been asked to find money from existing budgets.
This obviously constrains action and ambition, just as we need to maximise both.
What to do in an evolving epidemic is difficult. But that is not an excuse for inaction.
I think, we need to: (1) Take the idea of ongoing radical disruption of education off the table.
What to do in an evolving epidemic is difficult. But that is not an excuse for inaction.
I think, we need to: (1) Take the idea of ongoing radical disruption of education off the table.
Risks to kids are tiny ( https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53932294), harms are known and significant.
(2) Actually resource efforts to make education as covid secure as it *reasonably can be*, guided by what we increasinly know about covid infection control.
(2) Actually resource efforts to make education as covid secure as it *reasonably can be*, guided by what we increasinly know about covid infection control.
and (3) Communicate all of this to parents and teachers clearly and consistently. They are, understandably, worried. Work with them, rather than setting them up for blame later. Teachers didnt go into education for the money or to bunk off school.
How to make education as safe as possible?
Many better qualified to give the specifics on this, but in short, this means modifications to the environment/procedures in order to change behaviour.
We all know telling people to change isn't enough - including with adults.
Many better qualified to give the specifics on this, but in short, this means modifications to the environment/procedures in order to change behaviour.
We all know telling people to change isn't enough - including with adults.
In practical terms, this means EVERY school/nursery should WINDOW/DOOR should open fully and easily, (and should be open!).
Spend AS MUCH TIME OUTDOORS as possible.
https://twitter.com/trishgreenhalgh/status/1298515337537900544?s=20
Regular HANDWASHING should be made easy.
Spend AS MUCH TIME OUTDOORS as possible.
https://twitter.com/trishgreenhalgh/status/1298515337537900544?s=20
Regular HANDWASHING should be made easy.
INTERACTION, especilly in confined areas should be minimised (eg staggering timings, de-densifying our crowded schools with temporary outdoor teaching spaces).
So here's an idea:
TODAY @gavinwilliamson make: a commitment that the costs of making classrooms and schools covid secure are centrally refunded.
Simple list of inclusion: Window/door opening. Handwashing facilities. Temporary outdoor classrooms/teaching spaces.
TODAY @gavinwilliamson make: a commitment that the costs of making classrooms and schools covid secure are centrally refunded.
Simple list of inclusion: Window/door opening. Handwashing facilities. Temporary outdoor classrooms/teaching spaces.
And yes, extra staff where needed.
Expecting COVID Secure education to be cost neutral is delusional or negligent. This commitment should have come months ago, but better late than never.
Creativity needs to be encouraged and resourced.
Expecting COVID Secure education to be cost neutral is delusional or negligent. This commitment should have come months ago, but better late than never.
Creativity needs to be encouraged and resourced.
Oh, and we should make pop up playgrounds and classrooms where outdoor space is tight (upcycling poorly used road space where necessary).
(HT @cburman @_heat_island )
(HT @cburman @_heat_island )
Finally, EVERY KID should have a DECENT COAT. It's a disgrace that in one of the richest nations on earth I should have to write that. 
When being outdoors is probably the safest place to learn, a coat is PPE.
OK. Rant over.
PS: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/donate-your-discount seems great idea
When being outdoors is probably the safest place to learn, a coat is PPE.
OK. Rant over.
PS: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/donate-your-discount seems great idea
PS: would love to hear your thoughts @sunilbhop @annelongfield @globalhlthtwit @richardhorton1 @devisridhar @trishgreenhalgh @AllysonPollock @Dr2NisreenAlwan @xandvt @DoctorChrisVT @apsmunro
+ FYI @deb_cohen @lewis_goodall @PaulNuki
+ FYI @deb_cohen @lewis_goodall @PaulNuki
PPS: As others have pointed out, the *FALSE* debate about *IF* to reopen schools is a (deliberate?) distraction from the real debate of *HOW* to safely re-start education for millions, and *where the money comes from*.
PPPS: Of course lots not covered here (face coverings, roles of schools in wider epidemic etc) but enough for one day!
