Are schools safe? Asking teachers

[Jumpingjellybeans29]

We are both frontline NHS so we don't have a choice about sending our kids.

My understanding is that there will be a mix of kids left in. Staff on a rota. Skeleton staff in each day. No continuity. Obviously some may go into self isolation so potentially risk of unsafe ratios. The schools have had v little time to plan this so no policies will have been updated eg safeguarding of kids and bullying issues.

Is it just me or this is really crap childcare?

I'm a key worker,and I'm wrestling with the idea of this too.I will be sending my toddler to nursery with all the other key workers children.Key workers are more likely to come into contact with the virus,therefore their children are too. Then we are putting them all together,it just raises the chances of them becoming infected.

OP just to make you feel better / the kids are likely to have a much better time than those locked in their homes - aren’t they? Or have I missed the point?

Yes, you have. Schools won’t be better than home. The best place for your child if you’re a KW is at home. If you have no other option schools will look after your child. We’ll keep them safe and as happy as possible. But it’s not meant to be “better than being locked up at home”.

You know what, I’m self isolating tomorrow. I’m a teacher but with health conditions and having read some of the sheer bullshit on here over the past few days I’ve decided that I’m not going to risk my life for as it’s been put here “crap babysitting”.

I have spent a huge amount of time this weekend in tears as I just don’t know what to do. I’m a teacher , my husband is a key worker too. We have a toddler who is usually cared for by grandparents. No idea how we are going to manage but we are trying to do our bit. It’s pretty insulting to be told what we are doing is ‘crap’

Bulb and Italian

From a fellow teacher: you’re doing great. It’s the first time in my career that I’ve really felt a big tension between being a parent and being a teacher. And that’s ok. It’s unprecedented.

Big love. It’s a tough job.

Wow how disrespectful I'm a TA who gets paid absolute pittance - this is certainly not what I have signed up for. I'll be in for the next two weeks providing 'crap babysitting' and by doing so putting my own health, and the health of my family at risk. Shame on you

It's crap because it's been sprung on us without warning (our HT head over twitter that the schools were closing, not through official channels) and they are publicising these things straight to the public without allowing any buffers to allow time to sort things.

Hence the many different versions of key workers and who could send kids to school over the last few days.

We have to risk assess. We have to run on a skeleton staff. Yet we initially have 80 kids in (1/4 of our school) as the list was so large and no time to properly act on it.

We will do our best. The kids will know us and trust us and we will take care of them. And set what work we can to help maintain their learning.

But the fact that it will be difficult to maintain a distance between pupils and pupil/teacher just limits the effectiveness of the social distancing it is supposed to be helping achieve.

Our TAs will be frontline, putting in their share of supervision. For a pittance, especially as they have now lost their extra income of before and after school clubs and lunchtime supervision that they do in addition to their school contracts. Wraparound care is not funded by the school ,but a separate business, so there's no money in it to keep paying them.

Both nhs here. We appreciate what you are doing hugely. Morning crap about it. Thank you x

My DCs school is checking temp of every kid on way in. Using hand sanitiser regularly. It will be staffed by actual school teachers albeit as few as possible. They will be at desks that are 2m apart. And their will be no canteen queuing.

So in these scary times, I wish it was other, I am ok with my DC going into school. What is the alternative, its a war?

Theyve spent their own money on nice art materials. We really want the key workers to know we've done right by their children.

Just. That.

How rude are you OP?
One of my best friends is a teacher. She's had cancer and has compromised immune system so putting herself on the line. She's also got a job to do and will do her best as I'm sure the vast majority of other teaching staff will be.

Yeah well I was going to put my own kid into "crap childcare" so I could offer "crap childcare" to other key worker's children. I'm not now as self isolating due to DD. I'll definitely work over Easter.

I don't know anything about your kids school... maybe they're crap,maybe you don't trust them who knows?

But our schools have been amazing throughout. Parents updated daily, home learning packs ready to go, resources from rubbers to colouring pencils provided etc. A variety of lessons and activities,including fun ones. Online learning and accounts made and set up. DD has two for maths, one for reading and one general one. We washed hands until we were raw. Disinfected tables,laptops,books at least 3 times a day without the cleaners shift. Put measure in place for playtimes and lunchtimes and whatever else. Some schools are even offering free lunches as a thank you to key workers. Some have had all their teachers prepare a lesson/activity so there is a bank to choose from. Most have hand delivered packs or bits of kit left behind in school. A lot have cried with our y6, tried to reassure them and promised them this is not goodbye, no matter when we go back we'll sort something out. Some schools have videoed various songs/project to share with the wider community/people self isolating to try and make them smile.
We don't save lives, we don't do what you do. I personally couldn't and I have a massive respect for all NHS staff in normal times,even more so now.

And suddenly now with less than a third of children in we're incapable of safeguarding ,first aid, deal with bullying and whatever else?!? Seriously? Give us at least a bit of credit that we still know how to do our jobs, that we are prepared,we have planned and that we do this because we care.

If you're anxious,quit.
If you want to quit,quit.
If you don't want to do it anymore(for whatever reason), quit.

But take responsibility and don't put this on us/schools. Your choice,own it.

Policies do not need to be updated, behaviour is gonna be dealt with the same way as usual, bullying etc. Staff is the same staff that usually teach your child, they may not be continuity of they do a rota, but it's not unsafe. The will be with to be completed, it just may require more effort and independence from students.

@ChloeDecker and you have a first hand experience of that from..

I am genuinely sorry to the teachers I have upset. I shouldnt have used the word crap. I'm sorry. I know you are doing your best at a really tough time.

I'm just a mum who is worried for her children. Im scared. We are all scared. I'm sorry.

I'm a teacher, although not working at the moment. I really think the kids still attending school will have a brilliant time. They will be playing with others (older and younger) and will form new, strong relationships. The staff will all be familiar to them and will be motivated to provide a good experience for everyone.
I would expect lots of outdoor play, games, songs, craft sessions and also some learning (although obviously not the NC) to take place. Teachers are fully trained, creative individuals and I genuinely think they will be trying their best to make this a good experience for all.
Is your child at school today? See how they get on and go from there.

OP, your children will be with people like me, I am in on friday. I am a level 3 STF TA and I can you that any child looked after by me, I go above and beyond for. I always have and always will look after any child like i want my own to be cared for. Every child I care for will be reassured, provided giggles, fun and security. Especially because parents like you are on the front line working so hard for us. Thank you to you

And I am MASSIVE on handwashing, tissues and trying to keep kids safe!

The older ones, especially year 5 and 6 adore little ones. You know your kids are growing up when you hear them on the first day that Reception starts saying 'Ohhh, they're so cute!'.

Your DD will always have somebody to play with, somebody to read to her or to listen to her reading, to cuddle if she's upset, to encourage her to wash her hands - it'll be like she has a whole bunch of big brothers and sisters for the time she is there.

It might be many things, but it won't be crap.

The NHS isn't the same as it was just a few weeks ago - but in the worst of circumstances, it's still not going to be crap, it's going to be the best we can do in unprecedented circumstances.

Lots and lots of fun activities being planned because all staff understand how the children may feel, im not a crap babysitter, i am a professional who whilst scared of bringing it home to my family, but who realises that should I need a nurse at any stage, I will be glad I stepped up and glad I volunteered. Also, this last week I used disinfectant EVERY morning on all chairs, surfaces, door handles for our STF kids. I take my role very seriously. Especially now.

Good post -Mitzik

I am a key worker and my ex is a key worker. My two are off to school this morning as l have no other choice. I’m worried for my children, I’m worried for the teachers at my children’s school in case my children place them at risk.
I just want to say thank you for all you are doing.
I am speaking to my manager today to see what steps can be taken so l don’t have to put my kids (and others) at risk. My anxiety is next level.

OP is just worried for her kids as we all are. I'm currently wondering if my sensible 5.5 year old would be safer at home with the sensible just turned 14 year old sibling in charge rather than risking even more viral exposure in emergency childcare. There are already 2 parents potentially bringing the virus home. It's a horrible situation. I swither between really wanting to step up to do my bit for society and majorly resenting all of the friends and neighbours who are now home and have pulled up their drawbridges to protect themselves. Massive respect to all us essential workers especially including teachers.

What's your role in the NHS?