Parents expecting work packs when we're still open

[Bridecilla]

My lessons are mainly interactive / powerpoint based so wouldn't have the same impact printed out.

I've started sorting online resources etc on the usual platforms and will obviously have more time to update these if and when we close.

Parents are expecting "work packs" which we simply don't have time to collate. Does anyone know what our responsibilities are to children whose parents choose to keep them off before shut down?

[PopcornZoo]

Doesn't your head /LA know?

[Bridecilla]

Not on a sunday night, no.

[BecauseReasons]

Tell them you're sorry but at the moment it's not school policy to provide work packs to students whose parents choose to self-isolate. It's not your decision to make and they should take it up with the head if they've got any concerns.

[helpfulperson]

Agree with becausereasons. The answer is that these will be provided if and when schools close.

[Herpesfreesince03]

I wouldn’t have though work packs would be provided for parents who choose to keep their children off

[NearlyGranny]

What Because Reasons says! If you're in teaching, that's their opportunity for learning. If school closes, materials go up for all.

Don't get drawn into extra work at a time like this. Expectations may be limitless but your time, stamina and obligations are not!

[rosegoldwatcher]

This is being shared on FaceBook -

"Update from the government...feel free to share,many parents are asking this question whether to keep children home or not.
If any parents would like to keep their children home. You will need to write an email to explain why your keeping your child home, whether it’s because of older family members with low immune systems or any family members with underlying health problems. Ask the headmaster in the email for a “work pack”, the school will have to get a pack together and you will need to pick the work up. As it’s a PANDEMIC, schools cannot deny your child time off. #BetterSafeThanSorry."

[rosegoldwatcher]

...amongst lots of other fictional advice and tips.

[BecauseReasons]

@rosegoldwatcher I can find no evidence of official government advice to that effect. Could you provide a link please?

[BecauseReasons]

*a link to the advice, that is, not the Facebook post

Or are you just pointing out what parents are being told by social media?

[rosegoldwatcher]

No - I just saw a shared posting on Facebook. I don't believe a word of it. Just reporting that this may be where the requests for workpacks is coming from.

[rosegoldwatcher]

@BecauseReasons - yes that exactly.

[SavoyCabbage]

Twinkl are doing packs specifically for parents to do themselves. Importantly not for us to give to the parents!

www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/how-to-utilise-twinkl-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown-a-guide-for-schools

[Kateplaysrugbyinmydreams]

Ugh. Tell them to get a grip, they want keep the kids at home because they know better than anyone else, they must be smart enough to teach them then.

[superram]

It’s bullshit. If you take your child out that’s your lookout (and completely understand why some people need to). Those people need to get to Wilkos and buy some work books. Teachers are still teaching all the other kids......

[Theholidayarmadillo4]

I am also really irritated by this. I'm in teaching. I don't have time to do both.

[Evenquieterlife33]

(Parent here.) If it’s any help parents at my school are talking tonight about keeping kids home tomorrow, many are very worried and some have health issues. A few people have said- “just ask for work packs.” I think people are under the impression that this is available somehow. I’m 90% I’m keeping my lot home tomorrow, if the school doesn’t have anything to send I’m just going to work through the homework books topics we have at home this week.

[vingt]

I might have to keep my immunodeficient dc off, i spent my weekend putting together 'lessons' based on what he's doing in school so will do three 'lessons' a day. It's not on to expect teachers to do it.

[Bridecilla]

The Facebook post was what sparked me to post. It's irritated the shit out of me. Then I made the mistake of logging on to my work email and low and behold there are requests for these work packs that the fairies are obviously making up!

We're due an ofsted and I'm up to my eyeballs with normal work shit. I haven't got the head space for more work and just wanted to find out the actual state of play with expectations

[MrsAquaman]

Bit harsh and judgy that Kate. There are many reasons why parents want to keep their kids at home. Including having themselves or their children with compromised immune systems or elderly family members at risk. Bit of a silly comment really

[Rosebel]

And what about the children who have to stay home even if they aren't really ill because we can't risk it kate. Or are those parents being unreasonable too?

[TinnedPearsForPudding]

I do not believe that official Government policy is using the hashtag #bettersafethansorry I call #fakenews on that

[Bridecilla]

@NearlyGranny you put it perfectly. Thank you. I need to remember this

Expectations may be limitless but your time, stamina and obligations are not

[zombieapocalypseisnigh]

I'm wondering if we can just tell such parents what subjects were covering in maths, science and grammar and let them find their own worksheets online. Give them links to resource sites.

[oncemorewithfeeling99]

Draft a blanket response saying that if schools are shut home packs will be sent out. Until then if you need to keep a child home then please use resources from x, y, z website.

Parents are getting a lot of mixed messages so try not to take it personally when they ask for stuff. You are entitled to say no. They may have to keep their children off due to the new rules or they may have an underlying health condition.

It’s a time of high stress for teachers and for families. Don’t do more than you can reasonably manage though.