Shropshire Star

Shropshire private schools could host vaccine hubs for teachers

Teachers across the county could be vaccinated in an operation hosted by two of the county's public schools.

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Oswestry School

The proposal, which is awaiting approval from government and NHS officials, would aim to vaccinate teachers during the February half term.

Under the plan both Oswestry School and Shrewsbury School would become vaccination centres for teachers.

This scheme has been drawn up by two academy chains, a private school group, and the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), which represents schools including Eton and Harrow.

Oswestry School, a member of the HMC, said it will join Shrewsbury School to provide Shropshire’s vaccination centres.

Under the emergency scheme medically trained staff would inoculate school workers for 16 hours a day.

The plan is that ‘most or even all’ of England’s one million school and nursery teachers, teaching assistants and support staff, including dinner ladies and caretakers, could be vaccinated within the week.

Oswestry School said it has the refrigerators required to store the vaccine and a large force of medically trained staff who can administer the injections.

Headmaster Julian Noad said: “We are incredibly privileged to be able to help in whatever way we can during this pandemic alongside our HMC colleagues.

“Our pupils need to return to school as soon as possible and by taking part in this initiative I hope that we can speed up this time.

“Being located just outside Oswestry town centre means that school staff members can easily reach us, by car, public transport, or by walking.

“With good planning and hard work, Shrewsbury School and Oswestry will be able to ensure the safety of teaching and support staff.”

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