Schools reopening before May half term?

[Manchestertimes]

What's everyone's opinion on when the schools will reopen? I think they will reopen a few weeks after Easter.

I don't know where people are getting the idea that teachers are doing nothing and having a holiday. DH is sitting in front of his computer teaching his full timetable, plus spending hours planning lessons, finding resources, responding to parents and students' emails, departmental meetings trying to figure out what to do with exam groups who no longer have exams, etc. He never used to have to plan lessons, after many many years of teaching he used to just walk into the classroom and teach without any resources and now it's all remote he needs to plan everything down to the minute. On top of that he's got a huge pastoral workload that has mushroomed.

Marsha Sorry, that was snarky of me - I thought you were replying to my last post, not the one before. Apologies. We're certainly not being encouraged to take leave now; quite the opposite. We're all working much longer hours than normal as it is. I can't see it getting better any time soon.

Yes the virus will come in waves as they relax the controls and more infection cases appear. Then they have to tighten them again.
All so that it doesn't exceed the NHS ICU capacity.

It must be sector specific the one I’m in will be decimated as it’s not a necessity.

Rebellenny ds said the same about not having the twats in the class lol. The other thing I’ve observed is that all kids have different strengths, and I’ve heard ds have FaceTime calls with a friend where he couldn’t understand how to do a maths question, and his friends face timeing him because they are stuck on computer science work and so on.

They even done a ‘session’ with 6 of them yesterday, all on a group face time sort of thing, where the maths whizz talked them all through how to do some equations. I though that was brilliant for the kids- they are in effect pooling their own resources to make sure no one is left behind.

So I’ve really noticed the kids pulling together, to help each other understand concepts that they weren’t sure of. Obviously the teachers are available to message, but the kids know that the teachers are up to their eyes with it, so are using each other’s abilities, before having to go to their teachers and being another person in the queue.

Schools in japan, Singapore, hk have had two months off. Even Wuhan is open again from April 8th (closed Jan 23d). So why will be different? Definitely back after half term, maybe two weeks before.

Well said Bulb1976. The moaning on here is unreal. I am currently supporting learners in 2 schools, so 2 work laptops are on & open. I have had to do masses of research to set work that doesn't require loads of teacher input and that is self-explanatory. In a practical subject where kids don't necessarily have access to equipment, that takes much longer than simply teaching the lessons.

The last week in school was the 2nd most challenging in my 25 year career. Stressed-out kids were looking to me for answers and I didn't have any. I have other worries of my own that I can't bring to them. I was in school all day on Tuesday this week looking after key workers' children and again in my other school yesterday afternoon for the same reason. I can't do my planned work with them because they are mixed-age groups, so I have had to come up with other meaningful activities IN ADDITION to setting work for my usual classes.

My internet connection is dire - thanks Tories for sorting that out NOT. I have 2 uni student DDs here trying to work remotely and I am also trying to support my school students who range in age from 7 to 18.

I do have a large rather wild garden and once my current lesson is over, my coffee, book and I will be heading out there for some R & R. I know I'm going to lose part of my Easter break covering for self-isolating colleagues, but as we're a team, I can live with it. If any goading idiot on here wants my summer holiday because they popped out sprogs thinking the state would bring them up, please fornicate and travel.

I can't see the point of threads like this. The simple answer is... no one knows. Asking umpteen anonymous strangers who are no more qualified to make a judgement than you will produce umpteen different answers.

I'm put in mind of this.

annie you ask why we are different? Because we were in denial, and took no measures for at least a month.

I think there's a slight possibly they could open after the May half term until they break up for the summer holidays, but honestly I think it's more realistic that they'll be off unit September now

There is no possibility it will be open soon. Even if you say a wish to the fairies at the bottom of your garden it still won’t come true.

Oh I forgot, some of you can’t even cope looking after your own kids for even a few days hmm
It's a bit like that for some people isn't it.

All things I've seen on MN in the last week:

Teachers are off work so why do they have a job? Other people have lost their jobs.
Why are the teachers setting too much work for my DC?
Why are the teachers not setting enough work for my DC?
Teachers aren't setting work that I think it appropriate. AIBU?
Teachers should be mindful not to make the (primary aged) maths/English too difficult as parents don't have time to be looking things up.
Private schools manage to have a full virtual school set up where the students get full lessons in real time. I don't see why state schools can't do that.
I'm trying to justify sending DC to school. Help validate my decision because really we aren't using it as a last resort.
Teachers should work weekends and schools sites should open longer hours.
My child has a parent at home but I'm still going to ignore guidance to only send them if there's no alternative because DH has a hugely important job that means he needs peace and quiet all day at home so can't do what millions of other parents are doing and compromise. He's too important to be involved in looking after his own kids.
Why aren't the school's back open yet? When will schools be open?
I think teachers should teach through the summer holidays to make up for schools being closed now (aka I think that people who are contracted to work 195 days a year should forced to work substantially beyond their contracts for free and lose their holiday entitlement because it can't be rolled over into the following year).
Teachers have already had their holidays this year with the school's being closed so they should make up the time in the school holidays.
Health staff do X so why don't teachers (forgetting that they're two totally different career pathways)
Why are teachers whinging about numbers on site? They should suck it up and stop trying to get out of teaching (forgetting that fewer people on site actually makes school safer for those who need it)

And of course the usual:
Teachers are paid for not working and some goady nonsense about teacher terms and conditions
Teachers think their job is so much more difficult than anyone else's (default response if anyone challenges any of the above claims)

Most parents are reasonable, supportive and understand that most people are doing extra because of the Coronavirus outbreak. There's always some though who are incapable of seeing the bigger picture and just want to complain.

@GoodStuffAnnie Schools in those countries can function safely and effectively with far less staff than we need here. As long as so many vulnerable staff are being advised to self isolate, schools here will not be able to function.

Plus if the quarantine baby boom predictions come true we'll have even more pregnant teachers self isolating soon!

Teachers have had a particularly hard time on mn which is a pity since they have been asked to do more than others - go in when there’s risk.

I think if teachers don't get a break over the Summer, there will be more sickness and resignations to contend with.

Better that dc are "behind" educationally than having dead people because the virus surfaces again?

I know it can't be easy.

@fourpeasinapod it's currently being explored. Vocational courses are more complex than GCSEs and a levels as there are so many of them and to different age groups etc. Pearson won't know yet as the DfE is still working with ministers on a solution.

Better that dc are "behind" educationally than having dead people because the virus surfaces again?

You know what they are thinking about that...

Well said, @lolasmiles

I think that covers all the bitching posts about schools I’ve seen in the last week.

What people might be forgetting is that the teachers we have left who are not in the vulnerable groups, are all on rotas to provide childcare for children of key workers. It is likely that some will end up with the virus and die, just like nhs staff-especially the ones in their 50s who are doing a lot as they don’t have young children. Who knows what staffing will even be like when all this is over.

No one knows. And please, can we all just stop bashing each other and each other’s jobs and complaining about who has it the hardest! I know this isn’t everyone, but so many are putting other professionals, other parents, other PEOPLE down!

We are all at the mercy of the governments of the world right now, and this is bloody hard, and will get harder, for everyone.

So many people right now are trying to juggle with homeschooling and working a full time job. Many people will be stay at home parents who can therefore dedicate their time to educating their child but will be worried sick about their partners job as it’s the only household income.

Many households won’t have to worry about child care but are working on the front line and putting their own and families health on the line every day.

So Many of us, me included, have family and friends that are extremely vulnerable and we are worried about but we can’t see them!

I’m a HLTA at an independent school. Right now I am helping my teacher from home by preparing resources that I can for her, whilst going into school on a rota system for key worker children. Waiting for latest updates before holidays start. It’s a private school. If parents loose their jobs and businesses and can’t pay the fees we will go bust. If time gets hard, who’s first on the chopping block? Support staff. I live alone, am therefore paying all my own bills. If I loose my job I’m up shit creek with plenty more people. That’s enough to keep me awake at night. I will be working through Easter holidays and likely half term with no extra pay. My qualification and experience is early Years. I can see large portions of this sector going bust after this.

No one wants this. No one wants to “tolerate” this and I hate it when anyone says “the country won’t tolerate being locked down” “won’t tolerate schools being closed for long” - we have to tolerate it! Club together and help each other! The more we work together and try to stick to these rules hopefully the faster we can get through And the less long term damage there will be!

Saw groups of teens at the park again today. Not all one family, I don’t think as just boys and girls meeting/hanging out by the picnic tables. One reason possibly why BJ didn’t want to close the schools.

Are they thick? Selfish? Come from homes where parents don’t care? Key workers? Don’t know and cannot really guess but it just shows how dense some young people can be. They’ve more opportunities now to communicate, than EVER. In my day, I’d be stuck at home with my sister looking after me while mum worked, colouring in or watching “The Singing Ringing Tree”. I’m too old for this shit! 😂

Teachers will not work in the summer holidays, it’s just not going to happen which is why it’s best for parents not to count on this

I wasn't expecting or saying that. Schools could reopen after May half term and close as usual for the summer holidays.

Not sure about Scotland as they don't have May half term and finishe earlier for the summer anyway.

I love the people saying no they are closed until September. Nobody actually knows. They are following the science remember. Eventually we have got to go back to some sort of normality. If it goes on beyond months then children are going to need to go back a year or do half days for a while. I think after months of being home they will be weak and would of lost alot of their confidence/energy/brain power (I know that's not a correct word). Not to mention anxious, confused and unsure what life is all about

I hope they can do 6 weeks before summer holidays. If that can't happen then I hope they change the school year. Because absolutely every single child deserves to go back to a familiar face and into the room they left last week. Teenagers can cope more as they have various teachers. Not primary kids will need to settle back in.

Alot of kids will have anxiety and depression in six months time. It's going to be bad. I know kids are resilient. But we are teaching them we don't mix now. We can't go out. The parks are shut. We can't swim. We can't see family. We can't go in shops. We cant have parties. We can't go on holiday. For the next six months if we have got to say no to everything!

Even stupid things like they can't have a haircut. They can't buy an ice cream from the ice cream man. They can't go to clubs, activities or yearly local events. They won't go to the dentist. They cant go into town.

How will they understand life after months of this?

Not the singing ringing tree Lady or Why don't you 😊

The antibody testing I think is the only way they re-open earlier.

If it seems a huge % of the population have had it and we are further on in this than they assumed, maybe they will re-open earlier but for now I’m assuming September.

I’m hoping by August some other things will re-open though so we can get out and about a little bit.

I only suggested the possibility of returning in Aug because I assumed schools would likely close again. Plus we are in unusual time. Schools I've worked at have always run Easter & Summer revision/masterclasses which teachers do on a rota & get additional pay for so the idea didn't seem that outlandish. I respect teachers but I do think some of the reactions on here are extreme. Lots of workers are taking risks.