To feel I can't cope with schools only going back part time in August?

[jbonsor]

Just that. I was coping OK with lockdown, and trying to keep positive about juggling kids and working from home til June, then take a few weeks holiday over the summer just to do things with the kids even if still restricted. This week I have received a letter from my son's nursery to say he has a space for the 2020-2021 school year but that due to covid 19 they can't confirm pattern of attendance, as in, they can't confirm if he will have the 30 hours he was having since August. I also have read a lot that primary school might be 2 days only a week or a very day but only morning or afternoon session.. This has really tipped me over the edge as I am dreading having to keep juggling all this for over a year. This really puts a strain in family life and finances because now we have to basically decide on one income only, and not onky that but I don't feel I am that good at home schooling and feel like my kids are going to fall behind. Sometimes I can't believe how everything fell apart so spectacularly and how is the Scottish government deciding this is the best course of action without any regard for the mountain of problems this will bring to a huge amount of families.

Yes, and still, children die of flu every year. Fortunately it’s in tiny numbers and mostly they only get it mildly and without complications, just like with covid.

We do not know this. We have no idea how covid may impact children. They have been off school for weeks!

I think it's unrealistic to assume that all children will be back in school full time in the Autumn term. Thats sucks for children, teachers and parents.

We knew nothing about this Kawasaki type covid when school stopped. We wont know for sure until schools are back full time.
I think erring on the side of caution to protect children, teachers and staff and families, society is important.

People would be the first to blame the government if it went wrong.

What is the answer?

Well, I’d favour aiming for fully opening from August given that’s another three months to get the virus really suppressed with track and trace. If we end up with a resurgence of cases then maybe that can’t happen, but it should at least be the goal, and education should be prioritised above pubs and restaurants and non-essential shops.

...and all were just to go back as normal.
So tell us, those that don't want part time, what exactly is the answer?

They can't be disadvantaged because of Covid

The problem is that only certain students are being disadvantaged by Covid because some schools (often private) are delivering a full time table of online learning whereas others are not even attempting this. How can Ofqual distinguish between these schools? If the grade boundaries are lowered won't it benefit those at schools who are still actually teaching more because it be will be easier for them to get higher grades? I pointed this out to one of DD's teachers who phoned yesterday because I'd told the school her mental health is going downhill fast. She didn't have a response because she knows it's true. There is a generation of children being completely failed.

As well as a DD in yr10 I've got DS in yr12 who's future is also going down the drain. It's an absolute shit show.

We do not know this. We have no idea how covid may impact children

We have a lot of idea how Covid impacts children. There has been lots and lots and lots of research on this from countries all over the world since covid turned up last year.

@Devlesko

He'll always earn more too, if women don't step up for promotion and ensure their dh takes paternal leave, share childcare etc.

Explain to me how women are meant to “step up for promotion” if they aren’t at work just now?

Who exactly do you think is being promoted anyway in a global depression/recession? Lest of all women who in a huge number of cases are overlooked for promotion because they are, well, women...

But no you’re right, we all need to step up, as we clearly haven’t been stepping up before all this pandemic bollocks.

It is a goal for the Scottish government to phase schools back. They need to ease into it.

This is a really crap time for parents and kids. We all want our kids back to normal as soon as possible.

How long can we hide for? But I'm also worried about my child going back to some weird new set up where germs and avoiding contact is the way.

As soon as the kids go back in September it will be colds, coughs, sore throats, fevers, more colds, sick bugs and more colds. So what are we going to do all through the sickly season. I am honestly so lost about the future.

I don't work but my partner does. He cant do overtime now. Our money therefore has gone down. Our kids are missing out on absolutely everything.

My daughter started school in September and I feel it has been a really rubbish start for her. She's going to be so confused when she goes back. I've choosen not to send her in June as in all honesty I think it's like a concentration camp. ( Massive over exaggeration sorry) but it's all lining up. Staggered times. No touching. No mixing beyond your group of 8. No playground chat. No uniform. Minimal toys. No p.e. no summer fun. No cuddles or touch from teachers. Just crap

What a mess it all is. I feel so flat!

We have a lot of idea how Covid impacts children. There has been lots and lots and lots of research on this from countries all over the world since covid turned up last year

Actually we don't. We have limited research..

I can not imagine how much more difficult this is for people with teenagers to provide them with quality homeschooling

Different challenges.

On the one hand, there's less of the "mummy mummy mummy" from a 14 year old, and we're past the ridiculous "make a viking longhouse out of a shoe box" stage . They are more independent in that they can log on and check to see what has been set and just get on with it. If I was going out to work, I wouldn't have to worry about childcare for them as they can just be left.

On the other hand though if your child is doing a subject like Science, or Art, Drama, Music - you cannot replicate that at home. DS is going to be doing Advanced Highers in two sciences - we obviously don't have a science lab at home, DH and I did science to GCSE/O-grade level but no further. DD is doing Drama - a lot of the course is directing (other people, obviously) and things like lighting and make-up. We have none of that at home. Plus having DH and the kids in the house at times when I'm usually enjoying peace and quiet to work is really hard.

Hopefully the Scottish government will come to their senses and realise that this is just going to be one disaster from start to finish.

I’m feeling over the edge too today 3 kids 24 hours a days I worry about there mental health and education so much and there driving me crazy 🙄😬

Its not ideal for anyone. I agree its tough. What will happen if we get all the children back and there is a second wave? That would be a disaster.

No coronavirus spike found after re-opening schools in 22 EU countries...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/18/no-coronavirus-spike-found-re-opening-schools-22-eu-countries/

I mean, I don’t know what further evidence is needed.

On the other hand though if your child is doing a subject like Science, or Art, Drama, Music - you cannot replicate that at home. DS is going to be doing Advanced Highers in two sciences - we obviously don't have a science lab at home, DH and I did science to GCSE/O-grade level but no further. DD is doing Drama - a lot of the course is directing (other people, obviously) and things like lighting and make-up. We have none of that at home. Plus having DH and the kids in the house at times when I'm usually enjoying peace and quiet to work is really hard.

I agree. Maybe they would do those subjects when they are in school?

The fact is, they’ve made this decision now without knowing exactly that the situation will be in August (in Scotland I mean). Why not aim for full time with the caveat that it may not be possible? It’s 3 months away. Look how much has changed in the last 3 months!

@Sadie789

You cannot compare this!!!! Class sizes are miniscule compared to here. Their systems are different. Its total nonsense. I have 32 children in my class. Its like comparing apples and pears.

@Drivingdownthe101

Teachers need to prepare for this now! That is why.

That is exactly why we are having to go in in June. We need to make plans, decide on how its going to be done. It cannot be done at the last minute.

I’m worried about school but for a different reason
Single mum who works 8-2 ( father not interested in parenting / my parents over 75). And I can’t afford not to work
If my primary school only opens half days/ restricted hours I’ve got no hope of getting them there or fetching them No breakfast club or afterschool club
I’m definitely not allowed out of work before my finish time
And this could go on for a year ?

It is about their physical environment as well.

Of course. I am chair of governors and our fab head had plans in place for returning full time in June, part time in June, and various other scenarios. She also has a variety of plans in place for September depending on what the situation will be then.

I’m a primary teacher and I’m not prepared to go back without social distancing, my job is a job at the end of the day, not a calling. Just because you feel comfortable without it doesn’t mean all teachers should.

Imagine if those working in social and medical care took this attitude? I doubt the staff on minimum wage, living in nursing homes would call their job their calling at the moment.

It’s called ‘scenario planning’. Many people do it in many industries.