In my fantasy world:
Nursery and Primary/Middle school only. Secondary children can learn at home and if their parents agree can socialise in small groups out of school. Acceptance that GCSE and A level courses may have to be resat, extended or modified. Primary curriculum suspended (although broadly followed if possible), ofsted suspended, permanent cancellation of Sats, phonics screens, times table tests etc and unnecessary paperwork and monitoring. No trips, visits etc. Acceptance that educational “standards” by Govian measures might fall. We might all be happier for it.
How would social distancing be adhered to?
It wouldn’t, at least between the kids. It’s emotionally abusive to small children to try it. We’d learn to live with that small risk. Teachers would try to distance between themselves but would inevitably be close to children, especially younger ones.
How about drop off and pick up?
Will be different based on site/travel surely. But for my primary children who walk to school and have external doors for each separate classroom, into a large playground, I don’t see a problem. Other schools would have to minimise where they can (staggered timings?) but otherwise accept the small risks. Parents wouldn’t be allowed in to school unless exceptional circumstances and the parent teacher chats at the end of the day wouldn’t be possible or would have to be done by phone.
How would classrooms operate?
Same way they did before, except perhaps in some schools half a class at a time. Week on:week off. Exceptions for keyworker children. Regular hand washing.
How about lunchtimes and break times?
Staggered by class, outside no matter what weather (our school doesn’t have “wet play”, they have coats), packed lunches. Eaten outside in all but torrential rain. Or however else is safest while still being practical if the school doesn’t have the outside space. We accept some increase in risk.
What about after school childcare provision?
I don’t use this so I have no idea how it normally works but I don’t see why lack of before or after school provision (which doesn’t exist anyway at my children’s school) prevents school opening.
What about staff who are shielding? They stay home. Everyone else who is vulnerable comes in anyway or loses their job - same as every other industry. Where there are then insufficient staff, after considering supply etc, the school has to reduce numbers or close. No reason why every school should remain closed though.
What about children who are shielding? They stay home. They access online learning, phone support etc and we give their parents the right to insist their child is held back a year if they want to on their return. What else can you do?
What about staff who have family members who are shielding?
They go to work like in every other industry, or give up their jobs. See above.
Should only some children go back?
Yes, to begin with. Younger ones first, it’s harder to work with them at home, they find online learning harder and they’re less vulnerable than teens. Absolute priority given to children who have special needs (many of whom don’t have an ehcp and so can’t currently attend). No one should be compelled to send their children unless they want to, places should be kept until at least September.
Who should they be and why? See above.
Let the hole picking begin...