..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?

Most of these rules seem to upset the parents more than the children!

@toomuchlaundry

You are spot on.

Apart from one class assembly per year and one nativity play and possibly a school summer concert everything you mention is pretty standard. Parents should not be inside the building.

@Comefromaway

Apart from one class assembly per year and one nativity play and possibly a school summer concert everything you mention is pretty standard. Parents should not be inside the building.

Agreed. Without even the assembly bit.

I've never had any expectation of being inside the school other than for parents' evening and the occasional performance. All this going in for assemblies and sports day stuff seems very odd to me.

I remember my dad being at sports day in the early 90s.

Parental engagement with their children's schooling and being part of the school community is important. It's why schools in the past have had things like sports days, assemblies, parents nights etc.

I agree parents are more upset by this than children but it doesn't mean parents aren't upset for good reason.

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!

You sound absolutely charming yourself!

Actually I have zero desire to go to school assemblies but just like you I am a brilliant and dedicated teacher who works in schools during the school day, but as a visiting teacher. One Primary school has not allowed me or any other visitors since last Autumn.

Instead I have had to teach over zoom and, since social distancing rules stopped, at my own home, after school and at weekends, fitting my own life around my students after school clubs, football , ballet etc .

Some children have stopped lessons because it's too much hassle for their parents, resulting in them losing out on enjoyment from learning a skill and me losing a lot of income. Of course the opportunity the school claims to give its pupils to learn the skill I teach is still promoted - with photographs- on the school website.

So yes, if you are medically vulnerable it's definitely bad luck for you but I still think it is extremely selfish to expect the rest of society to change permanently, other people not to be able to do their jobs, children to miss out on learning opportunities and parents not to be able to share important school occasions, just to protect you from an unquantifiable risk.

@Blendabrethin

Talks about equality.....
Only references 'mums'

😂😂

There is no reason why peri lessons can't go back to normal. That would be annoying.

@Comefromaway

There is no reason why peri lessons can't go back to normal. That would be annoying.

Peri lessons have continued as normal in our state secondary school, albeit with wind instrument students playing behind a shower curtain.

All this going in for assemblies and sports day stuff seems very odd to me.
Really, sports day?
I went to two primary schools in the early - mid 90s and parents came to sports days. At one of the schools it was a big day with raffles and a tombola and food stalls etc and the parents stayed for a half day. At the other school it was just watching the sports but absolutely parents came (and probably the odd grandparent too). In secondary school obviously parents didn’t come.

Actually, we got to go to sports day in June so that was not not allowed even this year.

Schools hate having to have parents in, they only do it as an OFSTED box-ticking exercise.

Parents are generally a giant pita and schools run much more smoothly when they are on the other side of the school gates.

School nativities/ class assemblies are lovely for parents, but not so lovely for DC. They also take up lots of valuable learning time.

I doubt most schools will be rushing to have parents back in. The fact that private schools are doing says it all really... It's not for the benefit of the children, just the adults.

Really, sports day?
I went to two primary schools in the early - mid 90s and parents came to sports days. At one of the schools it was a big day with raffles and a tombola and food stalls etc and the parents stayed for a half day. At the other school it was just watching the sports but absolutely parents came (and probably the odd grandparent too). In secondary school obviously parents didn’t come.
Yes, really. I was at 3 junior schools from 1986-1990, in the SE, NW and Midlands and sports day was totally a school only thing. It was just one afternoon where we did some races instead of normal lessons and got some house points.

And parents weren't involved in us leaving school at all. None of this leavers' assembly business. What assemblies are people expecting to go in for? I've heard of these leavers' ones now but it sounds like people are expecting to go in for other assemblies throughout school. What are these?

@DappledThings some schools do class topic assemblies, so at the end of term a class may do an assembly on what they have learned about that topic and present to parents. Might then also give an opportunity to look at work in the classroom too.

[quote toomuchlaundry]@DappledThings some schools do class topic assemblies, so at the end of term a class may do an assembly on what they have learned about that topic and present to parents. Might then also give an opportunity to look at work in the classroom too.[/quote]
Thank you. I had no idea about that. Sounds like a nice to have but not anything to be het about missing. But I guess as a parent who has never experienced it I can't really comment!

8 kids in my sons class tested positive for Covid today - including him - rest of the class keeps going in (and most other classes in the school are the same) - not sure why you would want to go into a germ factory….

I'd be happy if just my kids could actually have assemblies again, rather than the headteacher zooming into each classroom for "virtual" assemblies which do none of the actual useful stuff that's meant to come from assemblies (fostering of a sense of community, older children modelling good behaviour to younger, older children acting as role models) and all of the boring the pants of the children once a week bit.

My dad's school have basically refused to lift any restrictions in spite of DfE guidance to do so. It was "just until may half term" then "just until the summer" and I'm guessing (having to guess as they haven't told us anything yet) it will be "just until..." for ever bloody more.

Dd's school, not dad's school

Do people actually like school assemblies?

Having a first lunch with reception child is wrong on so many levels.

The restrictions are lifted. It’s just a convenient excuse to not have to do anything beyond what they have to.

In what schools do you actually go inside to collect children though?? I have never known a school that lets all parents in on collection?

@Kylereese another poster has said 8 children in her son's class have tested positive, maybe schools are trying to limit something like that happening across the school.

If norovirus was sweeping through the school I would assume they would limit how many people were coming in too (I certainly wound't be rushing in to the school if there was a risk I could catch that!)

I’d imagine schools are trying to protect the staff and children and not having parents on site adding to numbers and risk is a small price to pay. Children can see their parents at home after all.

Good to read this from the perspective of why I'm being unreasonable. I do agree with a lot of it.
And yes my ds knows nothing different to this so he isnt upset, but I am.
I still remember being in year 1 so vividly. I remember a Christmas party that parents could attend, school disco's twice a year, sports days, assemblies if a child got a special award etc.
I just feel sad that none of that is happening, he barely sees another child out of his class. All play times, lunch times, start and finish times are staggared.
It's only an infant school so it's not huge, yet he barely knows a soul.
Never been on a school trip, after school club is running but they have to sit in their class bubbles in corners of the hall. No getting up from the table.
It's shit and I hate it. I can take him to a theme park and soft play, but then have to explain why when he is in school he can't be near anybody.
Mind blowing

I'm really surprised OP, my son's primary is completely back to normal when they start back next week. They only thing they are keeping us going in PE kit on relevant days. Let's see how long it lasts though 🤞