Associate feature: supporting vital workers

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, across the country people have gained fresh perspectives on the vital work undertaken by the nation’s key workers. Much of this has focused, rightly, on the critical roles of those battling the virus on the front lines, such as NHS staff and those working in the care sector. These key workers risk their lives to care for others and deserve to be supported as much as possible.

Scotland’s teachers provide some of that support through their staffing of the support Hub facilities which have been set up, and which the children of key workers (and, also, some vulnerable young people) can attend during the lockdown. This is a vital role, indeed it brings with it Category 1 key worker status, offering care for these young people while their parents perform essential work in places such as hospitals and care homes. It speaks to the dedication of Scotland’s teachers that the numbers volunteering to work in these Hubs far exceeds the number of staff required daily.

Beyond that, other teachers are doing all that they can to continue to engage children and young people across the country. Remote teaching and learning bring challenges, for all: teachers, students and parents. It is no substitute for the caring communities which are our schools, but it offers a lifeline platform where teachers can continue to support the health, wellbeing and resilience of our children and young people.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place a great strain on the entire country, Scotland’s public sector workers, including teachers, are doing all that they can to see us through the crisis.

Larry Flanagan, General Secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland

This piece was sponsored by EIS