Is it really likely the schools will close?

[sqirrelfriends]

I've seen a few comments on other threads about schools and other childcare settings closing indefinitely to prevent the spread of Covid 19. Do you really think it's likely to happen?

@TweetUsOnFacebook I take your point but personally I feel holidays are one of those things that can be dealt with later. I appreciate it’s a concern for people but right now it’s just not the biggest concern at a national level.

Again personally, but this whole thing has made me question just how necessary foreign travel for leisure actually is. It’s frightening how quickly SARS-cov-19 has appeared and spread.

Cornettoninja I do agree holidays are absolutely not high on the agenda right now. I'm thinking of the businesses and jobs that rely on tourism. If the situation improves and travel becomes possible again then it would be beneficial for the economy if holidays can go ahead, even if they end up in term time due to the school holidays getting changed.

Also thinking ahead about foreign travel. We are getting older now and it is becoming more of an upheaval anyway. Then there is the climate situation. I don't see us booking long haul again or even flying. Definitely never ever going on a cruise.

I've read people saying Matt hancock said schools won't shut. I've read children are carriers. I've read without a doubt they will shut. I've read they won't shut yet. I've read they will shut next Friday. Let's hope this afternoon they make a decision.

Schools are definitely shutting.
Staff at DDs school have been told to prepare revision work/booklets for Y11 & Y12. She does this anyway so they are good to go. 4 weeks closed but that could change.

Sorry meant Y13.

@notangelinajolie that's preparation not a decision. Dh is a teacher they've peeped stuff, y6 have prepped too just in case.

I've literally just come out of a meeting where we were told to start preparing online materials for kids to access at home.

Ireland have closed schools and all gatherings from 6pm today

I think they'll extend the Easter holidays - 2 weeks could be 4...

Most schools (west yorkshire) have communicated that there will possible closures here

Ireland have just closed all schools.

With dcs revising for both A levels and GCSEs I hope schools won't close

If they add 2 weeks to the beginning of Easter, that will mean schools are in all next week.

That seems odd.

To be honest, I with they would just make a decision. It's the bloody not knowing that is causing more issues.

Schools are closing here in Ireland. Don't think you'll be far behind

I think they will be shutting soon and that is a good thing in my opinion. We need to stop the huge rises in cases so the NHS has the best chance if coping. I say that as someone working in the NHS and with 2 young children. It will be a nightmare logistically for me but better than the alternative. The reports from Italy's health service are shocking.

SKY have just said Norway is also closing schools

I really hope that they won't close. Kids seem to be ok with this Coronavirus. I and dh are healthy so it doesn't really matter if they bring it to home.

@undead but that’s your family isn’t it. Lots of people have children and have elderly family or families with weak immune systems. Children are carriers of the virus so are just going to spread it to their fanily

Ive been keeping my kids off
Schools need to close today
It is being left too late and is ridiculous let’s hope today brings some sensible well overdue decisions

I am expecting the DC’s schools to close before too long. It’s a question of timing it to avoid a second spike of infection. Close too soon and you risk delaying the spike rather than flattening it.

I would imagine there is a hell of a lot of computer modelling going on right now running various scenarios for the least worst outcome.

@outnumberedmummy
Yes that's our family and therefore I hope schools won't close.

Many people still don’t realise what’s going to hit society. I’m tired of warning. Please just prepare for the worse and hope for the best.

I hope schools close soon before it’s too late for my family.

@undead so do you not care about people who have family who are immunocompromised or elderly? It just seems like a very “I’m alright jack” mentality to hope that schools stay open because it won’t after your family.

People do seem to be misinformed about children. YES they are likely to be perfectly fine if they get the virus. They may even have no symptoms at all. That's brilliant. Thank goodness for that. I love children, especially mine.

However, they can have the virus without knowing it and spread it to those who may NOT be fine. There may be staff in schools with underlying conditions or in the at risk age group. They may have family at home in those at risk groups. If they use public transport to get to school that's another area where they could be spreading.

The upheaval caused by closing schools is NOTHING compared to the upheaval being experienced right now in Italy. Take a look at the news reports. It's harrowing.

Whatever happens will not suit some people.

DH just called to say he has been told to expect an email from the local authority later today saying either close now until after Easter or not yet, perhaps next week. The plans are in place whichever it is. Have hardly see him this week because of all the planning for possible closure.

At his school, most children will not work at home. Their parents will not enforce it. Many children have no ICT at home. Staff are worried about the most vulnerable children who are not well looked-after at home and still have no answer about what do they do about those who receive free school meals. Staff have spent many hours on study plans, photocopying, putting packs together, ICT on-line stuff.

They are all very worried about GCSE and A level students- a month of being away from school could be catastrophic for them; most will do little or nothing at home and would normally have Easter revision classes too.

His feeling now is it will not be today but may be next week but he'll know later on. Says the students are pretty laidback about it and understand why there is no answer yet but keep asking.

Very hard to move A level and GCSE exams back - the marking timetable is tight for them and they have to match university and college deadlines.

Yes, parents will have holidays booked if they are moved.

The impact on some students will be worse than on others in terms of exam outcomes if schools close- already disadvantaged children will be further disadvantaged.

Children who are vulnerable will have an unexpected period of time where they do not have their daily support mechanisms, the place they are safe and their trusted adults.

For some of the children who get free school meals- it is the only proper meal they have every day. For some families they will suffer more financial hardship than usual and be even less able to provide extra food. It appears food banks are already suffering.

I am expecting DC1 and DD to be at home from tomorrow and making plans on that basis- possibly DH too.