‘I dread the thought of another long-term lockdown’

AN Omagh woman who has three school children says she dreads the thought of another long-term lockdown as schools in the North perpare to close for two weeks.

The mother-of-four has two young children in primary school, one in secondary school and another who has just started university.

She is now preparing for two weeks at home with the children and is hoping that the latest closure will not be extended.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said, “I think this closure is very necessary and it is appropriate to do it now when children were supposed to be off for a week anyway.

“There has been a big increase in the number of community cases, so the school closures may help with that.

“Although, I do dread the thought of another long-term lockdown.

“Home-schooling is not easy, and it is difficult for the child and parent.

“I am constantly worrying about whether I am doing it right, the fear of teaching it wrong to the child and if the child is going to be able to keep up when they do return to school.

“We have so many worries about our children and it is just trying to keep all of them under control.

“Another long-term lockdown could be detrimental to their education and I really dread the thought of our children missing out.”

The woman has also praised teachers and staff within schools who have ‘gone above and beyond’ to make parents and children feel safe since September.

She said, “I am happy with the way the schools have been organised since they reopened, and I think the principals and teachers have been fantastic.

“The bubbles keep people safe and if Covid is in one of my children’s bubbles then the children have to isolate, and we know who the child has been in contact with.

“I am content that children are being well looked after when they are at school and schools are doing all they can to follow the guidelines.”