Doncaster education bosses reveal Covid infection rates among children as unions spell out concerns

Doncaster education bosses have revealed the Covid 19 infection rates among the borough’s schoolchildren, as unions reveal concerns over the safety of borough schools.
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Statistics issued by the council show that the figure is highest among 15 to 19 year olds, and lowest among five to nine year olds.

The latest figures from December 28 2020 were:

> 72 infections per 100,000 among under fours

A classroom.A classroom.
A classroom.

> 61.6 infections per 100,000 among five to nines

> 109 infections per 100,000 among 10 -14s

> 291 infections per 100,000 among 15-19s

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Education bosses say schools are safe, but Fiona Campbell, Branch Secretary for National Education Union Doncaster, said a number of teachers had sent letters to their schools warning they would not be coming into school because they did not regard it as a safe environment at present.

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She said some headteachers had been more supportive than others over the letters.

"A significant number of our members have put in what we call section 44 letters to their employers.

"We don’t feel a few tweaks of the risk assessment is enough to stop infection rates rising again.

"The figure in Doncaster was 180 before Christmas, but it’s up to around 240. Numbers are going up which is a massive concern.”

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The letters outline teachers’ position under the Employment Rights Act, which allows workers not to go into work in conditions they don’t feel are safe. Ms Campbell believes the letters contributed to the council’s decision to run Covid preparation days today in schools.

She said the union wanted to see schools open only for pupils of key workers and vulnerable children, as they were in the first full lockdown in the spring, with teachers working by teaching remotely from home, for the next two weeks.

An emergency meeting between the union and council education bosses is due to take place today.

A letter from Riana Nelson, director of learning at Doncaster Council; and Dr Rupert Suckling, director of public health, stated the Public Health advice was that there was confidence schools can reopen for children if they are able to do so with consideration that their Coronavirus risk assessments have been updated since last term ended, including any new Government guidance and advice and they have sufficient staff available.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.