Europe at large has established numerous measures that will allow schools to reopen and stay safe during this coronavirus pandemic.

The UK has already confirmed that schools will be reopening in the next few months. As such, schools must get ready by following the outline provided to them by the authorities.

Blended model explained

The aim of this model is to reduce the time students will spend in schools. It combines classroom attendance and online digital learning. Therefore, teachers will only take students through important topics in class and provide assignments through a digital platform to be completed at home. The government has said that the in-person contact will be minimal between teachers and children.

Although the blended model is meant to reduce the class size since some kids will attend during morning hours while others will attend in the afternoon, schools will still have to look for ways to expand their classrooms to satisfy social distancing requirements.

The need for extra classrooms

In the blended learning model, schools will have a minimal number of students attending classes at a given time. But still, the current classrooms, libraries, and halls will not be sufficient to maintain social distance. Temporary structures must be erected by schools so that student desks can be spread out as per the requirements of the law.

Any school that requires affordable and reliable temporary classrooms should contact the Smart-Space experts since they are among the best in the UK. They will talk you through the available options to suit your school’s needs. The best part is that they have turnkey solutions that even fit in spaces that are small. Thus, it is possible to plan and expand any school through their skill and expertise.

What others are doing

Some other schools in Europe have already resumed classes. They are all observing social distancing among other measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in schools.

In Denmark, schools are encouraging pupils to stay socially distanced or in micro-groups in school and during break time and to carry out an hourly hand washing. According to officials, the children have different schedules of arriving at school, and they must be in their assigned zones at all times.

Germany, on the other hand, has sufficiently spaced seating for each student. Pupils went back to school at different times depending on their grades with the seniors beginning first.

Notably, all schools in different parts of Europe agree that a blended learning model is the best way to minimize exposure among children. And this is working perfectly well so far. This is why the UK is certain that it will work in their case as well.

The role of parents in a blended model

To make this approach a success, parents are encouraged to get ready to participate fully. They should make sure that their children are completing the assignments and homework issued through digital platforms. It is also their obligation to protect their children from cyberbullying when they are using tech devices at home to complete their schoolwork.

The final word

The blended learning model is expected to work well in the UK according to the government. But all the above precautions must be fulfilled first. All parties have a role to play. Parents, teachers, and pupils can work together to protect the health of those in their communities.