What will happen to vulnerable/living with vulnerable teachers when schools reopen?

[whenthejoyreturns]

From threads on here I can see this is going to be a big issue, but surely they can’t all stay off until there’s a vaccination if there ever is one. Will they have to leave the profession?

I don't know the answer but I'm following as DD is in this situation.

I'm guessing nobody knows then.

No idea but would assume it would be like any other profession, those shielding protected but vulnerable groups back in work. If people really feel they can’t then maybe ssp? But can’t expect non-shielding to sit at home on full pay until we get a vaccine.

From everything that I’ve read and heard, people who are not in the ‘at risk category‘ will be expected to go back to work, even if they live with a vulnerable person.
The advice is to ‘social distance’ at home as much as possible, keeping 2m apart, not share bathrooms where possible, not making food for the other person, etc.
It’s ridiculous.
It’s impractical.
It’s terrifying.
I think there may well be a lot of teachers who decide to leave the profession as a result, which is concerning given that there is a national shortage of teachers anyway.

Teachers have until 31st May to resign effective the end of the summer term.

I wouldn't want to be in charge of timetabling for September put it that way!

What happens with other professions? I guess it'll be the same.

Also, it’s not just teachers and other school staff that will be put at increased risk once schools reopen.
Vulnerable parents and family members will also be put at risk if their child picks it up at school and brings it home.
The constant rhetoric that the Government spews about how children don’t suffer / only suffer mild symptoms / are asymptotic is worrying. Children can still pass it on!
I fear we are all being thrown under the bus where reopening schools is concerned.

I think they'll need to work out some sort of criteria system.

I think the only category which is clear cut is those who are shielding (with official letter) who could get continuing furlough (with added guaranteed right of return?) or, where possible, preserved WFH (not teachers, obviously).

But I don't know what could/should be done for those (including school pupils) who have a shielded person in their immediate household (does anyone really believe you can isolate child from sibling/parent within the home?)

Nor vulnerable but not shielded
Nor those with a vulnerable household member

I hope policy on all those criteria will be sorted out before schools and workplaces return, rather than there being a bit of a reactive hurry.

They will have to follow the guidelines. If the guidelines say work at home, the vulnerable staff work at home. If the guidelines say vulnerable staff come into school, they come into school.

I think it will be up to the head.
I know that two of our teachers are carers for vulnerable people and they have not been coming in for key worker children. The head has said he doesn’t expect them in when we open either.

It will be the same for teachers as others - nurses, drs etc are at far higher risk than teachers and still have to work if their partner is vulnerable - many are living apart to make it easier.

Teachers have until 31st May to resign effective the end of the summer term.
If a teacher might have to leave on health grounds it would be jumping the gun to resign at the end of May. There would be a procedure to go through.

I think most teachers are more than happy to return to work but would feel a lot safer if they had the same protections that shop workers and transport workers have for example.
So 2m distancing, plastic screens, limited time spent with each individual?
Or maybe the same protections offered to care workers who spend time up close for extended amounts of time with people who may not be infected - so access to frequent hand washing, maybe simple masks and gowns?

Or do we think any of this are unpractical in schools for teaching and actually opening schools up to more children than are currently attending would be unwise until community transmission is a bit lower?

Or do people think teachers and children are not worth the protection offered to shop workers, transport workers and others?

Otherwise I'm quite happy to quit. I'm sure everyone would be happy to see the back of yet another shortage subject teacher.

It will be the same for teachers as others - nurses, drs etc are at far higher risk than teachers and still have to work if their partner is vulnerable - many are living apart to make it easier.
Doctors and nurses tend not to work with patients who can't keep their hands off each other, who lick and chew things lying around, who pick their noses and smear it everywhere... I could go on. Small children are very generous in sharing their diseases at the best of times. My daughter was signed off sick before Covid 19 became a thing here because of her lung condition. Early retirement on ill health grounds is a real possibility.

I'm sorry, I've just had enough of all the teacher bashing on here. I know this thread is currently not one but it's bound to turn into one.
Right must go home educate my own children, manage the toddler, sort out my online students, keep house and everyone fed, and try to keep what's left of my sanity - just like everyone else working from home with small children and home learning going on.

Also, what is going to happen to children in the vulnerable category when the school's go back?

Drs and nurse do also treat children and patients with dementia etc who also don't get social distancing etc
I know people who are vunerable who's partners are having to still work and it's crap but unless you can afford to give up work etc I don't see what choices there are, in reality they can't be paid full pay long term either as no one knows how long or if we will get a vaccine

I suspect shielding people will have to stay at home but everyone one else will have to come in.

I suspect a number of our (pathetically paid) wonderful TAs will think it isn’t work risking their vulnerable husband’s lives coming in to work for £8 odd an hour and will resign. This will mean that our EHC plan children will have no support at all.