Sharjah students to return to schools next week

Our Correspondent

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and Sharjah Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Team have announced the gradual return of students to schools on September 27, following all precautionary and preventive measures to ensure the safety and health of students. This will apply in the case of both direct and hybrid education systems.

The decision comes after ensuring the readiness of all educational facilities to adhere to all precautionary measures prescribed by the SPEA. Instructions to be taken by school staff, parents and students had been issued earlier.

SPEA staff conducted field visits to check the preparations of schools to safely receive their students. The inspection campaigns were made in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Sharjah Educational Council, Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA), Sharjah Municipality and Sharjah Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Department (SMAAD).

Students have been asked by respective schools to undertake a mandatory and free COVID test before they return to school. Parents also need to fill in a consent form to enlist their willingness or otherwise about sending their wards back to school. The preference among parents is largely for online learning, this correspondent has learnt from an Indian school in Sharjah.