To ask how you would feel if the decision was made to adopt blended learning to allow for social distancing in schools

[livevomitlaugh]

just that really?
Yabu- I would be fine with that
Yanbu- I very much wouldn’t be fine with that

Secondary school fine. They are old enough to manage themselves and work on line, although I think full time on line is too much for them, and they need teacher input.

Primary school - no way! Absolutely unfair on those children, who need daily teaching from a qualified teacher, not a harassed parent.

I’d also prioritise teachers for vaccination

Secondary school fine. They are old enough to manage themselves and work on line

It's hard enough to get quite a lot of teenagers to work well in school, never mind unsupervised at home with free access to a wide range of distractions. Yes they are old enough to manage themselves, but lots of them simply don't want to.

Exactly @lazylinguist just because teenagers can be left home alone it does not mean they are mini adults who should be able to take full responsibility for their own education.

@lazylinguist

Secondary school fine. They are old enough to manage themselves and work on line

It's hard enough to get quite a lot of teenagers to work well in school, never mind unsupervised at home with free access to a wide range of distractions. Yes they are old enough to manage themselves, but lots of them simply don't want to.

I agree to some extent. Kids have been taught in a very different manner. Spoon fed so to speak. Which is okay in normal times. They are ill equipped to all of a sudden change their behaviour. It's irrational to think they can. From Sept, if they would have been given the tools it would be a better position. But since this is the hill to die on, no prep went into supporting these kids/teachers. And now we are in a mess where teachers have unrealistic expectations on their shoulders, and kids are expected to know how to independently learn without ever being taught so.

I wouldn't be surprised if the number of teachers leaving the profession would shoot up.

What about those with no lap top or with only one but two kids? It’s the assumption that everyone is set up for this sort of thing that winds me up.

@OlympicProcrastinator

What about those with no lap top or with only one but two kids? It’s the assumption that everyone is set up for this sort of thing that winds me up.

Exactly this. We aren’t a ‘deprived’ family but we have one laptop, which would be needed for two children to access online learning and for me to do my freelance work at the same time.

My DS is 8 and this would be an absolute nightmare for me. He is very dyslexic and I can't teach him and work at the same time. He has already lost several months of schooling this year as could do very little during lockdown. I don't think it is reasonable for him to lose any more.

@Jellycatspyjamas @MistletoeandGin
As I’ve already said, lucky you.

Did I suggest that my view must reflect the whole of the uk? I don’t think I did. Different areas have different demographics and it certainly is the case in my area (I’ve been teaching for ten years, taught in 3 schools and know a large network of SLT and teachers across the area).
But you seem eager to jump on those who have differing opinions. Merry Christmas to you too

[quote Suzeyshoes]**@Jellycatspyjamas* @MistletoeandGin*
As I’ve already said, lucky you.

Did I suggest that my view must reflect the whole of the uk? I don’t think I did. Different areas have different demographics and it certainly is the case in my area (I’ve been teaching for ten years, taught in 3 schools and know a large network of SLT and teachers across the area).
But you seem eager to jump on those who have differing opinions. Merry Christmas to you too [/quote]
I was just telling you my experience. It’s what discussion forums are for.
Merry Christmas to you too .

But you seem eager to jump on those who have differing opinions. Merry Christmas to you too
I didn’t jump on you, I said my experience differs, you countered with “every school I’ve been in”, which still doesn’t deny mine and others experience. Some places struggle , some don’t. Some were struggling pre-COVID, some will continue to struggle. It’s not a reason to withdraw reasonable education provision from all children - which is what blended learning equates to for many families for various reasons.

OFSTED have published a further report today on the effects of lockdown/pandemic on children and young people. It's on the gov.uk website.

Quotes worth noting:

"The effects of remote education is varied and difficult to determine"

"Many with specialist educational needs/disabilities are not attending school, are struggling with remote learning and are at risk of abuse or neglect."

Only if care was provided for key workers as before, I work in community nursing so can’t just be at home with them

My DC primary school has been fine, small rural school though. Teachers are still trying to catch up those who have fallen behind

@AlaskaThunderfuckHiiiiiiiii

Only if care was provided for key workers as before, I work in community nursing so can’t just be at home with them

What about those of us that aren't considered key workers but still need to work??

@SueEllenMishke this is why it will never work. I didn’t mean to come across as though I wasn’t thinking of others but the OP did ask for our personal views

[quote AlaskaThunderfuckHiiiiiiiii]@SueEllenMishke this is why it will never work. I didn’t mean to come across as though I wasn’t thinking of others but the OP did ask for our personal views[/quote]
No worries. I don't mean to snap. I'm just a bit sensitive about it!

Trying to work ft and homeschool nearly broke me and that was during a time when I wasn't really teaching ( university lecturer) but it'll be impossible during university term time.

As a primary teacher , this idea fills me with dread! Trying to teach a class in school and provide remote learning for those isolating has nearly killed me this term. I’m exhausted, so this idea sounds like a nightmare. Plus for younger primary it is really difficult, they need hands on learning, you don’t just stand and talk at them or just show them a PowerPoint.

As people have said by the time key worker children are looked after that leaves not enough staff, and I completely understand why it key working parents would not manage this!

@Jellycatspyjamas

Which was exactly my point. I very clearly said it was specific to some areas. You’re the one who said ‘and your experience must reflect the whole of the uk’. Whatever.

But if you read the thread through you will see I don’t agree with blended learning. It was a general conversation about how some schools are already struggling with staff shortages without adding covid into the mix.