Shielded children.. can we let them back to school if we choose?

[BuyorRent]

I don’t want to be blasted if people feel different, I take every opinion on board BUT can I send my child back to school even if it’s medically advised not to? Is it a judgement call or do you think we will be banned from doing so?

*let them go

I am one of the shielded people, I have the letter etc. The letter is not legally binding, it’s just advisory. You can do what you like... I go out for walks and go to the shops. You have to make your own judgements.

As things stand, shielding is advisory, so yes you can ignore it.

I'd say it was immensely unwise to do so.

Have you spoken to your DC's consultant about the specific risks?

The school would need to risk assess your child, same as a workplace would for an employee, then through discussions with yourself they may be able to meet the needs. Unlike an adult I would assume the school would need to be part of decision incase it went wrong and you sued.

I’ve spoken to his consultant who seems to think his risk would be minimal despite being on the ‘extremely vulnerable’ list.
It’s not set in stone for us at all and if further evidence proved he was at risk I would of course follow the guidelines. He is very well (despite his condition) and is devastated to be off school. I would hate to shield him until there’s a vaccine simply because of how outgoing/sociable he is. I’d hate to hold him back from that point of view whilst also managing his health. His Dad will have to go back to work soon so surely our protective measures would be negligible anyway?
Interested to hear other thoughts though

If you have spoken to his consultant speak to the school, start now as they may wish communication with his consultant to ensure it is safe. 👍

We spoke yesterday and they were great but hesitant about having him back. I completely understand their hesitation but also can’t shield my son indefinitely

I would imagine that SS would get involved if your decision was life threatening.

If your consultant thinks it’s ok then I would. Seems very random. My dad is shielding (in theory, enjoying his walks etc) but actually the healthiest he’s been in years. No way is he staying in until there is a vaccine.

That’s my worry

When I say random I mean blanket groups have been told to shield with no actually thought about the circumstances of those individual people

Sorry that was to @Itisbetter

That's really tough, but I think probably the teachers wouldn't want such a massive responsibility on them. It's already going to be impossible for them to keep the children in their care socially distanced etc. Imagine being the teacher that took their eye off the ball cos one kid hurt their knee, and meanwhile someone is coughing on your DC?

@Saladmakesmesad I know 😩 I’m just selfishly thinking about my DS and how much he misses school and how much he really is at risk. He’s desperate to go back to school and I’m wondering at what point his mental health takes precedence?

Over his physical health obvs 😂

Definitely one for the consultant. You might also consider asking for an antibody test. It's not impossible that he's had it, especially if you live in London? (Without going into a big debate, it now seems almost certain that some protective immunity is conferred.)

I totally understand your point about his mental health. My son is losing the plot after this length of time off school. The shielding letters had to be produced very quickly on a broad-brush assessment of risk, at a point when we knew less about the virus than we do now. So inevitably they were sent to some people who on more detailed/careful medical advice are not at higher risk, and will have excluded many who are.

My son has been placed on the shielded list but was already in school as a vulnerable pupil. The school, social services and other health professionals already know and are fine with it. He doesn't actually have any of the conditions on that would put him in the extremely vulnerable category but was added to the list by the GP.

I think he probably is in the ‘high risk’ category BUT he’s very healthy with his condition and I just worry about him socially if he doesn’t go back when his pals go back

@hopsalong definitely want to get an antibody year. Don’t live in London though and have heard of no cases around us. Just want to weigh up sending DS back to school ASAP or waiting until there’s a vaccine (he’d hate it 😢)

*test

Is it CF? Because if so and he is well I would send him back with his friends when they year group opens. Nationally CF patients have been doing pretty well, the newer meds have really improved lung function.

@Clemmieandareallybigbunfight
Yes! And he’s doing so well and has great lung function that I don’t want to shield him when I don’t think it’s necessary

But OBVIOUSLY wouldn’t put him at risk

Why would you though?

There is bound to be a 2nd peak.

I would wait and see, September atleast

Is he in reception, Year 1 or year 6?