To send ds (aged 7, year 2) back to school

[elliejjtiny]

My youngest (year 1) went back 2 days a week last week with the rest of his class. We've been told that they will be letting in the other years any minute and to fill in lunch forms for my 2 other primary aged dc (year 2 and year 4) every week just in case. My 7 year old's teacher phoned this week and said he could come back next week on the same 2 days my youngest is in. I assumed it was all the children in his class but today the headteacher came up to dh at school pick up and said it wasn't all of year 2 going back, it was a mixture of vulnerable children from years 2, 3, 4 and 5. They will form a 2nd "hub" and be taught together in a similar way to the current hub which is all the children of key workers. Ds is considered vulnerable because he has global development delay (about 3 years behind actual age) and hearing loss. I've already said yes to him going in but I've read so much on mumsnet and facebook about children really struggling not being at school. I feel guilty taking up a place from someone who really needs it when ds is happy, doing his schoolwork (although I have to adapt it to suit his abilities) and progressing about the same academically as he was before lockdown.

My ds is really struggling but I wouldn't begrudge you a space. The school obviously think that he will benefit, and maybe you can do more with your yr4 child during those days. I think that you just need to think about whether he will benefit more from being at school in a mixed class or at home.

You know him best so it’s really up to you. If he’s happy at home and you feel he’ll be happier at home then keep him home, if you feel he’s ready send him.

I have my two going back this week. Dd is in reception and due back anyway. DS is in year 4. He has autism and an EHCP. I’ve explained to him that it won’t be his whole class. Thankfully a couple of his friends are there as they are either vulnerable or their parents are keyworkers. The child he normally sits next to in class is there too (obviously they won’t be sitting together for now).

Definitely do not feel guilty about using his space. They have offered it to you so if you want it take it. I had the same concerns about taking a place. I’m off work and my partner has been working throughout but not a key worker as such but the senco informed me that my sons place was set in stone as he has an EHCP. They have to keep a space open to him.

For my son I feel he will really benefit. We aren’t getting much work done at home. Also he’s so anxious about going back to school I feel it’s probably better to go back now (albeit for 3 weeks) rather than wait for September have more of a struggle.

But like I said it is really up to you OP.

Yes, definitely I would. I tried to get my Y2 back in school when school put out an email saying they might be able to take those who are willing to come back from other years. She is not vulnerable and has no reason to need a place other than I'd like her to go. In the end, so many of us expressed interest that they decided they couldn't take anyone.

But yes, if I could, she'd be the first one at the gates on Monday morning.

Thankyou. He would like to go and I will send him. That's a good point that the school have offered him the place. They know that he isn't stressed or struggling at home and they have still offered him a place.