Lockdown 2021: the situation in EU schools

Plans to open schools have been thwarted by fears of exposing students and teachers' health to unnecessary risks. Simultaneously, Europe's leading countries have reacted differently to the forced measure of extending the lockdown.

Germany

The country's government recommends that educational institutions adhere to the distance learning format until the number of coronavirus infections decreases. At the same time, schools for children with special needs were allowed to remain open.

Immediately after this statement, a group of teachers sent a letter to the Minister of Education, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision. The teachers said that observing the rules of hygiene in specialized schools would be extremely difficult precisely due to the restrictions that brought the children to such schools.

The Ministry of Education replied that if special schools are closed, parents will face severe difficulties that they cannot solve independently.

The Netherlands

Distance learning is being extended in Dutch schools and universities until the 7th of February. The only exceptions are for disabled students and those with special needs who can attend school in person on a one-to-one basis. Specialized schools also remain open.

According to Paul Overacker, the director of one of the schools, teachers want to return to the usual teaching format as soon as possible. However, the safety and health of their students come first. Schools will be closed until the number of cases decreases. Opening them now, in Overacker's opinion, would be extremely irresponsible.

Italy

All schools in Italy were put on lockdown back in March 2020. Elementary and middle schools opened in September.

The country's government has recognized that online learning cannot replace quality education for special needs children. For this reason, the government made an exception for some schools: now students can attend PE (Physical Education) classes in person. This decision has provoked controversy, as it contradicts the approach of integrated education (mixed classes).

Moreover, it is noteworthy that specialized schools for children with special needs are still a rarity in Italy. Since the 1970s, they have been gradually abandoned, with a preference for integrating special needs children into general classes.

France

Throughout the lockdown, French schools have operated remotely. After Christmas, due to new outbreaks of COVID-19, the country followed the example of neighboring states and once again closed educational institutions. The government's fears have been sparked by a more contagious British strain of the coronavirus, which has led the country to unexpected reforms.

Consequently, it was decided that after the opening of schools, children over six years old will have to use medical masks (including outside). The teachers were also obliged to air the premises and classrooms regularly.

Children with special needs will be considered "priority students" but must adhere to the same safety precautions as other students. Parents have the right not to send their children to school if they believe it would put their health at risk.