To think secondary school parents are more likely to be happy about their dc going back to school and they should have been first.

[sunshineanddaffodils]

It’s annoying for me to hear all these parents of children at primary school aren’t going to send them back. It’s their choice though and that’s that. But I don’t know anyone with a child in secondary school who’s not worried about their education and desperate for them to be back even for a day a week. God knows when the current years 7,8 and 9 will have any time in school and the educational impact on them will be far greater than primary dc. I know logistically it’s more difficult at secondary but that’s got to be sorted at some point.

I agree with you.

I think it's probably more of a childcare issue than an education issue at the moment though. The point of primary school children going back is so people can go to work.

I agree. I have a year 10 and am so worried about the impact on his gcses.

The reason primary/junior school children has been chosen is to help get parents back to work as the younger age groups are more likely to require childcare.
I have a year 10 (she is desperate to get back to school to see her friends) and a year 11 child. I am vulnerable healthwise currently WFM. What about year 10 along with year 12 who are probably in the most important years with exams coming up next year or are you happy to just write those off as maybe you happen to have a child in year 7,8 or 9 OP?

There is the mental health of the teenagers to weigh up, but also the mental health of parents trying to juggle work and childcare, which is worse for the youngest. Right now it’s more about mental health than education imo.

If the decision had been made from an educational point of view, Year 10 and 12 would (and should) have been the first ones back in.

Sorry WFH not WFM

Well it’s all to do with the economy isn’t it. They want the younger ones back for childcare reasons.

There are 300 children in total at my DDs school, there are 1200 in my secondary school. Even splitting them up on to alternate days wouldn't work and most of them travel in by school bus making Sd impossible whereas all of the children at Dds primary are local and can walk.

Yr 7s in my subject were in the same place in March as last year's Yr 7s were in July because we've had twice the amount of lessons. The students that have been engaging online are getting better 1:1 feedback than if they were in a class of 32. Of course it is better to be in school but its not so dire for students who apply themselves.

@akeien you’re probably right
Can’t believe our dc might be away from school for 7+ months if there’s going to be a gradual phased return. It’s mind blowing.

Well it’s all to do with the economy isn’t it. They want the younger ones back for childcare reasons.

This. I just keep reminding myself that most children are on the same boat, they are all missing out on friends and education.

I agree with you.

Early years aged children can easily learn through play at home. Being off school is less likely to impact their education in the longer term, unlike secondary aged children.

Secondary age need teaching input so much more, in my opinion. They are more likely to conform with hygiene measures and social distancing, and are more likely to benefit mentally from being in school with their friends, having a routine and purpose.

I really don’t understand the logic in sending back Reception, Years 1, 2 and 6 and not seniors.

It's been repeatedly said that younger children are at a less risk themselves and of passing it on.

I'm very confident it's an economy decision, but also I think older children have a higher risk to themselves and the staff. Plus they need bussing in around here, so pretty much a risk to the population too.

@Tiramisuiloveyou no I have a year 10 too! It’s horrendously worrying but I’m hoping he’ll get back at least some time in June and be first back in September. But I’ve no idea when my year 8 will be back.

I would presume older secondary kids are actually providing some ad hoc childcare for their younger siblings right now if their parents are working, so if they went back it would be a double whammy for some parents.

It's obviously to do with childcare but I also wonder if the nature of secondary vs primary is a factor. In primary you could, with staggered lunch and breaks, ensure that the entire class is only exposed to each other and the teachers so like 35 ish people all exposed to one another. However in secondary pupils usually have lessons with a huge mix of the rest of the year group and a whole host of different teachers per day so many more people to be exposed to.
I obviously dont know if that's the case but was thinking about it last night.

My child would be using multiple busses a day to get there and back home so no I'd happily keep them off longer and keep the busses less busy and safer for those that need them more

I think 10s and 12s should have gone in part time. Transport isn’t an issue round here as they mostly walk. Buses are empty too.

It would be different in London etc. but on a school/trust basis some could have gone back.

I think the primary issue will vary - some will need the kids to go back and some won’t. It will help with numbers I guess.

I have a year 10 child and am concerned about their GCSEs but am also concerned about sending them back to school as I think it's too soon. I am waiting to see what our school is proposing and the safety measures they have in place before making a decision about attendance. Most of the people I know with secondary age children feel the same way and if push comes to shove will choose health over education.

There's also the issue of getting said children to school - using public transport is a big no from me at the moment so will need a lift from ya around work, our other different aged children and the baby.

I completely agree with you. It just shows how much the government views primaries as childcare. Mind you, the way most schools have had to implement the return, won’t really happen anyone get back to work-as most teachers predicted-due to lack of staff, classrooms etc

Most are having only one full year group back now (Reception) and many are having Wednesdays off for deep cleaning/PPA. Hardly any are having breakfast or after school club.

I can’t imagine it will help too many people work.

I am not blaming any schools for that.

School hours, term time for reception, y1 and y6 only is not going to be much childcare help. The wrap around care and grandparents are unavailable and likely siblings in other years.

Apparently it is because early years are so critical, can't see how they are more critical than exam years.

I agree OP. But the government apparently does not.

Most of the people I know with secondary age children feel the same way and if push comes to shove will choose health over education

I choose education because none of us in our household are vulnerable. And we might have already had it anyway, given that DH was travelling up to London and back every day and using the Tube, up until March 13th.

If I were pregnant or DH were a severe asthmatic or we had an elderly relative living at home I might feel differently. But we don't.

Agree. Where I live now they've reopened school starting with senior secondary years first and slowly moving down to primary. I find the approach in the UK slightly confusing. Older teenagers are as capable as adults are in maintaining distance and hygiene standards. 6 year olds are not.

I've got a year 10 and a year 8 and I'm not desperate to send them back.
Like a PP I'm waiting to hear what the school propose and then I'll decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. I dont want them spending 40mins on public transport if they arent getting a full teaching day.

I agree it’s not solving childcare issues at all.
Seems like abroad they’re opening primary and secondary (France are not sure about other countries) why not here?
I’d happily drive my dc to school and I’m sure most worried parents would find a way of getting their dc there without public transport if only we had the option.