To be loving having some of the school out?

[Timeisaverypreciousthing]

Like a lot of schools, we are struggling with staffing, partly because of covid but also because of ‘ordinary’ illness and no supply available. There are a few permanent roles that can’t be filled either.

So we have one year group out per day (not y11) and I’m loving it.

Before anyone says that this means I’m glad my colleagues are unwell or that I’m enjoying covid / lockdowns, I’m definitely not - BUT I can actually plan and prepare lessons and get stuff done, it’s just a much calmer day. Even down to getting to school is easier as the traffic around the school is a little reduced.

Sounds a nightmare for the parents but yes if your workload is usually top high enjoy the reduced workload for a bit.

It's awful for parents but as a parent of a child who not had covid yet and I'm sure she get it soon my DD has enjoyed the smaller classes but missed her friends

As a primary special school teacher, I loved/love having smaller classes as we can really get to know our children better and they’ve been achieving more highly than they would have been with a full class. So yanbu. Surely secondary kids can be left to their home learning, on the whole? So not that bad for parents?

Well YANBU I guess, I imagine most people would prefer it if they only had to do part of their job.

Ours seem to be quite enjoying it, although to be fair I suppose the ones who don’t may not say so. One day a week seems to give a lot of them a chance to have a bit of a lie in / catch up on work without the long term boredom and lack of routine from being off school.

I don’t think parents are impacted really. Not sure it some take time off.

@ShallWeTalkAboutBruno

Well YANBU I guess, I imagine most people would prefer it if they only had to do part of their job.

This has happened in my school and it definitely wasn’t a case of only doing part of your job - it was doing your job plus trying to cover all the sick people, because there’s no supply. Untenable.

I'm not sure it's a nightmare for the parents for secondary school children is it ? Probably saves them a school run

Well, having a Year group out reduces the cover so this hadn’t happened to me yet although I bet it will now!

OP- a four day week sounds ideal for them. My year 7 dd is exhausted with the pressure and intensity of secondary school.

As a primary school teacher it's a nightmare because the class (albeit smaller) are still in front of you so you are providing work for those at home as as those in school .
Yanbu though enjoy any bit of a break you can get.

I have wondered if it’s something that would just be amazing going forwards although I doubt it would ever happen.

Happier kids and happier teachers though …