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Related: Lockdown Learning, discuss home schooling during lockdown.
NHS Coronavirus information. Information from gov.uk. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have health concerns, please seek medical attention.
Related: Lockdown Learning, discuss home schooling during lockdown.
Covid
Unsure whether to keep DS in school (EHCP) WWYD?
DoreensEatingHerSoreen · 19/03/2020 14:39
Like everyone, I'm waiting for further clarification from the government and DS's school, but what I understand from the announcement yesterday is that DS can continue going to school as he has an EHCP in place.
I'm in two minds as to whether to keep sending him. I'm technically in the at risk group as the ongoing cancer treatment I'm having is listed in the official advice for cancer patients as putting me at a higher risk of getting seriously ill if I catch the virus.
Having said that, the reason that my treatment is listed is that a known side effect for some patients (I believe 1 in 10) is a reduced white blood cell count therefore a weaker immune system. I have regular blood tests and know that my white blood cell count is normal. My oncologist says that my immune system is not compromised.
I'm not worried about becoming seriously ill, as I feel the chances of this are low. I am slightly anxious about being unable to go to hospital for my cancer treatment if I do get the virus, though pushing treatment back by a week or so shouldn't be an issue (people do this to go on holiday etc.).
DS would probably prefer to stay off initially, but I think he'd get bored after a while - he has wonderful support from school for his learning needs and I'm sad at the thought of him losing out on the last few weeks / months of this (he's in year 6).
As there wouldn't be many children at school, I guess the risks of DS catching it are relatively low, and I can thoroughly disinfect him when he gets home. He walks to and from school on his own (very close) so I wouldn't need to leave the house for school runs.
Sorry, a bit longer than I'd intended but didn't want to drip feed. WWYD?
DentalPatient · 19/03/2020 14:44
The children in school will be the children of those front line staff coming into regular contact with everyone including covid patients. I think sending him in will considerably increase the risk of him and your entire household getting the virus.
I am in the same position and having spoken to the school have decided not to send my child in. I was basically told no teaching or one to one support would be possible. A rota of staff would simply be minding the children of those who need to work.
KittenVsBox · 19/03/2020 14:48
We have been told that, where possible, to avoid sending kids to school.
If you think you are well enough to keep him occupied, I'd keep him with you.
DoreensEatingHerSoreen · 19/03/2020 14:49
That's a good point which I hadn't really considered. I'm planning to speak to the SENCO tomorrow, I decided to leave it for today as she must be inundated and I know school won't have all of the answers yet!
SummersMahoosiveClipOnFringe · 19/03/2020 14:51
Also ask for some resources to keep him occupied
DoreensEatingHerSoreen · 19/03/2020 14:53
School have already started posting resources on their website which is great.
I can definitely keep him occupied, maybe bored wasn't the right word ... I think he'll get frustrated by the situation but that's the same for each and every one of us I'm sure.
Leaning more towards keeping him home.
DoreensEatingHerSoreen · 19/03/2020 14:56
I will need to find childcare for him while I have my hospital treatment though as the hospital are not allowing visitors so can't take him with me.
I guess I'll have to ask friends that are "low-risk".
(His dad is already self isolating and is higher risk than me).
ifoughtforliberty · 19/03/2020 14:56
I'm not sure much teaching will be taking place in primary schools. I thought it's more emergency childcare might be a different scenario at secondary
Chanel05 · 19/03/2020 14:57
Keep in mind that school will likely be a crèche style environment, with no formal learning/sensory breaks taking place.
Sirzy · 19/03/2020 14:57
I think it depends what will work best for you. I have decided not to send DS in having spoken at length with the Senco this morning.
For us DS wouldn’t cope with going in with everything so different. Staff would be different to ones he is used to working with and depending on numbers and staff it may not even be at his school.
Also I very much doubt what is provided is going to be structured enough for him either
fedup21 · 19/03/2020 14:58
I wouldn’t have him anywhere near school. Those frontline workers are going to be at massive risk of getting this, as are their children.
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