Schools

[Carrotcakeforbreakfast]

I know this has been done 1000 times but my search function isn't working.

With the extended lockdown and daily numbers, when do you think the schools are likely to go back.
I believe lockdown won't end anytime soon but just wondering if anyone thinks schools opening will have changed?

Ha I haven’t even noticed the other threads. Sorry. I don’t particularly mind them being closed. Quite looking forward to what the BBC has to offer. Their live lessons are excellent.

To those complaining of the repetition without anything useful to add:

1. As I said my search button is not working.
2. I'm still working so don't have the option of sitting on MN all day looking at all threads on a fast moving board.
3. Get a life ffs.

To all of the sensible replies. Thank you

I’m not sure if this is dependant on areas but I have heard some of the special needs schools in our area are opening soon

I don't believe that the treasury can extend the financial support scheme for furloughed employees and the self employed beyond the currently agreed end of June.

After this the schools must be open or the country will be on its knees. I suppose this is however so close to the end of term that September is also just about possible. The country simply has to get back to work from an economic perspective and schools are vital for this.

I think it would be best for schools to go back by 1 July and to shorten the summer holidays to two weeks.

Really though it's anyone's guess and it will be interesting to see what happens in other countries who are opening schools ahead of the UK.

Schools will be closed as normal over the summer holidays, hopefully holiday clubs etc will be able to run.
Personally i would like to get back beginning of June. However i don't have a clue if that is a pipe dream or not.
Parents may have to accept changes to schools that will allow them to open earlier. I haven't got a clue what these may be however it might be in 1/2 a week off 1/2 a week, or week about or half days to allow for smaller class sizes.
Personally i am glad it's not me making these decisions, you're dammed if you do and dammed if you don't. If ypu don't open fully parents will scream, however if someone dies and viral load, lack of social distancing are found to be cause then there are problems as well, especially if it's a child.
Hoping for June for part time schools at least 🙄🙂

I'd like to think I'll be in my classroom in June but I don't think I'll be able to have all of the class back at once until the end of social distancing. School is not going to be the same for a long time, and we will all have to be creative about finding edits to cope.

We're also in a bit of an echo chamber here, and need to remember that the people who are desperate for the schools to reopen are not such a big group as you might think by reading Mumsnet.

To those complaining of the repetition without anything useful to add:

But people are repeatedly asking the same question that nobody (nobody! understand? nobody!) knows the answer to. Even if anybody did know the answer, the probability of their being a member of Mumsnet is precisely zero. You might as well ask for the exact date of the second coming.

I work in a school and the HT expects us to be back in 3 weeks. I am worried about rushing back too quickly (and therefore workplaces expecting workers back) and seeing an immediate resurgence. Also from a practical point of view I won't be able to ask my Mum to have DD so not sure what I will do.

I hope it's a staged return with support for those who have to come into work. I think if numbers work out then starting slowly after half term would be better.

01 June is my guess. What will have changed by September? Virus will still be here, and no vaccine. Going back as we head into flu season may not be great idea.

I work in a school and the HT expects us to be back in 3 weeks.

I think this is a little optimistic given that the furlough scheme is now running until the end of June. It's bad enough to be out of the classroom now, and I think a lot of heads would like to think that after a bit of breath holding we can just pick up where we left off, but there might be an even worse future coming which involves restructuring of staff, plans, and curricula for the next year or two. Nobody wants to plan for that! They would rather cling to the idea that we'll all be back soon. I'd rather hope for the best but plan for the worst.

I think it would be best for schools to go back by 1 July and to shorten the summer holidays to two weeks.

Oh, hear we go.
Teachers aren’t paid the summer holiday. We are working now. We have volunteered to give up our Easter break and take take of key workers children UNPAID. We won’t be volunteering to give up our summer break too. Would you ask doctors and nurses to work for free for a month?

*here

DBML these are exceptional times. I think asking teachers to be flexible is not unreasonable right now, and many of us are having to do things we would prefer not to, often involving risking our lives for others. Most teachers are now working reduced hours on full pay. I'm not suggesting that teachers work for nothing but we really need to get the economy going and yes I think there is no reason why teachers could not play a part in this and the 6 week break should be up for discussion if changes would be in the best interests of the country.

I understand that some teachers may not welcome losing a part of their 6 week break but I don't think it's unreasonable in the present exceptional circumstances. The world has changed.

@Snog repetition yet again

@Snog
Schools are likely to be open over summer, but it's unlikely to be for teaching, as there will not be a full cohort in. Similar to now.
I am happy to be paid and work for some of the summer holidays. I think many teachers would. I doubt there will be the money, though.

). In September, Covid 19 will still be dangerous.

*Absolutely it will!
*

*However and I have said on other threads it gives us TIME

Time to develop antigen testing further.

Time to develop contact test further.

Time to develop antibody tests

Time to research TB vaccinator , Vit D , BAME , males being higher risk.

Time to get the R nought lower ( ok its looking below one already in community)

Time to develop drugs that aid healing ( not necessary cure) maybe protect lung damage

Time to research what is happening in other countries

Time to research asymptomatic cases and research covid 19 in general

Time to buy and produce some flaming
PPE!

Time to develop washing and hand gel facilities in schools. ( this should start now)

Time to assess the lay of the land to let parents make risk assessments as the curve lowers.

Time to look at the lasting effects. Are the lungs scares permanently? Any other lasting damage.

I am sure others can think of more.
*

Time to sqaush the prevelance in society so that risk of infection is low
Time to introduce a test and trace strategy

I think they'll extend the criteria for kids who can go to school as they loosen restrictions whenever that is. So it makes sense to allow those providing essential services back to work, so plumbers, electricians, internet companies etc and find places for their kids. Maybe secondary schools could go back as they can get themselves there and back. Those who can work from home should continue to do so.

@Snog

Nope. I’d quit before I went in during the summer holidays. I need a break. I am not on reduced hours and am currently working more. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean I’m not doing it

‘Flexibility’ is not working for free when you’re not meant to be working. That’s called taking advantage.

Maybe secondary schools could go back as they can get themselves there and back.

On crowded public transport and buses for a lot of pupils.

Yes I can envisage the same, redwine
I can’t imagine all schools opening for some while, perhaps one where there is a federation staffed by those from all in the group. Perhaps some who can home educate will want to continue if the ‘at home’ resources improve. I’m hoping a national approach will improve that situation starting with BBC Teach and as much interactive and engaging material as possible. Reimagining school is long overdue.

I have posted this several times already. We received an email from State School headmaster.setting out the rationale . It's easy to understand.

If schools go back before September there will still be a massive decrease in staff due to SI.
Less staff = bigger classes.
Bigger classes = less SD

This is NOT about the less prone kids.
It's about the teachers risk.

No no & no again.
Nobody needs to lose their life because of a 'want' to have kids less bored.