First day back at school - how was it?

[snowballer]

I have a child in Y1 and he's had a brilliant day. Around 20 of the class of 30 came back today, split into two groups across two classrooms. Nothing was terrifying, no weird chalk circles outside in which to play, and no prison like classrooms. All the children coming out at pick up were so happy to be back. Even the fact his best friend is in the other group didn't bother him!

How were your children's days if they went back today?

[bigchris]

Hi snowballer

Mine didn't go back today ( how I wished that they had !) But just wanted to say how lovely to hear a positive heart warming story and so glad your ds had a fab day !

[StrawberryBlondeStar]

Mine have been in under keyworkers provision, but 2 are now back in their normal years and 1 is in a bigger keyworker bubble (best friend now in it as well). They have all come back so happy. Couldn’t wait to tell me what amazing days they had. School had it really well organised.

[bengalcat]

Fabulous snowballer

[ThirtySomeThin]

So happy to hear this! My child is back on Thursday. Does your DS have his own desk 2m apart from others? Was he allowed to play with other children? My reception child has to sit at her own desk and eat lunch at her desk which I can just about live with but I’m so nervous that she won’t be able to play with the others in her group.

[StrawberryBlondeStar]

@snowballer agreed also no weird chalk or hula hoops. Lots of outdoor play and picnics.

[Redolent]

Happy for you OP. I’m sure the mental health of those children has taken a positive boost.

[Nuffaluff]

My youngest (reception) went back today. Only five went in out of 30. The five of them were split between four adults as they were expecting a few more. It’s lucky that the boy he was with is a friend of his!
No social distancing with his little pal, so all good. I think it was very weird for him though!

[snowballer]

They are two to a table (their normal round tables as far as I could gather from DS) but with two on each instead of five. Playtime was as normal, but just with the two Y1 groups separated from each other. They ate lunch in the hall as usual, but again, with a lot of space between the bubbles. Lots of hand washing obviously.

I get the impression that the focus is on maintaining the bubbles in total isolation from each other, rather than committing to a fruitless task of trying to keep 5 and 6 year olds 2m apart. I'm fine with that.

The teachers were brilliant this morning - so positive and welcoming.

[ArtisanPopcorn]

My year 1 went back, she was in a tiny class of 7! They did some of the same homelearning they provided for the kids at home, ate lunch outside, played outside. She seems happy.

[Bol87]

A really fantastic day here.. we are nursery, not school. My daughter was pretty upset on drop off as expected given 11 weeks of not leaving my side but I rang nursery when I got home & she was fine :) She didn’t want to come home when I picked her up & she talked none stop in the car about her friends & games & being able to use the big slide & swing set in the nursery gardens (it’s getting washed between each group of children).. I think she missed the park 😂

My daughter is just so happy this evening, I’m sat here in tears. She’s got 10 week old baby sister & it’s been a really tough, intense 10 week adjustment for her. Shes seemed so sad & angry as times gone on. And now she’s smiling from ear to ear!

[MadgeMak]

My year 1 child had a great day. Just 10 kids have gone back in his class and they were assigned a bubble of 3 or 4 children who they could play properly with. He didn't find it weird at all and they all seemed very happy.

[FrodoTheDodo]

You mean they didn't have to sit alone at a desk all day, wash their hands every 20 mins and fall over, cry or choke while staff stand around and do nothing because of roolz? 😂

[Parker231]

Just seen my neighbours five year old. What a difference a day at school has made. He was so excited, had a lovely day, enjoyed seeing his teacher and playing with his friends. He’s running around their garden shouting that he loves school.

My neighbours are very glad they decided to send him back to school.

[TeddyIsaHe]

This is lovely! So glad your day had such a good day. Dd is back to nursery tomorrow and I’m worrying about it. She can’t wait to leave the house though!

[Zisforstripyoss]

My foundation child went back today in a very small bubble (5). She was pleased to have her own teacher and her bestie was in the same bubble. She was pleased that she got all her own pens, whiteboard, rubber etc and she liked the school packed lunch. Again, no chalk circles or anything like that and they seemed like they were mostly socially distanced. She had a good day.

[MarcelineMissouri]

Aww this is great to read. My reception child starts back next week. I think he will be very happy to be back! Really hoping my older dc gets a chance to go back before the summer holidays too...

[StrawberryRaven]

What a lovely thread, great to hear of such positive experiences!

[snowballer]

You mean they didn't have to sit alone at a desk all day, wash their hands every 20 mins and fall over, cry or choke while staff stand around and do nothing because of roolz? 😂

Incredibly, no! 🤣

[MintIceLolly]

Year 1 DD here.

She's absolutely loved it. 2 to a table instead of 5 or 6 but she was happy she got to choose who she sat with. Slightly different set up in they took the children to the playground lined them up and sat them down to be handed over to parents but she wasn't fazed. Lunch was on the field which she loved and said was great. Been outside most of the day from what I can tell. No Social Distancing between the children apart from in the hall and corridor, lots of handwashing but otherwise pretty much school as she knows it.

So pleased with the efforts of the head and other teachers.

[Delatron]

My Yr6 had a great day! He came home and said it was so nice to see his friends and he said they laughed and laughed and he realised how much he has missed that.

He said they also played a game of Britain’s Got Talent and he did a comedy act and everyone laughed and he was so chuffed.

Our school have been great. We had a 20 minute video explaining how it would all work. They are in bubbles of 15. They have teacher half the day and TA they other half I think but the teacher also live streams to the other classroom when teaching.

As said on another thread, he wasn’t traumatised by the increase in hand washing or the specific toilet times. He didn’t even mention that. He just had a good time.

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

That sounds positive. Am in two minds as to what to do with our year 1. The year 2 and nursery won't ve going back - school nursery won't be open

The school have sent a letter out saying that the teaching will only be what work is set for the children at home to ensure parity. Rather than looking at ways to level up. Unsure at the moment whether it is worth returning the year 1 as doesn't seem that much teaching will be done and the pick up and drop off will be difficult with the other two in tow.

[snowballer]

Our school is doing the same Gobbolino - same work in school as the home learning. I also have an older child who's not back at school. But for DS the social contact has been a game changer and will be well worth dragging my eldest on the school run.

[Helpel]

Both mine went back this morning; one to reception and one to nursery. They have both had great days and came home full of beans. Both the school and nursery have been wonderful, with clear instructions on what to do, safety first, but with young children in mind. I was apprehensive about our decision over the weekend, but now I am so happy we have made the decision we did. Highly recommend if your school is on top of things!

[Wishforsnow]

My Y6 was back today, she said best day ever! They did do their usual subjects and she said breaktime and lunch for fun and she had a great time with her friends. They all made sure they didn't hug or get too close and washed hands when appropriate. She can't wait to get back tomorrow. So happy for her but clearly I have been boring company!

[FAQs]

My year 11 would have walked the 24 miles to school if she’d been allowed, it’s so lovely to read all the positive stories, they need their friends who are such a big part of who they are.