While the volcanic ash from the erupting Icelandic volcano is airborne in UK airspace, there will, apparently, be severe continuing disruption to journeys by plane to and from airports in Scotland. When the ash flutters to earth, that is not the end of our problems because there are mounting concerns about the potential health risks were ash particles inhaled; especially by those with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.I am concerned about the capacity of all the city schools to cope on Monday, because of a significant number of teachers stranded abroad, unable yet to fly back to the UK from their Easter holidays. I am also concerned about the preparedness of schools and nurseries to take reasonable precautions to protect pupils, especially those with vulnerable health, from being exposed to the dangers from inhaling volcanic ash particles.
I think parents and carers would like to be reassured that there are contingency plans in place. Firstly, they will hope that they will not be hearing news of partial school or nursery closures on Monday morning. Secondly, I think parents and carers will want to be doubly reassured that their children will be protected from exposure to the dust particles while at school or nursery.
