..to be a bit annoyed that we still aren't allowed into dc primary school, no assemblies etc

[Henni19]

Ds started reception last September. Ds2 starts at the same school nursery tomorrow.
I had really hoped things would be different now we are learning to live with this virus but they've just posted to say same rules apply, no parents in the building, operating in bubbles, no assemblies, queuing up outside school to collect etc etc.
I just feel gutted, I've never stepped foot in the building and really hoped things would be a little more relaxed this time.
Aibu to think that we need to think the school should have done things differently this year?

Oh and the constant fear every time my child coughs or sneezes that the school will send them home and demand a PCR test is undertaken before they can return.

Agree with PP that no parents in school makes things run much smoother. Less drama. Calmer, happier children.

My kids school (Scotland) has 10 members of staff off at the moment, including my DS support for learning worker which means DS has to stay off too as they have no one to cover him. I can see them having to close if it gets any worse, they're already struggling. Restrictions are a pain but the alternative is school closures which is even more of a pain.

My DS started last year, he doesn't know any different.
I done the normal stuff with DD when she started 6 years ago.
I prefer the new way afaics most DC just take it in their stride.

I think it’s sensible.

I also think it makes sense to keep parents’ evening virtual in the longer term - it’s much more efficient for teachers and easier for them to end the session (I’m not a teacher!) when time is up. Also can prevent childcare issues or dragging younger children out cat bedtime.

I also think that there needs to be thought given to who benefits from parents coming to assemblies. It may well be better for kids to carry on recording them for parents to watch on line - less stage fright!

Yes I think it's pathetic, Covid is here to stay and the bubbles didn't work anyway once everyone started mixing outside school.

The risk to children from Covid is minute and any staff who wanted to could have been vaccinated by now. If they can't be vaccinated because they are medically vulnerable they should probably not be teaching.
I'm sure it is more convenient for schools to run without letting any parents set foot in them but that isn't really the point is it?

Take it from me, you’re really not missing anything there being no assemblies. Absolute blessing.

YABU but you have every right to feel disappointed.

Schools and healthcare providers have to do everything they can to mitigate COVID risks.

Ask your DC's teacher to calls or videocall you if you want to discuss anything. E-mail or phone the school office if you are not receiving the necessary information.

@Carrysymons
If they can't be vaccinated because they are medically vulnerable they should probably not be teaching.
Saying that a teacher who has a medical condition that makes them medically vulnerable should just give up teaching because they can’t have the vaccine? What an unpleasant individual you are! I’ve colleagues who come under that category who haven’t had the vaccine. They’re fantastic teachers who want to teach, not give up their career just so miserable obnoxious parents like you can go to a bloody school assembly.

@CyclingIsNotOuting

Your infant school child is wearing masks at school? Are you not in the UK?

Our school had a sports week rather than a day where all the kids got to try at sorts of different activities, I thought it was great for them to be able to do that without the pressure of parents watching. Some of the changes that have come about are great for their independence IMO.

[quote DumplingsAndStew]@CyclingIsNotOuting

Your infant school child is wearing masks at school? Are you not in the UK?[/quote]
Not the child, me! Compulsory still on school grounds even outside (unless exempt).

Once you've been to one assembly, you've been to them all.

Roll on secondary school when I no longer have to attend assemblies and shared lessons every half term.

@DappledThings

We went in for parents' evening last year which was nice. No idea about assemblies though. Is that something parents expect to go to? Don't remember that ever happening when I was small.

No assemblies? Sounds like a teacher's dream, no idea why anyone would voluntarily want to sit through one.

I’m a teacher and have only been into my DC’s school for the annual parents evening - nothing else as I’m always working. My children are happy and confident and love school. Your children won’t be missing out because you can’t go into the building. The school is their to provide a well rounded education for your children, which they will do regardless whether you can see their classroom or not.

*there

@ConstanceGracy
Most of that list aren't in place anymore unless you aren't in the UK.

I've never been inside pre school or reception. Really not fussed. Virtual stuff like assembly means I can actually see it as a working parent.

In the 1960s parents were not invited into the school. I don't feel deprived.

YABU. It keeps everyone safer.

We've all lost something in this pandemic, if this is worth thinking about for you then you've done well overall IMO.

Embrace it mate. One of the few good points about Covid is that we are no longer bullied into volunteering for shit at the school. No reading mornings, no crap christmas fetes or dire carol concerts to sit through, no having to take your kids right to the classroom door and having to make small talk with other parents etc, more equality between working mums and non-working mums in terms of communication and participation (e.g no last minute art fayres half way through the working blooming day, or getting told vital info in person at the school gate). Pure fucking bliss from my point of view.

@WillaWeatherspoon our schools going back also coincided with the dropping of restrictions. Not very good timing.

At ours parents are back on site and most things are normal but they’ve decided to hold off on full school assemblies for now. I’m glad things are going to be 99% normal.

I don’t think our school couldn’t not make things as normal as possible really given they promised last term to get parents back on site the day it was legal!

We've had our updated risk assessments for school.

We aren't changing anything really either.

It's easy to think it's OTT as the relaxation of restrictions allows mass gatherings but the realistic truth is schools are full of people and poorly ventilated. The delta variant gets around like a flea on a pogo stick if it gets in.

So it doesn't matter that contacts no longer isolate etc. If the staff get ill they may have to close or if the kids get ill they'll miss another huge proportion of their education.

I don’t think our school couldn’t not make things as normal as possible really given they promised last term to get parents back on site the day it was legal!
Does it really matter whether parents can or can't go on site? Things change all the time, I doubt it is bothering the DC 18 months on if parents aren't there, it's the new normal they most likely won't remember parents on site.