To send my kids to school today?

[mymoonmyman2020]

Just feel so conflicted and don’t know what to do... think the schools will be closed very soon but they should be closed now!

I'm not even trying to scare anyone it's the truth. I'm self employed but I have a weak immune system so I have no choice. So we will be relying on what little savings we have. I would rather eat tins of beans and still have my health. No way on earth am I going to mix with other people and put myself and my family at risk it's wiping people out and not just old people. My daughter has no nappies MIL manage to get the last packet and I've asked her to put it on the doorstep. Not taking any chances.

Agreed @Millymaud

If you can keep them home do.

One of kids teachers is pregnant. I hope she will decide to stay home.

I don't know if my kids are contagious and I find the whole herd immunity plan dubious and reckless.

I don't want to risk teachers' and other kids relatives health if I can avoid it.
I'm really used to homeschooling my boys as one is special needs and the other one is always ahead of curriculum.

Mine are going in. Although school have told me they are already under huge pressure as some of their staff are isolating so I can imagine they will close soon. I think it is far better for children to be in school when possible if they and their teachers are well. Also, I worry for families who will struggle to feed their children for months they haven't budgeted for. These are the same families who can't afford to bulk buy and may struggle under normal circumstances, never mind having 4 or 5 extra people at home 24/7. I think if we can keep our children away from the vulnerable members of society they are at no greater risk at school. Totally understand for people who have elderly/pregnant/immunosuppressed family member the need to keep children home to avoid spread though.

Thanks all... didn't send them today and doing some home learning. Have heard about other local schools closing already and think ours is on the brink anyway.

I didn't send my ds (Year 9) in.

Heard from another mum that only 60 out of his year of 210 kids turned up.

The school has just announced that as 1/3 of teachers are currently self-isolating due to sickness or at risk, they have decided to end school for Years 8 and 9.

I'm relieved - it doesn't make sense to say ban large gatherings and yet allow around 1500 children and adults to mingle in closed indoor spaces for over 7 hours a day.

Like all of you, I'm doing what I think is right, for the moment, but with a very heavy heart and entirely unsure. I have one nearly 8y.o. and I know I can't keep him engaged for several days so he's going for now. His school are following several measures to keep them safe but handwashing can't be monitored and the kids tend to do what they can. The govt. needs to be more clear and directive at such a time. So so so worried!

Yes it's so hard @Utts - we've done what we think's best but I still don't know if I made the right decision... if schools don't close soon I suppose we'll have to re-assess...

Dh and I decided to pull ours out of school on Monday. We figured if it was an over-reaction then it was one we can live with. Their school shut today so now all learning via Virtual Learning Platform.

No idea when it will open but my kids won't be there til after Easter at the earliest.

I'm still sending DS and will wait until they close unless we meet any isolating criteria - he is in year 10.

However, his school have just announced that they are going to a four day week for years 8, 9 and 10, so each of those year groups has a day off this week and work will be set online. I don't imagine they will be open at all for much longer.