to expect parents to observe social distancing at the school gates?

[LdeS]

....no distancing, no masks... its as if nothing has been happening the past 6 months!

I feel like I should say something on the parents whatsapp group - as a reminder - but unsure how they would take it....

You dont have to wear masks outdoors. I agree there should be reminders on social distancing everywhere, but not by you.

Back away from the WhatsApp group - no good can come of it!

If you really must mention it, tell school who can issue a reminder.

Ours was carnage. But I do have sympathy for parents - who have 15-30 mins to wait for siblings.

I was inside DSs school (secondary), there was no social distancing inside between students and staff - as a visitor I was t asked to wear a mask and was there for nearly an hour and spoke to multiple staff. Worrying about parents cutting outside seems minor compared to what’s going on inside!

Chatting not cutting

They don't need masks, they are outside. I agree with PP, tell the school, don't go all vigilante on a Whatsapp group. You'll be 'THAT' parent.

Our primary school is much the same. Parents turning up 15 minutes early to bag a parking space but then queueing when/where they shouldn't which disrupts starts times. I even witnessed a parent screaming at our Headmistress who wouldn't let her walk her year 5 right to his classroom door (poor kid was mortified) as no parents are allowed on site. This school has been brilliant with staggered starts, various entrances and one way systems but it the parents that cause the problems.

No, people should stay 2m apart even though they are outside. I bet a lot of them were moaning a few months ago about people not following the roolz and all those sweaty virus shedding joggers and the like, and now they can't follow a simple rule like staying apart while talking.

I am being hypocritical, I know when I am with people outside chatting I am nearer than 2m, but I don't get closer than 1m.

Ive just taught a full day at secondary, so far to only 2 year groups. Honestly, I’m wondering why we’re even bothering with all the pretence of social distancing anymore. All the changes that school have bought in- year group zones, one way systems, hand sanitiser around school, seem totally pointless when I’m mixing with 5 different classes in a day.
I can’t get wound up about masks outdoors. It really all feels like it’s for nothing now.

DD was year 1 so went back after half term. The parents were dreadful at distancing and had big meet ups after school siblings and all. I hissed at them that their behaviour was illegal (it was before 4 July) and then felt I had to apologise even though I was right. Mentioned the lack of distancing at drop off to school but they did nothing. I’d stay out of it, just do it right yourself and leave them to it. Nothing will happen except you getting ostracised if you do step in.

Ours was horrendously chaotic this morning - the school have already sent out a revised guideline for tomorrow!

Ours was an absolute free for all kids and parents in all different directions ! In the end the Headteacher just let everyone in at once ! I thought there would be a queue for each class.

Christ don't be that parent on WhatsApp.

It would help if parents weren't corralled into small areas. There is barely space for parents to be 1m apart in our collection area for DD2.

Most infuriating is that DD1s and DD2s classroom doors are about 10m apart (one classroom between them). To get from picking up DD1 to DD2 I have to leave the school grounds, walk to the next gate, then into the cramped area...

I'm with @NoSquirrels you will not be thanked at all. I would just try to keep my distance, wear a mask and focus on what you can do best in this situation.

In our local news someone took issue with another person not using a mask and they were spat on! I wouldn't confront anyone, either they have a legitimate reason for not wearing a mask or they are in idiot who might relish confrontation.

We had a bad day with it today. We're trying a different tack tomorrow. The bottom line is, you've got 7 queues 60 metres long in a 1form, double for 2 form. The pinch points cramp, people "want a word", queues go down the street and it all adds up.The staggered starts made things worse imo. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow. I think a few schools abandoned their original plans today in the end!

My school has suggested parents wear masks for drops offs to placate the parents who are frustrated by the lack of social distancing from other parents. We can’t physically force the parents to do it and the head and deputy spent the whole drop off constantly asking people to maintain 2m distancing.

Ours was chaos too, we have to queue along a narrow pavement to collect them from the gate, yesterday we crossed the road to get back to the car but the head sent a text saying we have to cross with the lollipop man which means walking back alongside the queue so we're literally shoulder to shoulder!

It would've made much more sense to let us collect them from the playground like we used to do so we could stand with at least 2 metres between us.

We also have to drop off in groups allocated by surname so then mix with kids from all classes yet at pickup time we collect them according to which class they're in