Covid in Wakefield: Council leader says teachers should be prioritised for vaccine following 'damaging' school closure u-turn

Wakefield Council has called on the government to prioritise vaccinating teachers and support staff "as a matter of priority", as thousands of the district's students return to homeschooling.
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Coun Denise Jeffery, the leader of the council, said vaccinating school staff was an essential step towards helping students return to school “as quickly, and as safely, as possible.”

It follows a government u-turn which saw schools across the country close to pupils just a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had “no doubt” that it was safe for children to return to the classroom.

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Wakefield Council has called on the government to prioritise vaccinating teachers and support staff "as a matter of priority", as thousands of the district's students return to homeschooling. Photos: Getty Images/JPIMediaWakefield Council has called on the government to prioritise vaccinating teachers and support staff "as a matter of priority", as thousands of the district's students return to homeschooling. Photos: Getty Images/JPIMedia
Wakefield Council has called on the government to prioritise vaccinating teachers and support staff "as a matter of priority", as thousands of the district's students return to homeschooling. Photos: Getty Images/JPIMedia

In an address to the nation on Monday evening, Mr Johnson said that schools would close until at least the end of the February half-term holiday, as part of a new national lockdown designed to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Primary and secondary pupils, as well as college students, are expected to attend lessons remotely, with only vulnerable children and the children of key workers allowed to attend school in person.

GCSE and A-level exams planned for the summer months have also been cancelled.

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But Coun Jeffery said that changes in policy were “damaging” to children and young people, and that prioritising vaccination of teachers and school staff was the best option.

Coun Jeffery said that changes in government policy were “damaging” to children and young people, and that prioritising vaccination of teachers and school staff was the best option.Coun Jeffery said that changes in government policy were “damaging” to children and young people, and that prioritising vaccination of teachers and school staff was the best option.
Coun Jeffery said that changes in government policy were “damaging” to children and young people, and that prioritising vaccination of teachers and school staff was the best option.

She said: “Our school teachers and support staff have done a tremendous job during the pandemic, adapting to a rapidly changing situation over the course of the last year.

“And they are yet again faced with school closures at a moment’s notice.

“The continuous last minute changes and u-turns by Government have been unacceptable and potentially damaging to children and their families, causing further anxiety as they deal with the uncertainty and changing advice.

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“Teachers and their colleagues are key, front line workers. We must do everything possible to support school leaders to reopen schools again as quickly, and as safely, as possible.

“This Government need to immediately recognise schools staff as a priority in the vaccination roll out.

“This will ensure we can get students back to school in the quickest way possible.”

Coun Jeffery said the council remained committed to ensuring that vulnerable children "do not suffer during this lockdown", and would provide support including equipment for home learning and food for those entitled to free school meals.