OK, let's do this.

"The Statement" - a thread

Statement issues by Ministers Foley and Madigan this evening, in response to union request to rethink school reopening Thursday morning (36 hrs time)

*This thread is brought to you courtesy of a clusterfeeding baby*

#1

#edchatie https://twitter.com/Education_Ire/status/1351660934226468864
Intro, straight into it, shots fired.

This sets the tone for the statement. At no point does @Education_Ire accept any responsibility for the current situation or the pain and stress it is causing.

It is 100% the unions' faults.

This should help going forward...

#2
"Unprecented"

This is possibly true, given previous levels

"Engagement"

Hosting meetings is not in and of itself engagement. Evidence of impact of the concerns raised is not visible.

"Two weeks"

Here lies the crux of the issue. We've had 10 months. 2 weeks is not enough

#3
As of 11pm Tuesday, no such guidelines had been shared with school Boards or staff. It's unclear how schools were to facilitate such leave in 24 hours. Or plan for on site learning not knowing what staff were available.

#4
As of 11pm Tuesday, no such guidelines had been shared with school Boards or staff. It's unclear how schools were to facilitate such leave in 24 hours. Or plan for on site learning not knowing what staff were available.#4
As of 11pm Tuesday, no such guidelines had been shared with school Boards or staff. It's unclear how schools were to facilitate such leave in 24 hours. Or plan for on site learning not knowing what staff were available.#4
The Webinar.

In this webinar it was stated that all staff should maintain 2m distance when not performing intimate care needs. That's how we would be safe. If schools applied the mitigation measures, distancing included, staff would be safe

#5
I don't expect public health to understand the realities of a special class or school. I do expect @Education_Ire to have discussed these realities with them so that the advice& guidelines given can be practical & so those listening to the advice can trust the risk assessment

#6
Where did this figure come from exactly?

To clarify, in the context where the Dept wanted every school to open on Thursday, and special classes at the exact same capacity and circumstances as before Xmas.

#7
They really did not. And were still waiting on the FAQs that were supposed to help clear it up as of 11pm Tuesday night.

#8
The staff working with these pupils are very aware of their needs. I think it's fair to say more than the Dept are.

Also very aware of the needs of the group of pupils this plan would have removed supports from. Not at all addressed in this statement.

#9
"With appropriate measures in place"

This is where the disagreement lies.

Let's not forget 40% cut to PPE funding

#10
You have not addressing safety concerns.

We are an outlier, and that is an absolute shame on our Education system and the complete lack of planning for 10 months despite repeated calls to do so.

That responsibility fully rests on @NormaFoleyTD1

#11
The vast majority of pupils with Significant Additional Needs cannot engage at all remotely?

Can I ask where this data was gathered?

Many can't, but other families have no intention of returning to school with current numbers. Their supports were also being cut

#12a
Again, you have not. No such guidance was received.

#13
It is regrettable.

If the union is the same, what's the factor that is different?

Those in charge? Planning?

#14
A very clear statement that the Dept will no longer be considering the concerns of staff going forward and will focus solely on the pupils.

That should help resolve this...

#15
Minister Madigan finishes up by repeating the stuff already in the statement, almost word for word.

#16
This statement was a clear attack on unions & school staff. It's purpose is political & not one focused on the pupils, regardless of claims.

It's an attempt to look "strong" as yet another failure unfolds in Ed, caused by lack of planning by @Education_Ire & @NormaFoleyTD1

#17
I don't believe any of those involved in this shambles played out via media can hold their heads high. But the utter contempt shown to staff by Dept is inexcusable.

The refusal to even acknowledge that repeatedly going to media without agreement played a part is pathetic.

#18
Consistent attempts to pit families against staff with no regard to the long term impacts make it clear the intention here is not and never has been about the interests of children.

No attempt to plot a way forward. No attempt to lead.
Our education system is rudderless.

#19
It's very hard to see where we go from here.

The damage done to trust is incalculable.

And our pupils our most vulnerable (with & without AEN) suffer again.

Not good enough.

#20
@AodhanORiordain @1GaryGannon @Donnchadhol @VoiceforTeacher @ForumTeaching
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