So how is all this ‘open only for key workers’ thing going to work then?

[FlamingoAndJohn]

Really is doesn’t seem to mean anything.

I can’t really teach a random selection of children.

Yep very confusing. How will that work? Who decides the criteria?

And asking teachers to work over the Easter Holidays.

We only have two days to sort this out.

Give them time to tell you! They’ve just announced it. There will be a plan and it will be communicated. They can’t tell everyone everything instantly can they!

We’re opening one/two schools in our MAT to cover all key MAT kids I think.

It’ll be childcare and supervision, not teaching.

It’ll be childcare more than teaching

They're doing their best, would it not be better to watch and listen and try and do your best?

You'd be complaining if there weren't enough nurses because they're at home with their kids rather than treating you.

FFS. Why does everyone have to jump in. This is unprecedented.

Glorified childcare

I hope they compensate teachers - are they expected to work as normal??

I’m in Wales, they announced school closures at lunchtime. Our council has since sent out questions to everyone asking if we are essential staff (with criteria) and if we will need childcare. I think the plan is to open some schools for childcare, they also mention providing meals to child on free school meals

Well, some very small schools have mixed year group classes so it might be something similar, and I suspect it won't be so much teaching and following the curriculum as a safe place for children to be and to keep them reasonably entertained.

Yes, childcare not teaching is the key here.
I would imagine that those pupils will be given the opportunity to do the same work that is being sent to their classmates, but not getting direct teaching

@Iggly what do you mean? They won't be working as normal at all, if most of the children aren't there. They will be keeping the children present busy, occupied and safe. They will be doing their job.

@CathedralSpire

Couldn't agree more!

Teachers will be paid regardless. I’m long term supply and intend to go in to help until they tell me not to. Not just about income but about supporting the pupils of mine that I know are in the cats mentioned so far.

ladymalfoy

Thank you.

I'm in France, main town: 20000 population, our set up is as follows:

Children of medical staff only if there is no other safe alternative (other parent, older sibling, neighbour etc). Parents must provide proof.

All grouped together in the high school (covers 15 primary, and four middle schools), max 10 kids per room. So far not many kids have been brought in, most medical staff are reluctant to have their kids put at risk of picking it up and passing it on, by being put with other potentially contaminated kids.

Volunteer teachers only (we've been lucky in that there have been enough volunteers to do a rota for the next week or so).

Kids are supposed to have been given work to do by their usual teachers. So the adult is just there to babysit in theory.

@Lucked. You’re more than welcome. Only needed the NHS 3 times in my 46 years. Doing my bit. And after seeing the staff in my local Coop today I consider them key workers too. If anyone is helping the country to KOKO you’re a key worker IMHO.
I think in a couple of days the definition of ‘ key worker’ will change.

Academies will get comms tomorrow from ESFA - maintained schools presumably will get similar from their LAs. There's also the helpline but it will likely be swamped tomorrow.

Just asking a simple question here. No need to jump down my throat about it.

There are only two days to sort this out.

Fuck you Boris. I'm not glorified childcare, thanks. I signed up to educate - not be babysitting other people's children through a pandemic that is rapidly spreading. I have vulnerable people in my family and as long as I'm having to go into school every day, dealing with children - maybe strange children by the look of it - who may or may not be carrying a virus, I cannot take care of my elderly parents - and I'm possibly bringing back Coronavirus to my own family.

How are the unions guaranteeing our health and wellbeing? The schools are not closing - they are simply removing some of the children so that schools can still be staffed by the look of it.

Are teachers key workers? I'm a secondary school teacher, 3 young children in primary school/nursery....

Well aren't you a charmer @TimeforanotherChange. Newsflash - Boris isn't responsible for Covid 19. I find it hard to believe you are a teacher with your lack of critical thinking. Do you expect the NHS to treat you and people you love through a pandemic.Well step up if you can so they can get to work.My DH is a teacher and I am proud to say he has the opposite attitude to you - he is a professional and he cares about his pupils.

@Pugdoglife

You won't be needed to go on will you? If you're secondary then 'babysitting key workers kids' isn't necessary. It's only primaries that will stay open I imagine.

Disappointing response from @Timeforanotherchange. By taking care of other people's children, you could be allowing NHS workers to save lives or shop workers to keep us all fed. We are not at the dog eat dog stage yet, we need to pull together and not cling to job descriptions. I am happy to do whatever is needed, wherever.

Well said TheNavigator. Thank god previous generations didn't have this attitude-WW1&2 might have have had significantly different outcomes. Do you think all those HCP's who don't normally work in critical care settings are currently saying 'well it's not in my job description so why should I do it'
Your DH should be thanked for being prepared to go in and teach (or 'look after') a cross section of kids. What they will learn from him is how important it is to think of the bigger picture for the greater good

... what @sluj said!