Staffing concerns over swine flu leave at schools

SCHOOLS could face staffing difficulties if they are not allowed to bring in substitutes for teachers out sick with suspected swine flu, second level principals have claimed.

Despite some public concern about schools reopening, the HSE said yesterday that there is no reasons why they should not operate as normal and it is working with the Department of Education to finalise advice to schools.

But, with dozens of the country’s 730 second-level schools due to open next week, the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) said it needs to clarify issues around sick leave certification with the Department of Education.

Cutbacks in place since January have restricted the amount of substitution the department will pay for schools to cover uncertified sick leave and official school business, but teachers may be unable to get a doctor’s certificate if they follow medical advice to avoid surgery visits if they have flu symptoms.

“Our main concern is not about large numbers of students becoming ill, but the issues around staff being sick,” said NAPD director Clive Byrne.

“The department is only paying for sick leave substitution if it’s certified, which means going to the doctor, but the HSE is saying not to see a doctor unless symptoms are extreme,” he said.

Schools are also seeking guidelines on the level of hygiene protection and awareness needed.

The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) will seek clarity on these and other issues at a meeting with department officials today.

“We expect all primary schools to open as planned next month but want updated, detailed advice for teachers before that. Updated advice and guidance to schools, that provides answers to questions that are being asked, is essential to ensuring that schools can reopen smoothly,” said INTO general secretary John Carr.

The HSE’s head of health protection Dr Kevin Kelleher said schools need to make sure they have educated students about hand hygiene, and telling them to sneeze into a tissue, put tissues into a bin and dispose of them. He told RTÉ’s News At One radio programme that handwashing facilities should be easily available within schools.

* Guidelines on swine flu for schools, colleges, teachers, parents and students is available at www.hpse.ie or www.swineflu.ie and www.education.ie.