Those of us that remember 2007 may recall the slogan that Tony Blair used as he stated his priorities: Education, Education, Education. My suggestion for current leaders is that they amend this to Education, Vaccination, Vaccination.
As I recently watched David Attenborough’s Perfect Planet, I found myself marvelling at the extraordinary beauty and power of nature. Amongst the many things that struck me was the action of a colony of ants, as the rising flood waters threatened impeding doom for their underground nest. The ants linked with each other and formed a raft. Buoyed up with air, the raft of linked bodies floated on the flood waters until reaching a safer place. Every effort was made to ensure that no one was left behind- queen, larvae and ants with varying roles were all part of the escape from inevitable doom.
Those leading us through the COVID-19 pandemic will often use phrases such as ‘We are all in this together’. Whilst a number undermine this by their own behaviour, they are of course correct in that this pandemic is impacting on all humanity. Recognising what different groups contribute and aiming to save all through vaccination is the way to go. Pitting one group against another is a disastrous strategy.
So, when I write that school staff need to be vaccinated as a priority, that does not mean that I fail to recognise the incredible work of others such as medical staff and carers. I also understand that other groups place themselves in danger through simply doing their job- police, shop workers and those that work in prison to name but a few. I do however put the case that school staff do need to be given greater priority than seems to be the case at present.
A headteacher that I greatly respect messaged me regarding her school being opened, ‘It’s the pleasure of being a civil servant……when the whistle blows, we go over the top.’ She is currently in full battle. Many of her parents have low paid jobs, are on zero contracts and have limited terms and conditions to protect them. They can’t afford childcare. They can’t take any more time off work. Their jobs and their homes are under threat. Relationships are strained. They need a raft to save them, but the school has an ever-increasing list of those considered to be key workers. There is limited space and a decreasing number of staff. It seems that not everyone is keen to link up and form a way out of the situation. Some unions have advised their school-based members to call on section 44 and say that they are feeling anxious about health and safety. Ironically, they get paid regardless of whether they are in work, unlike the parents of those they teach.
Vaccinating school staff would allow schools to reopen. Those school staff genuinely concerned for their safety, together with those playing the system, could safely return to work. Schools could provide a raft that saves jobs, homes, and futures. They could ensure that the vulnerable are not left behind.
As always, provide schools with the resources and they will deliver. Education, Vaccination, Vaccination.