Covid in Scotland: Teacher worries as absences rise

Covid in Scotland: Teacher worries as absences rise

Scotland's classrooms are facing increasing Covid disruption due to the rising number of staff and
pupils off.

One teacher said she was "scared and angry" while in work because of a lack of protection against
the virus on top of mounting workloads.

A parent also told BBC Scotland her daughter was worried about keeping up with coursework after
having to self-isolate for a second time.

The Scottish government said that absences were being monitored closely.

Figures on Thursday showed 24,412 pupils and 2,200 school staff were isolating because of either
positive tests or being identified through contact tracing.

A teacher, who preferred to remain anonymous, told BBC Scotland that it was "difficult" to maintain
normal lessons with so many pupils off, as well as sending separate work to those who are isolating.

"As the term has gone on, particularly since the October holidays, we are looking at an increasing
level of stress and anxiety," she said. "There is a feeling amongst teachers that what we are doing
right now isn't really what we signed up to do.

"We are being called frontline workers but being given none of the protections other frontline
workers have."

The teacher said she had heard from colleagues in other schools who described their situations as
"mayhem" and would prefer to move some classes online.

She said: "They say everyone's safety and education would actually be in a better position if
blended learning - that's some at home and some in school teaching - was brought in instead.

"I'm scared when I'm in work, but I'm also angry. It feels like we are going in there, we are doing
this job and nobody is aware of the circumstances we are working in."

'Self isolating for a second time'
Joy Duffy describes her daughter Charys as "studious" and "conscientious" even in the face of
a pandemic - but says she is dealing with frustration as she goes into another quarantine.

The 15-year-old was identified as a contact of someone who tested positive at Caldervale High
School in North Lanarkshire - a local authority which has among the highest rates of Covid
absences in schools.

Even though Charys' National 5 exams have been cancelled, Joy worries whether current teaching
methods are sustainable if absences continue to rise.

"She has been good in the house," said Joy. "It's not seeing her friends and missing out on
the whole school experience. There's no certainty if she goes back to school she won't have her
education disrupted again.

"When the teachers put work online she makes sure she gets it done - but other kids may really fall
behind if they're not doing the work. If it happens more things will get worse."

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