Years 2,3,4 and 5 being forgotten about

[947EliseChalotte]

Ok so some children in reception, year 1 and year 6 have returned to school. The other years are being left ou and forgotten about.so there's four weeks at school Why can't years 2 and 3 have a week or two at school then the final week or two years 4 and 5. So they can see theirs friends which is good for their mental health. Why is it not shared fairly

From the Government's 50-page document published at the beginning of this month that explained the process:

"Children in Reception and Year 1 are at the very beginning of their school career and are mastering the essential basics, including counting and the fundamentals of reading and writing, and learning to socialise with their peers."

"We know that attending early education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and supports children’s social and emotional development."

"Year 6 children are finishing Key Stage 2 and are preparing for the transition to secondary school, and will benefit immensely from time with their friends and teachers to ensure they are ready."

So in short, we know that not every year can go back, otherwise there would be no distancing!

So the Government has prioritised these years due to their importance to a child's transitioning through learning stages.

If you just want your kids to see their mates, there are other ways to arrange that.

I think they are just focusing on key years for the moment, remote teaching is helping the other years.

Yes I agree...I'd like my dd to at least be allowed on the premises before September and to see familiar friends...I think it would give her mental health a huge boost. I can't see why they can't do a part time rota so all children get a chance...even if it's used a catch up rather than teaching lessons.

I agree that all primary kids should get some time in school before the end of term

and they should get the option of holiday clubs to see friends and socialise.

my DD is yr 4 in a private school and they are bringing the kids back in before term ends. So it can be done.

There are several letters from psychologists & medical professionals about how lockdown has been damaging kids mental health

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/letter-to-the-editor-school-shut-out-is-crushing-children-nrkd5lgz7

So now is the time to write to MPs and put pressure to get things moving.

Another article here

thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/young-people-have-sacrificed-so-much-crisis

Some year 5’s are now starting to return as well. At least locally they are.

They've forgotten about senior years completely.

Our school is getting all years back for at least a week before the end of term.

Nursery and reception starters are being forgotten about too. It’s a joke.

My local secondary is only giving year 10 pupils 2 hours each a week!! My reception child didn't go in today. He was exhausted and upset as his brothers and sisters aren't going. İ said stuff it have the day off. Ours is closed every Friday. Back on Monday. İf it was normal school i wouldn't do it. But there is no normal at the moment

Wales has done it that way, and the Channel Islands.

Yr5s are due to take their 11+ in September here. They should have been a priority as well.

I agree. My daughters in year 4 and it would do her the world of good to even go back for a day a week or at least some time in the next 4 weeks.

I think it’s pretty shit they have just been left out.

Government guidelines for primary said no rotas, which basically stopped further opening. Our local primary only opening to Y1 & YR part time though! They aren't allowed to use other buildings or spend extra money. I've got a year 5 and year 7 at home, I'm able to organise some social time for my 12 year old, but not my 9 year old. He really could do with being back.

My DS is Y6 so has been back part time (3h in the afternoon) since 2 June, but the school has now said that his term will finish early July to make room for other year groups, which I think is good!

Surely year 2 to year 3 is a transition period as well? Mine go to an infant's school so when they eventually go back it will be in to the juniors which is a separate school. I think the way Wales are doing it sounds so sensible.

Our school decided not to open to reception children (apart from the key worker's ones obviously) and there is currently no space for any years other than key worker children anyway!

I think that they should have given Year 2’s a bit more thought as a lot of them are moving to new schools in September.

My school has just about managed to have keyworker children, Reception, Y1 and Y6 back. It's a large school with a LOT of keyworker; the total is 140 children across 15 classrooms. There's no more room, spare staff or time for the forgotten kids at home.

DS has not seen his friends or teacher since March. We have had one printed worksheet each week as "home learning". I have given up on my business to attempt to teach him whilst our collective mental health is shot to bits. DD is four and usually goes to a childminders (cm can't open as that means mixing different families. I don't know why it's different for nurseries).

No play parks, holiday clubs or activities are open around here. You are not supposed to meet up with friends - support bubbles are restricted. But hey, I get to visit Primark or pick up a takeaway!

I am very angry.

My yr1 isn't back yet but I do wonder what will happen in September when yr1 become yr2. Our yr1 is currently spaced over yr1 and 2 classrooms. Reception will be coming up to yr1 nursery kids will be in reception and the new nursery intake will be in nursery. So do we then have reception yr 1 and 2 open or do the new yr2s not go back?

A lot of year ones aren't back, ds school can't social distance 2 years, so only reception back in, ds won't be back now likely till September.

Not all years have equal need. My dc are y2 and y4 and I can see why they are more able to manage to work at home than some other years. I especially see why y6's needs are greater.

Unfortunately some children were going to lose out whatever decision they made.
Some are saying they should open up schools fully again. Others are saying its a ridiculous notion.

Schools are unable to cater to the generally already oversubscribed classes they have whilst maintaining social distancing for the sheer volumes of students. Most schools will be running short staffed due to teachers have families, vulnerable households, shielding or caring responsibility for people within those categories.

If they had picked other year groups to prioritise then the parents of the kids currently chosen would be annoyed. Its a lose lose situation whatever they decide.

I have a Yr 5 child so isn't returning, even if he had the option, I have to use public transport 4 times a day with a baby in tow whilst both myself and partner are in the vulnerable groups. DS already struggled with anxiety and has suspected ADHD so I've never felt the need for a break and some resemblance of normality more, but no it doesn't seem sensible or feasible for schools right now, and I'm all for supporting the school in protecting the staff where possible too.

The social side of it is horrendous on them, I completely agree but now we are allowed groups of up to 6 in a public area, ive arranged to meet with mums and their child (separately not all at once) for kick arounds in the park, so he can finally see some friends. Maybe that's something you could try?