Decision on schools closure coming 'imminently'

[mymoonmyman2020]

From Guardian reporting on PMQs -

'Johnson pays tribute to teachers, and thanks them for their work in keeping schools open. He says further decisions will be taken “imminently” on schools, that will square the circle of stopping the spread of the disease, while wanting to relief the pressure on the NHS.'

Scottish news on schools also expected soon apparently.

Missed a bit of what Gavin Williamson said, but he said that key workers include NHS staff and police. Vulnerable children include those with a social worker and an education care & health plan

He also mentioned drivers in the key workers, but I missed what kind of drivers as DD is jumping on me

Have just seen this hope this will be case in Scotland as well, my youngest goes to a nursery attached to a school wonder where she will go

It is lack of staff that is the issue. We are a small village primary. Out of 14 staff, including people like lunchtime supervisors and the school chef, we have 8 out of action. Those of us left include the secretary and one lunchtime supervisor. If we lose anyone else it will start to be unsafe for the children. I would happily continue to go in to provide childcare as I know this is crucial but I can’t do it alone. We are managing but not really teaching, just providing fun, structured activities. We can’t really teach anything viable with half a class missing, and everyone from nursery to Year 2 in the same room.
If they were to ask schools to stay open to provide childcare, I’m sure some could manage it but it would have to be on the understanding that it could be shut if staff are isolating.
Of those who have isolated, several have health conditions. One had a daughter with a severe chronic health condition. Another has a child with a cough so their whole family has isolated.
No one is worrying about being around the children but the current guidelines means this is what is left!

He's yet to say anything about GCSEs, A levels and NEAs where the deadline is after this Friday

@EdithWeston Boris just said exams won't go ahead as planned in May and June and further announcements will be made

Well several of our local schools won't be open to children of essential workers. They've shut already because of teacher absence.

hope the right people will get childcare help-otherwise nhs and shops will collapse

BoJo literally said, “Exams will not take place in may and june as planned but we will make sure children get the qualifications they need”. That’s GCSE & A-levels. It tells us fuck all though and is very worrying to those of us with youngsters about to undertake their exams.

Well several of our local schools won't be open to children of essential workers. They've shut already because of teacher absence.

I think what you'll find in that situation is that one school, maybe two, will open in each local area staffed by a cross mix of staff from local schools rather than children specifically going into their school

They’ll probably award GCSE and A Levels based on predicted grades.

lazylinguist they might be able to reopen though if they've only got a small number of children in school.

I work in a school where all the children have echps. We are currently a skeleton staff. All the classes are being moved to larger groups. I am actually scared now about getting sick. We've gone from a team of 40 to now 19 (including the office staff and site manager) I don't know what to think or how to cope.

Gavin Williams said "delivery drivers".

Wonder about public transport drivers, or how will everyone else get to work?

Really need to know what's happening with nursery fees too, as it looks like ours (Scotland) is closing until towards the end of August. Are we expected to pay fees until then for no childcare?

What does "from Friday" mean for English schools? I would understand that as meaning "from Friday inclusive" (i.e. closed on Thursday, off on Friday), but DH reckons that it means "from the close of Friday" (i.e. go to school on Friday, closures start on Monday). Why can't they be more precise with the wording?

So why keep schools open for the vulnerable with echp's many of which have health issues? The cynic in me feels this is so if parents withdraw their child they will lose their support package long term.

They’ll probably award GCSE and A Levels based on predicted grades

Oh i hope this is true!

@mackerella they said from when the gates close on Friday afternoon.

@mackerella I read it as close of day on Friday. When the students go home

He said a few moments ago that 'when the gates close on Friday' - which suggests two more school days and close from the weekend.

^*They’ll probably award GCSE and A Levels based on predicted grades

Oh i hope this is true!*^

Would be much better than mock grades.
Possibly a teacher 'best idea based on predictions and any coursework done so far'

What does "from Friday" mean for English schools? I would understand that as meaning "from Friday inclusive" (i.e. closed on Thursday, off on Friday), but DH reckons that it means "from the close of Friday" (i.e. go to school on Friday, closures start on Monday). Why can't they be more precise with the wording? confused

He said "When the gates close on Friday afternoon they won't re-open again..."

Is this including private nurseries? No one seems to have explicitly said that and Boris also said they'll be asked to be at the forefront of providing care for key worker's children, that suggests they will be open?

And if they close.. will I be paying £800 a month for them still?

Thanks, adaline! I'm not listening to the actual announcement as have DCs with me and don't want to alarm them - just reading the Guardian live blog (which is clearly not v precise!)

Another thing that might be bollocks is that a two week complete shut down for all will be announced Friday after schools have closed!