Government reportedly considering schools going back in 3 weeks

[FiveFootTwoEyesOfBlue]

On BBC News 24 now, article in tomorrow's Sunday Times says that ministers are considering schools going back in three weeks time. Plus allowing some shops and social gatherings, but not pubs and clubs.

They're apparently considering sending back years 10 and 12, and primary.

Really? I am surprised by that.

So we're abandoning social distancing then? Because there's absolutely no way to practice social distancing in a classroom. My year 10 class has 32 pupils in, and they sit right on top of each other because that's the only way they fit into the classroom. Or are they planning on just letting those kids spread it around each other and their families?

twitter.com/thesundaytimes/status/1251614513973080071?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Seriously? I'm really surprised by this....

They’re kite-flying.

Threads on here suggest parents would not be happy with 11th May. Especially as it’s still in the 3 month period for vulnerable people.

They may have it so that there’s no more than 10-15 students in a classroom, with each pupil coming in to school 2 days a week only. I think that’s what’s happen in other European countries soon (can’t remember which).

Hope they do.

Threads on here suggest parents would not be happy with 11th May.

I don't think parents being happy or not is a major factor. They're weighing up different options which all have significant disadvantages. Risking lives versus risking destroying the economy and people's livelihoods. Students in the year before exams being out of school for 5 months also wouldn't be great. I wouldn't want to be the person making that decision.

I do think that 3 weeks is too soon and unlikely to happen.

Would I send my kids back - probably

Would I understand if teachers did not go back in 3 weeks- yes.

BUT my youngest is really really struggling not being at school. We are quite concerned about him and his behaviour is not great. Even though he's only young its clear he's struggling with lockdown. On a personal level, I think going back to school would be good for him, even if it was different to what it was before.

My eldest is not struggling quite so much but she can understand a little bit better and is a different character.

furlough has been extended to June so I think they wouldn't have done that unless they assumed life wouldn't be back to normal.

I won't be sending mine to school, it is far too soon. Iam vulnerable and im not risking them having no mum.
I got the terrible news that a childhood neighbour died this morning, only 48 and fit and healthy prior to covid.
We need to wait and watch the countries ahead of us before taking that step.

I don't think parents being happy or not is a major factor.

It is if they’re the ones supposedly sending their kids in.

Suggestion on twitter is that September was expected so 11th May is being mooted to soften people up for 1st June.

The Times have been pushing this for weeks.

Hopefully the DfE will say it’s bullshit.

My son is shielded so won't be going back then. Even if he wasn't, I wouldn't be sending him then. We will only just be over the peak then surely?

They have, Appuskisu

Can only read headline and bit below which says "schools open in 3 weeks" then "over 70s locked down for a year".

I can't do both in my house, I live with secondary school aged children, and my parents.
No point keeping the oldies in if I'm sending the teens off to school every day, I might as well let them go to the pub (the oldies, not the teens).

It is if they’re the ones supposedly sending their kids in.

How does that work though if you're employed & schools reopen & employers want you to stop wfh?

So a newspaper publishes it, department of education confirm there is no date in mind yet, and people are still already frothing about it? Seriously, wait. People will be told beforehand, it might be 3 weeks time, more than likely though it won't be.

@noblegiraffe

Good, thanks for posting that.

It’s a shame nobody ever really challenges them on this. It’s always reported as ‘some ministers think’ or ‘our spokesperson says’ but basically, they’ve just made it up!

If we go back before the 12 week period for vulnerable people is up, most schools simply can’t staff, so it’s all just fluff.

noble I think you may be right.

The govt often use the press to put feelers out. Suspect this is exactly that with the view to schools going back after half term.

in England of course. Scotland for example doesn't have a May half term and term finishes in June

Noooo. Too early. I would be very reluctant to send mine back. The city is rampant with it.

I'm not surprised. Although I was thinking 01 June. I don't know why so many are hoping for September, when that's right at the start of the next flu season. Schools need to go back before a vaccine is available, so summer season seems a good choice and enables them to have leeway for another lockdown in autumn/winter.

Not happening. That is one of three dates suggested and even then the May date says it relates to Years 10 & 12. For this to happen then the schools would need to be paying teachers to work over the summer.