Overcrowding in schools can be addressed by redirecting classes of other students to rural schools.
Reviving foreclosed rural schools
Within the jurisdiction of the Stirling Council in Scotland, there is an ongoing debate on whether to use a foreclosed primary school as an alternative classroom during this pandemic, or leave it as is and remain non-functional.
Since the start of the year 2018, the Buchanan Primary School in Milton, Buchanan, has been called to close due to the diminishing number of enrolling students.
The same scenario happened to Trossachs Primary school in Callander, United Kingdom, where the rural school finally came to a shutdown last year after being postponed to operate for almost two years.
Chief Education Officer of the Stirling Council, Mr. Kevin Kelman, assured that the council is overlooking its properties which has the potential to serve as alternative learning facilities for students during this pandemic.
Social distancing measures
Since one of the main concern is reopening of schools in the UK is maintaining social distancing protocols, education officials might consider refurbishing closed rural schools in the UK to serve as additional school facilities for returning students.
Making use of closed rural schools as an alternative for additional classrooms will be much more efficient rather than constructing new facilities.
Old rural schools will just undergo some minor refurbishing in terms of ventilation, heating and cooling systems, and lavatory equipment. Additional classrooms are critical in assuring social distancing is strictly observed at schools.
At the same time, the UK government is planning to haul in retired teachers to help boost the education workforce in time for the impending reopening of schools.
