TEACHERS remain concerned about potential Covid-19 spread in schools and want to see effective safety mitigations in place throughout the winter months, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has said.

The teaching union’s survey found most school staff want to keep measures aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus in schools, as scientists sound alarm over the omicron variant, which is feared to be much more transmissible.

Only 6 per cent wanted face masks to no longer be required in secondary schools, with 55 per cent wanting them to be retained throughout the winter.

The poll of more than 16,000 teachers also found that 30 per cent did not believe their working space was well ventilated to combat the risk of Covid-19 spreading.

EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: “The emergence of new variants such as omicron, coupled with the higher risk of illness during the winter months, will only increase the risk of Covid infection spreading through school communities.”

According to the survey, 47 per cent of teachers felt “very safe” or “somewhat safe” in schools with current mitigations. 

Mr Flanagan said: “Teachers continue to work flat-out, in the face of the continuing Covid pandemic, to ensure a quality learning experience for young people.

“It is clear, however, that the threat of Covid has not gone away and also that teachers remain concerned about the potential risk to pupils, staff and their families.”

On Friday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would “bust a gut” to ensure schools remained open amid a surge in cases but admitted there could not be a guarantee that schools would remain open.