First day back at school - how was it?

[snowballer]

I have a child in Y1 and he's had a brilliant day. Around 20 of the class of 30 came back today, split into two groups across two classrooms. Nothing was terrifying, no weird chalk circles outside in which to play, and no prison like classrooms. All the children coming out at pick up were so happy to be back. Even the fact his best friend is in the other group didn't bother him!

How were your children's days if they went back today?

@MarcelineMissouri

We finally got the detailed information for our school - I have one in reception starting back next week. I knew this was a possibility but he is not with his old teacher which I am gutted about, especially as judging from our parents WhatsApp group most of his class that are going back are with her. His teacher is from another year, he doesn’t know her and she has not got the best reputation. Hooefully it will be fine.... 🤞🏻

My reception child has a teacher she knows 2 days a week but one she didn't (until Monday) the other 3. I'd heard mixed things about that teacher but she likes her and seems to have had a nice few days. Also, as your son is Reception, might there be a TA as well? Perhaps there will be a second adult and he may like them better. A lot seem to be so happy to be back. Hopefully your teachers will have some interesting activities lined up that work within the new rules, like ours have. Also the smaller groups means possibly more attention for each child, even in a distanced way. (And more feedback from the teacher to parents).

@HelloMist yes there will be another adult in the class but I don’t know who it is yet! Really it’s a great school and most of the staff are fab (I work there too ) so I’m sure he will be fine. And I’m sure his new teacher will be fine as well, I’m trying to not pay too much attention to other people’s opinions. Indeed the teacher my eldest had in reception was not the most popular among other parents of the class but my goodness we loved her! She was the perfect teacher for him. I think that was just my initial disappointment speaking!

This thread is lovely to read. I am in Lancashire as well and my son's nursery have said they are not opening yet since the council recommend not to, and they are worried about invalidating their insurance (or something like that). But I'm desperate for him to go back.

DS goes to a special school and is yr 4. Severely autistic. After MS schools closed, he managed one day of school, the day before lockdown, and then his school closed to all but key workers' children and 'vulnerable' (and I suspect the odd child who was really going to struggle or be violent at home). His general demeanour and mood have slowly deteriorated at home over the last 9, 10 weeks and we were very glad that his school offered him two days a week.

Anyway - he had his first day, loved it and had a fantastic time apparently, and then today school rang to tell us that a child in his classroom had been at a 'gathering' at the weekend with a family member who's since tested positive ... and his school now have staff shortages so they've had to close his classroom for a week. So no school for at least a week.

I suspect this will continue to happen - is it happening in MS schools? Has anyone already been told that the 'bubble' has been potentially contaminated?

Fabulous to hear the positive stories of first days back. I can’t wait for my 6 year old to go back, he’s loved extra time at home and with us, but has also really missed his friends and school. Whenever we drive or ride past school, he waves and talks to it and shouts that he hopes it’s not bored without all the children and that he hopes he can come back soon. Sad but very sweet

We're almost at the end of the week and still going well here.

But is everyone else finding it really tiring? Parents just as much as children! none of us are used to the school runs and early mornings, plus we walk to school most days. DH and I have taken it in turns to fall asleep on the sofa by late afternoon. DD is tired but stays awake! Lockdown learning was tiring but in a different way, and we could do something else if we really needed a break from it.

Hope we adjust more next week!

DD is absolutely exhausted. She was asleep a full hour earlier tonight than she was last week.

I'm doing ok, we have a 3yo who gets up around 6.30 every day anyway, and I start work at 7am (wfh at the moment) so we've kept largely to our normal sleeping patterns. It feels good to have a routine and purpose to the day although I can see the appeal of a 4 day week

My reception child went back this week and it went really well.

Day 5 for us and it's been an absolute success. Very organised, everyone is happy, welcoming and the kids are loving it. There is a one way system and there is tape and signs so it does look very different to normal but all children I've seen including my own haven't been phased one bit.