LISTEN: Principal slams Peter Weir for 'failing pupils' amid school safety concerns

By Brett Campbell

The president of the National Association of Head Teachers in Northern Ireland has warned that pupils and teachers are being "left in the dark" when it comes to safety. 

Dr Graham Gault is calling for greater clarity about the risk posed by the new variant of coronavirus which could be behind a massive surge in cases. 

He's also slammed the education minister Peter Weir for allowing private exam providers to go ahead with transfer tests. 

"There is concern among teaching staff when it comes to their safety, but there is greater concern for our pupils taking this virus home their parents and grandparents," he said. 

"We want to play our part in fighting this and we don't want to be used as a political football."

The headmaster, who is is currently on secondment from Maghaberry Primary School in Moira, says social distancing is not possible in every setting.

"Staff are anxious. People need to understand that teachers are in a classroom with up to 30 children with no PPE in many cases. 

"They don't teach from behind a desk - sometimes it has to be elbow to elbow.  

"And when a child cuts their knee and needs a plaster it's the teacher who puts it on. 

"To say that social distancing is the answer is not realistic." 

Dr Gault has also accused the education minister of failing pupils after AQE confirmed it will proceed with its first paper on Saturday with two more tests to follow soon after. 

"It's the totally wrong decision and should never have been allowed to get to this stage," he said. 

"Peter Weir facilitated this by kicking the can down the road and hiding behind the fact that it's an independent process. 

"A plan B for academic selection was needed months ago but here we are on the cusp of the first test with no regard for pupils who have spent time off school as a result of the pandemic. 

"It's beyond belief that we are at this point without a contingency plan." 

Dr Gault also laid the blame on boards of governors at grammar schools which use the private test scores as entry requirements. 

"They too have failed to come up with an alternative process," he said.