Freezing

[RaraRachael]

Is anybody else's school unbearably cold? We were reduced to sitting in the hall (currently doubling as the staff room) which is enormous with a high ceiling and every bloody window open, wearing our coats at lunchtime today.
I know they told us to have as many windows and doors open to aid ventilation but this is ridiculous. At this rate, we'll all be off with colds and worse.

But surely if it’s cold enough that a teacher can barely move their hands, the employer has a duty of care in the workplace. That surely trumps the risk assessment for Covid.

Reducing spread of Covid is part of the duty of care though as well.
It's all very difficult

I agree it’s difficult, but the risk of Covid surely has to be managed, not at the expense of other things. Keeping doors and windows open is just one way to help avoid the risk, but if pupils and staff are physically cold, that’s no longer just a ‘risk’ to their health, it’s actually happening, they’re in discomfort.

I would agree if we are talking about too cold to move your hands - not if we are talking about should be in warmer clothes but they aren't cool (for students). Discomfort itself isn't a risk to health but Covid is, mostly to staff and to the families of those students.

I’m sure the negative affect on people’s immune system of constantly being freezing is worse than the (very unlikely in my opinion) chance that in a room with over thirty people in it, not having a window open will prevent Covid spreading. The children don’t distance in the classroom, so the open window isn’t going to help them. The adults are distancing so surely the open window is not going to make enough of a difference for everyone to be suffering, miserable and with their immune systems getting worse. I feel like there’s been no common sense applied here. Socially distanced I understand, freezing temperatures I don’t.

*not having a window open will make Covid spread, meant to say. It’s hard to express things well when you’re frustrated and ill!

We know that ventilation is important! Implying that it isn't important is just wrong.

In my classroom in winter we have to open the windows because the heating is on so high it is unbearably hot. Maybe schools need money to jack the heating up.

@Regretsy

I’m sure the negative affect on people’s immune system of constantly being freezing is worse than the (very unlikely in my opinion) chance that in a room with over thirty people in it, not having a window open will prevent Covid spreading. The children don’t distance in the classroom, so the open window isn’t going to help them. The adults are distancing so surely the open window is not going to make enough of a difference for everyone to be suffering, miserable and with their immune systems getting worse. I feel like there’s been no common sense applied here. Socially distanced I understand, freezing temperatures I don’t.

This absolutely. They might start changing their ridiculous imo advice if there are so many staff off because of it.

So with no windows open the last class of my day will still be breathing in some of the same air as my first class - not a good idea at all

If you think the adults are 2m away from the pupils at all times you are in cloud cuckoo land.