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Original poster

Schools opening in the summer holidays!

502 replies

Biscuit0110 · 13/05/2020 16:48

GAVIN WILLIAMSON confirmed the Department of Education is looking into the possibility of propping up summer schools to help pupils catch up with their work after the pandemic.

It seems that after ruling out using the summer holidays to allow the children to catch up, it is now firmly back on the table!

What a positive development - will you send your child to school over the summer?

OP posts:
Lipz · 13/05/2020 17:39

Super.... You send yours back first and let us know how that goes. Then we'll send ours back once we know it's safe.

lilgreen · 13/05/2020 17:39

Are these retired teachers the usual retirement age? Yeah I’m sure they’ll be queueing round the block to spend their summer with the germ spreaders!

Maryann1975 · 13/05/2020 17:39

My dc don’t need to be in school during the summer, especially if they aren’t being taught by actual teachers! What’s the point. I imagine I could volunteer and be an ok teacher in a primary schools (I work in early years and do volunteer with dc and sometimes wonder about going in to primary teaching), but if the government want the time to be spent productively, the schools don’t need volunteers, they need actual teachers, who know exactly what they are doing. Not a volunteer attempting to sort social distancing issues and other non educational issues.

I also do not want my teaching friends working through the summer holidays. The majority, especially SLT, are working all hours still trying to make sure that all their pupils are safe and doing some learning through this time. Doing online learning, safeguarding and welfare calls, setting work. They need a break as much as the dc.

AChickenCalledDaal · 13/05/2020 17:40

If DD2 gets wind of the fact that Gavin Williamson wants her to carry on working all summer she may well lose all motivation to keep on top of what she's being set now. Which is presumably not what he has in mind.

Lelivre · 13/05/2020 17:40

We haven’t had live lessons or even pre recorded either. I wouldn’t mind them staying home if this is provided.

I’ve paid for live lesson instead even set up some with other kids we know...the online set work provision is very disappointing.

LaurieFairyCake · 13/05/2020 17:40

My DH won't be doing this as he uses the summer to relax and plan for next year.

He's SLT and currently working normally in school moderating the A Levels and GCSE's so the children can go on to 6th Form and University.

As I'm sure you can appreciate he's very busy.

Sparkletastic · 13/05/2020 17:40

My Y9 has been working for at least 4 hours every day. My 2 DCs in Y12 have been working to their full timetable via Google Classroom. All at state schools. Maybe your kids' school is just being a bit shit OP? Or your kids aren't working as hard as they should be.

ItsGoingTibiaK · 13/05/2020 17:40

@GrimmsFairytales

Yup. Thanks goodness for this new-fangled ‘Hansard’ service, meaning we can check exactly what ministers said, rather than creating threads with hyperbolic titles. I hope it catches on... 😉

1forsorrow · 13/05/2020 17:41

Given that secondary school pupils will have lost half a year of schooling, it makes sense to use the summer to catch up, so they are not so far behind by the time they get to September. How have they lost half a year? There are 3 terms, they are losing 1 aren't they? The one when they do trips, sports days, leaving do's etc. They have lost time at school but don't exaggerate.

Reallymissthegym · 13/05/2020 17:41

All the teachers I know are still working- where are their holidays?

What a load of crap!

Bluntness100 · 13/05/2020 17:41

I’m not sure why folks are shooting the messenger, he did indeed say they were considering it. He didn’t say you had to send your kid.

PillowBobbles · 13/05/2020 17:42

No way. My dc are working hard doing all the tasks school set for them and we are all looking forward to having a good break during the summer.

Barbie222 · 13/05/2020 17:42

Calm down everyone. It's optional, aimed at the neediest, and staffed by a combination of volunteers, retired teachers and other do-gooders. Schools routinely open over summer for a myriad of reasons and the camps will be funded separately. Nobody is going to be required to work without pay and if it gets off the ground will be a Good Thing. We're not biting here OP.

LemonPudding · 13/05/2020 17:43

I can't see it happening. Another stupid idea not thought through.

If retired teachers are working with no PPE and no social distancing it will hasten the second wave. Maybe that's what Johnson wants.

GrimmsFairytales · 13/05/2020 17:43

rather than creating threads with hyperbolic titles.

Ah but we all know had the OP stated the facts, and specified what was said then they wouldn't have had half as much fun winding posters up.

attackedbycritters · 13/05/2020 17:44

They were talking about using volunteers, not regular teachers, to help children who may have fallen behind and want extra help...given that difference in support that different children can receive at home it's not a daft idea, although it's not improbable that the parents who wish to access this support may be those who are already supporting their child's education

ivfgottostaypositive · 13/05/2020 17:45

Fine by me - lots of teachers I know aren't actually working right now

Piggywaspushed · 13/05/2020 17:46
Daffodil
1forsorrow · 13/05/2020 17:46

I can't imagine that the kids who haven't been doing work and getting behind are going to be rushing to attend summer school. Maybe my lack of imagination.

StrawberryBlondeStar · 13/05/2020 17:48

@PeskyRooks I’m really pleased your children are doing well; however, the gap between PP and other children is well known (of course there will be exceptions). It is a factor OFSTED particularly focus on when inspecting schools. Schools have to demonstrate how they are closing the gap. PP is also not just about money, but includes other factors (have been in care, adopted, armed services children). It is a real concern that gap will grow during the lockdown and efforts to minimise this should be encouraged.

viewfromthecouch · 13/05/2020 17:49

I need a break.
So do my children
Don't see myself going in. not paid enough to give my time up.

megletthesecond · 13/05/2020 17:49

Is it just our household that are sick to the back teeth of each other? We all need a break from our house. Mine would love to be at school if it's safe. Being at home is stressful and unstimulating.
There's nowhere to go and nothing to see otherwise.

1forsorrow · 13/05/2020 17:50

I always think kids are on their knees by the end of the September - December term, particularly the younger ones so might have a negative effect on them, children going back to school in June and going through to the end of December would probably need a break longer than the normal half term.

Tonz · 13/05/2020 17:51

Nope my kids won't be going to school during summer holidays. They need a break and I don't think being stuck at home being home schooled is a break. Besides we are in Scotland it's the only chance at half decent weather for them