Steps can be taken to ensure staff and students are safe and comfortable in school despite Covid measures.
So says a secondary school Principal in Carlow after one local mother outlined her frustration that her child is having to sit in a cold classroom.
It’s understood some schools are enforcing strict uniform wearing rules that prevent pupils from adding a warmer coat, hat or scarf while windows are left open in a bid to help curb the spread of Covid-19.
Paula shared her thoughts on KCLR Live earlier:
“I understand the guidelines, I understand the purpose, but it’s not good enough. It’s the middle of winter. There’s no need for freezing classrooms”
She claimed it’s colder in the classroom than it is outside:
“It’s not acceptable. The children are wearing masks. So what’s the point? What is the point of having these conditions for kids”
Tullow Community School Principal Paul Thornton says they have a policy in place allowing students to wear extra clothing over their uniforms while this emergency situation is in place.
But he admits it is a problem for some schools:
“It’s an issue is schools Yes, there’s no doubt. It’s very difficult, particularly if you are in a primary school, in one room for 6 or 7 hours with one group of students”