Salisbury heads call for teaching staff to be given priority for Covid-19 vaccine
The leaders of three local schools want action
Last updated 4th Feb 2021
135 heads, mostly from independent schools, have signed a letter calling for the government to vaccinate all teachers and staff so children can go back to school.
Among them** Clive Marriott** from Salisbury Cathedral School, Simon Head from Chafyn Grove and Jody Wells from Forres Sandle Manor School near Fordingbridge.
They said they were 'heartened' by the progress made with the coronavirus vaccinations and encouraged that the target of 15 million people is likely to be reached by 15th February.
The letter was coordinated by William Goldsmith, headmaster of St George’s School Windsor Castle, and said.
"This ( vaccination programme) is saving lives, bringing light to a dark period for many and giving hope that pupils will be back in their schools without any further delay. To support this mission, we urge the Government to vaccinate all teachers and school staff, along with other priority groups of workers."
"The emotional and social wellbeing of young people is a significant concern to us, and every day we see the need for pupils to be in school; with each hour that passes the need to be back with their peers and teachers grows stronger."
"Teachers have demonstrated that they are ready for the challenge ahead; without neglecting anyone’s safety, reopening schools from 8 March should be the priority under any circumstance."
STRUGGLING
The Headmaster of Salisbury Cathedral School, Clive Marriott says children need to be back in the classroom.
"It really is a struggle for children to feel a sense of purpose, to engage with the identity that would normally have being part of a school community."
"I think signing this letter will really help the government to see that we need to move forward, to vaccinate staff who work in schools so that we can bring the children back much more quickly and staff will feel more confident."
Last week Boris Johnson announced that 8th March was the "earliest" date by which the government could "responsibly" allow children to return to classrooms.