It’s a good point OP. I think that the first point for me is to have a seriously updated plan for schools. A plan, not guidance that has loads of detail mainly on hand washing, contractors coming in and out etc and class set up. This all has a negligible difference. A plan could be something like:
- any family, with ECV or not, will not be penalised for taking their child out of school for this year.
- Home online will not be provided by the teachers, who have to stay and teach their class...
(...however support will be provided on the curriculum (such as overall term work notes) and there could be a fortnightly brief call to any parent of a child at home by the teacher. If necessary, in a social work call every month to monitor any child at risk?)
- Contact tracing in schools to be given enhanced status - a dedicated schools only Public Health lead for each region who all link in together with epidemiological support.
- Close contacts to include everyone in the classroom - not just 2 metres.
- Masks to be worn by all teachers and staff at all ages. Consideration for all students in secondary and primary to wear masks also all the time.
- Lunch times and breaks are high risk points. Students to each as far as possible from each other, or in small groups of 3, particular attention to ventilation. Teachers to eat as far as possible from others.
- if community transmission reaches above 100 case per 100,000 - schools to shut.
All of the above should be happening now as a minimum. None of this is happening really. None of it means schools close for the next year.