Schools face an enormous task after a cabinet decision
With the Cabinet decision to reopen the schools, primary education is facing an enormous task. It results in a lot of regulation and practical questions. There is also uncertainty about safety. "You notice that teachers are a bit anxious when the school opens later."
Picture: type tank
Primary schools and schools for special education with primary school-age pupils may reopen from 11 May, Prime Minister Rutte said. announced yesterday. To do that in a responsible way is still quite a task. “It is nice to have children at school again,” says school leader Hanneke de Frel of primary school Vlinderboom in Pijnacker. "It's important for their development and the affection they need." The school leader does see a lot of arranging and administration at the school. "For example, to make sure that brothers and sisters can go to school on the same days."
Walkways and seating arrangements
The huge mountain of work also sees primary school teacher and AObChief Driver Dorien König. “We just had a meeting and it also concerns, for example, the layout of the classrooms, the soap dispensers that are needed, working at tables in groups, the walking routes through the class and whether we should call in the square guards, often parents, or not. . That costs a lot of time."
It's nice to have kids back in school
And then there is planning. The first emails with 'preferred days' from parents were already in the mailbox. König: “Take into account, for example, the level of education, with families such as brothers and sisters or boyfriends and girlfriends for social-emotional development. All in all, it is quite a puzzle that we will probably also be working on during the May holidays. ”
School leader De Frel does not intend to ask teachers to continue working during the May holidays in preparation. "If necessary, we will open a day later."
All in all, it is quite a puzzle that we will probably also be working on during the May holidays
cubicle
At Child Center De Springplank in Den Bosch they are already busy with the preparations, says technology coordinator Rascha van der Sluijs. At this school they have a very innovative idea: transparent screens on the tables of the students, inspired by the cash registers at the supermarkets. The transparent screens are closed on the front and sides, so that teachers can still watch safely with a student. This is quite useful for extra instruction or individual guidance. It is somewhat reminiscent of a mini-cubicle, such a partition in an office garden. "The children who tested it really enjoy it," said the technology coordinator. “They wanted to decorate it right on the inside. You can hang post-its there, for example. ”
Anxiety
While teachers love to get started, there is also fear about health and safety. Monique Spaans, who teaches at mytylschool de Ruimte in Bergen for students with a physical disability, is not in favor of the full opening of schools in special education. The cabinet allows special education to be fully open, so it is not necessary to work with half classes like primary schools. “I wish the children to come again, but this poses a lot of practical questions and concerns. I mean, I have "only" thirteen students, but we are at least two adults in the room. How am I going to stay five feet from my colleague? The students are taken by vans: is that really safe? "
How am I going to stay XNUMX meters from my colleague? The students are brought by vans: is that safe?
Spanish is not convinced of the lower risk of infection and spread among children. “At Jinek, a virologist said that children can pass on the virus, but that parents who get it are unlikely to overburden the health care system. Then I feel a bit like that small laboratory animal. ” Spanish is on the participation council and has insisted that she be involved in how to reopen the school. Something that Rutte also emphasized in his press conference.
I feel a bit like that little lab animal
Pregnant
Teacher König feels 'vulnerable'. She is pregnant and is in her third trimester when her school reopens. “That is why I am not so excited, I am already well into my pregnancy and do not want to get sick at the end. I also have asthma and my partner recently had an accident that left him with a collapsed lung. Fortunately, there is understanding from the school and they take it into account. For example, I have not had any pupils in the shelter in recent weeks. ”
In Pijnacker they also notice the fear among teachers, says school leader De Frel. "We have a 72-year-old teacher, one who is pregnant and people who have had breast cancer or heart or lung problems in the past." RIVM guidelines about vulnerable employees provide guidance, says De Frel and she enters into a discussion with teachers who do not dare to do so. “We have agreed to refer people with concerns to the company doctor if necessary. He can then make a decision. ”
Also read the report about yesterday's press conference through this link. Or go to the frequently asked questions which have been updated following the news of the school opening on May 11.
