Freezing schools

[Ineedapuppy]

DD8 has cried this afternoon at how cold it is in her classroom with all the doors and windows open. Apparently she’s not allowed a blanket from home and the only response from school is to wear layers under uniform

AIBU to think that this is unkind? At work (large multi National company) staff would NOT work in these freezing conditions. How can it be fair to expect young kids to do it and if so, why make them wear flimsy uniforms?

It’s really pretty awful though

Sitting still in outdoor temps, it is going to be hard to stay warm all day. Maybe they need to do 10 minutes of dancing/star jumps every hour?

And school uniforms ARE flimsy, it’s mostly polyester, which is hot and sweaty in warm weather yet provides no warmth in woven form (ie school uniform)

Poor kids, poor teachers

Thermals and Cosy scarves maybe? A z are can be a bit blanket-like snd snuggly

Last school year our year 7’s were in the same classroom all day due to covid and zoning. I told them to bring a blanket in. It was so very cold, especially the days during lockdown with only 4 or 5 children in the room.

My ds is in yr 5 and is wearing thermals under his uniform.

Blankets are a ridiculous trip hazard waiting to happen. Layering up underneath is by far the best option. Staff including me are working in these conditions! We know it’s 3 degrees outside but virtually the first thing Public Health ask when you call to say over 10% of your school population are positive is, ‘have you got the windows open?’

We bought thermals in Jan last year anticipating the kids going back to school with doors and windows open. The fact the school are following guidance/ science and opening windows is a good thing. Just put more layers on.

@Burnt0utMum

It was freezing here today. I usually leave the window open all day but couldn't cope today. No way kids should have to sit freezing all day when they're trying to learn. I have Raynauds and no amount of thermals has ever helped. The kids should be able to be comfortable so they can learn effectively.

Agree

And a blanket is easier to stay comfy rather than layers of clothing

A fleece blanket will easily roll up under her arm for next class. With you OP. Feel very sorry for her.

Poor kids 😭

This is what happens when kids are used to overly heated houses. They cannot deal with a little bit of cold.

Wrap up warm and get on with it.

Considering the risks of covid to staff, children and their education I don't really understand how wearing thermals are a problem? There are toddlers at outdoor nurseries across the UK and all over Scandinavia. If they can manage to stay warm then I'm sure an appropriately dressed 8 year old can. I would suggest multiple layers under the uniform not just one thermal layer. Also ditch the dresses and go for lined school trousers. Much more practical in colder weather if your DD especially feels the cold.

Our primary move classes for maths and english, I thought that was common.

And can you really not imagine the problems with blankets being carried around with 30 kids!?!? Have you been in a classroom...

Its very different to a couple of children sar at a dining table. Kids all carrying blankets between lessons will be a nightmare.

DD1's school put a notice out today suggesting layers, hat/gloves/scarf and a blanket. She took her blanket into school and brought it back home. Special secondary school, moving from classroom to classroom. All fine.

And yes go for layers!

An outdoor nursery is a bit different though as the children are moving.

Sitting still in the cold is different.

I think this is just ridiculous! Poor children 😔 we need to just learn to live with this virus. Being cold will make them poorly too! What has the world come to?!

As PP have said, as it’s primary they stay for lessons and eating in the same room - so no Linus comparisons needed

DD is wearing skins but it’s not helping. She’s freezing and miserable. I appreciate teaching staff have to operate in the same cold rooms but they are adults with access to hot drinks and ability to walk around.

It strikes me we’ll end up home schooling not because of COVID infections but because of the cold.

My kids were at forest school nurseries and go to forest school holiday clubs. All year round. Just dress her warmly!

What are people's suggestions for children from low income families? All these extra clothes simply are not possible for many families. Schools should be safe for poor children.

Not really understanding your objection to layers. Far less faff than 30 8 year olds with blankets (non uniform days are bad enough!).

Tights or leggings under trousers, long sleeved top under polo shirt, jumper and a cardigan.

Opening windows is literally it against Covid so yes, we put up with the cold. And school staff are working in it too.

I would gently suggest that the difference for office staff is there aren’t 32+ of them in a 5m x 6m or thereabouts room.

Teacher here. My mum bought me a box of hand warmers last year for Christmas. I juggle from pocket to pocket to waist band... rinse and repeat.... Also have a pashmina for my 'frees' which I wrap around my legs when I'm not teaching. The classroom gets even colder when there are no students.
I always take a hot lunch. As a teacher I can zap mine on the microwave, as a pupil I'd be getting a hot meal at lunch time from the catering team . Being cold is horrid!

@EllaVaNight

What are people's suggestions for children from low income families? All these extra clothes simply are not possible for many families. Schools should be safe for poor children.

We provide extra layers for those who need them.

The lower limit in Scotland is 16 degrees. Classrooms here are cold and miserable in some buildings.Working with young children who don't self regulated well it can be very tricky.
The impact of the cold temperatures can impact lower socio economic pupils 2 thirds more . Not everyone can just go buy thermals . It's miserable and impacting pupils. No matter the reason for it, you can't just brush aside the experiences and impact of this so bloody glibly.

We barely have windows that open a crack, and can't have external doors open for safeguarding reasons, the opportunity for some fresh air would be relished!

I didn't even realise this was still a thing TBH. Don't think the DCs' primary are really bothering with it this year, whereas last year it was freezing. I must admit, I'm unclear what the long-term plan is given that Covid is here forever and will probably spike every winter for the rest of our lives.

Whatever the reason and the solution, you’re completely right that adults only workplaces do not have to put up with the shit! I suspect it’s been dictated by the trade Union rather than the staff per se. Children are being bullied into lots of other measures that adults wouldn’t stand for because they’re an easy target, despite being unaffected by covid.

Why on earth do so many posters on mumsnet think teaching unions have any sort of authority in schools? Do the people saying it’s the unions actually teach?

I was sooo cold today at school, by lesson 6 I could barely type, lesson learnt tomo I’ll wear way more clothes and even gloves!!! Our school are allowing kids to wear a coat and hat in lessons.