Just teacher I won't be sending DS back to school

[TheGoldenNugget]

Just got off the phone with DS teacher, we spoke about schools opening in June and she asked me if I'm planning to send him back when they open. I said no. Anyone else not sending their kids back when schools open in a few weeks?

I will send my year 1 ds back. He understands social distancing, knows why and how to wash his hands etc. He said to me I know I can't hug my friends but I will be able to see them and laugh with them. Both me and oh work with no option of furlough and it's been really hard managing everything. However, I live in an area where there were only 3 new cases announced today, only 180 confirmed cases over all and no deaths, which obviously helps with the decision. I was also reassured today by Jenny Harris at the press briefing, if 1 in 400 people currently have CV according to ONS then in my one form entry primary with 90ish children going back the chances of one of them or their family having it are very small and the number of people currently infected could be halved by the time schools go back. However, I don't judge anyone for not sending their children back and if it weren't for work I can't say I wouldn't keep mine at home a bit longer.

Obviously if deaths have started to rise again or infections rise significantly in my area I might change my mind after half term.

Yes of course. Unfortunately only one of mine is a year 6. If I could send the other 2 then I would. The benefits, not only to their education but to their mental health, far outweigh the small risk of infection. I fully expect the school to adhere to social distancing. In a few years, we'll be picking up the outfall of all of the children who have suffered in some way or another (mental health, domestic abuse, self harm, poverty and nutrition the list goes on) for the schools being closed for so long.

Two coronavirus cases at primary school attended by vulnerable pupils
mol.im/a/8324649

Just now

Just a whisper and no concrete evidence, but I've heard that a lot of teachers and support staff are going to refuse to go back to work claiming it is unlawful to expect them to work in a dangerous environment. Also for all of you saying "my child can social distance" have you considered the size of the classroom? There isn't enough room to social distance. Also, there is a real risk to children. Children are dying. Children may have different symptoms with COVID 19, similar to Kawasaki disease.

@Joodleoodle

Please don't spread unsubstantiated rumours about teachers to try and provoke another teacher bashing. Teachers are professionals with strong sense of vocation. I don't know any who would refuse to work if asked. Stop making them sound lazy and selfish.

Joodleoodle So when are they planning in going back to work? This virus isn’t going away soon.

My daughter goes to school 14 in total attend. I don’t know if the figure was more I would. Her hands bleed due to washing them. there is one allowed in the toilets. That’s 14 out of 300, they are doing the same in school as they would / are doing at home. I think people are still not getting the fact that it possibly won’t be the healthy children that get this it’s the ones with weakened immunity. I think there is definitely this oh mine will be ok ! If I wasn’t a key worker there’s no way that mine would go in. Schools should be there to support parents of children that have to go to physically go into work. My daughter would swap places with her friends who don’t have to go in , in a heart beat. Please don’t be under any illusions that it’s fun for them. You don’t know anyone one day one of my daughters friends was in and she was crying she couldn’t hug her.

Starlight
The schools and social workers/ the police ncpcc
are working flat out to safeguard children it’s not gone by the wayside because of covid 19. This really is about a life and death that’s what the risks are balanced against your making out that schools have been shut for nothing more than a cold !! The decision was made to ensure that the nhs was not flooded.

@TheGoldenNugget yes. There is a pandemic. It’s not going to stop by September. Unless a vaccine is found it literally may never stop and the WHO and Government have acknowledged this.

So what are we going to do? Not educate children anymore? Not live any of our lives anymore? If you’re under 70 with no major health conditions your chances of dying of Covid are EQUAL to or LESS than dying of something else in the next year.

@Glitterbug76 I’m sorry your daughter‘a school doesn’t sound like they’re handling this very well. My son is adoring going in, having a brilliant time. He asked me if CoronaVirus could stay as he loves the school as it is (he’s only 4 don’t blame him!) I dread to think how my very sociable child would cope mentally cooped up for 9 weeks with me working full time and no other child contact. I’m so grateful for what his school are providing

I womt be sending mine back but then I'm a stay at home mum so I'm lucky to have that choice... some people will have to send theirs back so they can go back to work
However my sons school isnt even offering full days... days will be ending at 1pm so I dont know how that helps working parents much?
In the email I got from the school they were very clear children would not be at an advantage for going back to school as they would only be covering the same as the home learning set and spend most of the time enforcing social distancing and cleanliness standards.... it said the children may even not have their old teachers back or even be in the same school as they will have to spread out... theres several small primary schools where I live and I think any kids returing to school in june will be spread out across them not necessarily with their old friends or in their old school building!
So personally I dont see the point for my kids at all. They will be safer and happier at home. It will only be more alarming for them to return to school right now.

Even a 1pm finish will help us out. I fully expect schools to be part time although I’m hoping it will be full days but less days a week.

One of our senior teachers has started a petition and has gone to our mayor. Many of us (me included) don’t want to be in school any more than we have to

My kids won't be going back before September unless I'm forced.

I don't go by what the government says, I go by what is happening at work (I work in a hospital). We're expecting a 2nd peak thanks to BJ, particularly as everyone has ignored his advice and everything has now basically returned to normal.

Covid is still out there, people are still being admitted to ICU and currently there is a nasty Kawasaki style illness thought to be Covid related attacking children and putting them in hospital so no, I don't think the "benefits" of school or the idea that we all have to die sometime is worth the risk.

The attitudes on thread make me gag.

No. DH is shielding post transplant and I’m not going to send my Year 6 back and risk infection in our ‘bubble’.
My husband’s illness will give him 10 years of life maximum after this transplant so it’s not worth my DS going back for such a short time.
If our situation were different and DH were well I may think differently.

Her school is running as it did previously only children are attending two days a week to ensure there are enough staff.

So they've been breaking the law?

Also-we can keep him home without any problems. I’m a teacher but have been asked to develop curriculum until September as I’ve been on carer’s leave for DH.
It will surely be better for those staff and children in school if there are fewer pupils. I don’t feel bad/guilty/cowardly for keeping him off because I know it will make things easier for those who are in.

I missed over one term at school when I was 9 it never held me back

Mine will be going back. School have sent parents the plan and how it will work and I'm happy with it

At the end of the day we are all just trying to do the best within our own families and the situations we are in. No one is right or wrong but are trying to make the right decision for them.

And yes, if the school were back then mine would be in. I’m still in work and H is (thankfully) back in work more and more so I could do with her being in school nowhere she won’t be back until August at the earliest.

Felicsnocs
Stay safe 🌈 really well put x

I started a thread on this but The British Medical Association are saying its too soon for schools to go back.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-52669441

follow the same guidance as everyone else in that category...if she is on medication for it and is 'invited' (word used on the COVID guidance) for a flu jab each year, then she should 'work from home'

Apart from school staff. They have to go into work unless they have a shielding letter.

No. I’m not sending mine in.