Clinically vulnerable staff in schools

[Watsername]

I am a TA with asthma and am currently working from home as per the government advice for clinically vulnerable staff in schools.

Is anyone else in the same position? Is the advice going to change? When should we return? What's everyone else thinking?

[Laks0007]

Personally I don't like it. It's very folky/bohemian.

[Haenow]

Are you shielding (extremely clinically vulnerable) or clinically vulnerable?
I’m shielding and in a high risk profession. I’m working from home, although it’s not sustainable. I will need to return to my place of work and put various protective measures in place, I guess.

[Watsername]

Not shielding, just clinically vulnerable.
Unable to socially distance in school and not allowed masks.

[Redolent]

Are you not allowed visors either?

[Watsername]

No, no visors.

[Haenow]

What option are you hoping for? I see 2 options for me - go to work and take a risk or leave my job. I love my job so I don’t see the latter as an option. I cannot expect my employers to pay me indefinitely.

[TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince]

My school have said we can wear masks if we want.

Why would anyone pay attention to the shits Johnson trots out. I’d just wear one.

[DoubleDeckerBusRideLover]

I have asthma and my GP was happy for me to be back in school. It depends how severe your asthma is. I would discuss the situation with your GP. They will also probably have more insight into local infection levels than we do.

[Silverstar2]

I am also a TA who is clinically vulnerable. I have been in school the last few weeks behind the scenes, not with my class (primary) but started back properly today with my bubble of 15. Just keeping my distance, lots of hand washing, etc, seems fine to me. SLT carried out a full Risk Assessment just for me.

Before that WFH for 12 weeks, but felt more than ready to return.

[seenbeensbean]

What work can TAs do at home ?

[TheEmojiFormerlyKnownAsPrince]

The shite that Johnson trots out!

I’d be inclined to wear one as a mark of disrespect! And l am goi g to wear one to protect my self

[Redolent]

@Watsername

No, no visors.

That’s utterly bonkers. How do they hinder communication or teaching ability?

I feel for vulnerable teachers. Their only desperate hope is a vaccine to be rolled out in September, before the autumn weather kicks in. That would be a miracle of course.

[IamHyouweegobshite]

I am a Ta as well, been off since 2 weeks before lockdown. I've been wfh the whole time. I have asthma too. My school have been very good. I'm not sure what will happen come September, as I work between 4 classes and take numerous interventions in the afternoons.

[Watsername]

I guess I am exploring the government guidance. The current situation isn't the same as at the start when they wrote it, but wondering when/if they will change it, or whether it's just up to me whether I return before Sept (assuming no second wave before then).

[Ironicpentameter]

So, according to tonight's Briefing, the shielding group - extremely clinically vulnerable - can go back to work from 1 Aug. I would say that leaves the clinically vulnerable group amongst school staff as needing to be prepared to return September, if not before. I don't think you can defer it for any longer.

[Drivingdownthe101]

Is it your school who have said no masks or visors? One of the teachers at our school is wearing a mask while inside,

[Watsername]

Actually, I have been very busy working from home, helping prepare resources and planning.

[Watsername]

Yes, head teacher told me no.

[seenbeensbean]

@Watsername

Actually, I have been very busy working from home, helping prepare resources and planning.

Surely it should be the teachers who do the lesson planning? I wouldn't be happy with a TA planning my DCs lessons as they aren't qualified teachers. Fine if you can make resources as directed by teachers but you shouldn't be planning lessons.

[Fedup21]

I think it will boil down to vulnerable staff having to leave their job if they don’t feel able to return.

[Watsername]

There are plenty of things to plan in schools that aren't lessons per se. For example craft activities, transition workshops and assemblies. Everything goes through a teacher anyway.

[Hearhoovesthinkzebras]

The government update isn't very clear because it specifically says you can go back to work if your job is Covid secure - which schools aren't really are they?

I haven't heard them say what the plans are for people in jobs that aren't Covid secure.

[IamHyouweegobshite]

I've been planning spag and spelling lessons each week, it goes through the teacher, but it's fine. When I do interventions I do all the planning.

[Haenow]

I understand the reticence in the shielding group but 17 million people are considered vulnerable (flu jab eligible). Many of us need to get back to work, if we can, and it’s safe.
Unless you have particular risk factors, I’d be expecting a return to work.

[alexdgr8]

are you a member of a trade union, OP.
if not, i think now is the time to join.
i can't see how the head teacher can forbid you to wear a vizor, you can still do your job, communicate clearly etc while taking reasonable steps to protect your health.
you need some back up to protect your employment rights.
unity is strength.