Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I don’t want to send 10yo did to school tomorrow

51 replies

Bvop · 03/01/2021 18:22

We’ve been really careful throughout the various lockdowns and in between. We sacrificed all our plans at Christmas and didn’t see relatives. DH and I work outside the home but we are both very careful about distancing and hygiene. With the best will in the world, we can’t expect a primary aged child to do the same. We rely on the other parents at the school and whether they’ve been careful over Christmas. It’s unlikely that they all have. I really don’t want to send dd into school: we’re in tier 4, the virus is rampant and I’ve read enough stories of 30- and 40-somethings being seriously affected.

It seems like madness to send dd into school tomorrow. I’ve never kept her off school for any other reason than illness or a family funeral, but I’m really in two minds over whether to send her in tomorrow. WIBU to keep her off? Looks like a lockdown’s coming anyway.

OP posts:
WhereamI88 · 03/01/2021 21:59

I don't know a single individual who followed the rules over Christmas (we're tier 4) so on that basis YANBU to be scared.

Indecisive12 · 03/01/2021 22:01

Mumsnet is bizarre. The risks to children are minimal. I would not prioritise my own health over my children’s right to an education and emotional wellbeing. And I say this as someone still I’ll with Covid weeks after the result. My children are my priority and I am sending them to school and will be bloody angry if theirs doesn’t open.

WhereAreMyPants · 03/01/2021 22:01

I would keep her at home. I expect all schools will be closed except for vulnerable and key workers by the end of the week anyway.

EdwardCullensBiteOnTheSide · 03/01/2021 22:02

I'm not sending mine. Only just properly decided, but I want to see the updated figures after the Christmas mixing first.
Dh is older and has a few existing health issues, we have no family to help if either of us are unwell.
I am hoping school will understand.

Original poster
Bvop · 03/01/2021 22:02

It looks like they’re going to close the schools anyway in a few days time and I’d rather not expose the family to the virus by sending dd into the classroom for a few days. I’m still reeling at the fact the government took legal action to keep Greenwich schools open before Christmas when we know now (and the schools knew at the time) that the virus was rampant.

OP posts:
WhatToDo82 · 03/01/2021 22:06

I am assuming no one here saying they’re keeping their kids off school has to work a full time job again from tomorrow alongside now taking care of their children and home schooling [eyeroll]

Bickertown · 03/01/2021 22:06

I completely understand people wanting to ‘do their bit’ to keep the numbers down and avoid overwhelming hospitals and protecting vulnerable loved ones but can’t get on board with the personal fear that healthy young people have for themselves and their children.

There are plenty of illnesses and accidents that can have a worse impact than covid and we don’t live in fear of them.

My kids are going to their schools and I’m going to work in another school and we will continue to follow the rules, keep calm and carry on.

littledrummergirl · 03/01/2021 22:07

What a shame that in the morning you have to let the school know that she woke you up at 0400 vomiting and won't be in for a few days. Dreadful timing.

supercatlady · 03/01/2021 22:59

Have you heard from school that it’s definitely open?
Lots of ours are only opening for vulnerable/key workers children due to staff following union advice/self isolating.

millymollymoomoo · 03/01/2021 23:17

The hysteria needs to stop
If you don’t want to don’t but I’m pissed off thst schools are closing and it looks like we’re about to go into another pointless and damaging lockdown!

Lemmeout · 03/01/2021 23:21

Then don’t

ilovesooty · 03/01/2021 23:21

Under the present circumstances I think you should be able to make that choice.

ThornAmongstRoses · 03/01/2021 23:24

Me and my husband have decided to keep our primary aged son at home and many other parents in his year group are doing the same.

Whattheactual20201 · 03/01/2021 23:24

One of mine has never gone back
The other is now off until further notice.

Comtesse · 03/01/2021 23:26

Keeping children off school when schools remain open? Nope, no way.

ShirazSavedMySanity · 03/01/2021 23:26

Just wondered, if you’re choosing to keep your children at home with you yet their school is open, will you also be asking school to send work home for them to complete?

Ivalueloyaltyaboveallelse · 03/01/2021 23:30

My DC school has given us the option to keep our children home, they emailed tonight to inform us that they will not fine us if we decided to keep them home. Maybe talk to your DC school and find out if they are doing the same.

QueenofLouisiana · 03/01/2021 23:33

Then don’t send her in. I will be preparing work for those at home and those in school. I’m hoping the parents keeping children at home appreciate that I am doing both, so it won’t be the full curriculum as I managed over lockdown, but it includes maths and English with some science and topic work.

If parents keep children at home, there’s a smaller group in school so I can space them out more.

Panickingpavlova · 03/01/2021 23:38

Don't send her. I wasn't going to send mine and now extremely brave teachers all around us are handing in their section 44,putting their heads above the parapet.... Have made it easier for parents to say no.. No confidence.. Not sending children in

jessstan1 · 03/01/2021 23:39

Don't send her to school, better to be safe than sorry.

Glitterblue · 03/01/2021 23:46

We are in tier 4 and not sending DD in this week, with the support of the head.

Anywherebuthere · 03/01/2021 23:49

Do what you feel is right. Be prepared for a fine, which might not happen buts it not a lot (at least not where I am).

Personally I was happy to send mine to school. T4 area. But I didnt get a choice in that.

Anywherebuthere · 03/01/2021 23:55

@Panickingpavlova

Don't send her. I wasn't going to send mine and now extremely brave teachers all around us are handing in their section 44,putting their heads above the parapet.... Have made it easier for parents to say no.. No confidence.. Not sending children in
'Brave' seriously thats a bit much.

They're covered by the act and have union backing. They get paid for remote teaching.( And being available to teach vulnerable and children of critical/key workers). Not sure where bravery comes in. Maybe I missed the sarcasm.

Lets hope the remote/online teaching is up to a half decent standard this time.

Thedogscollar · 03/01/2021 23:57

No I wouldn't either OP. Go with your instinct which is usually right.

Sh05 · 04/01/2021 00:36

Im feeling the same about sending DD in as well OP. She's the only one having to go, the older ones are off for another two weeks. I have tomorrow to make up my mind and am thinking of emailing the head to let her know. I know she will try and convince me to send her in but I just don't know what I will do. She's only in reception though so easier for me to cover similar work to the things they'll be doing in school

Swipe left for the next trending thread