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Original poster

First day back at school - how was it?

309 replies

snowballer · 01/06/2020 15:59

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?

OP posts:
Tombero · 01/06/2020 18:14

My Fitbit didn’t register any sleep last night as I kept worrying and wondering if I’d made the right decision. I welled up after I left her this morning.

Our school were great, sent a video taking us round the school and explaining how everything would work. Sent a couple of photos during the day.

My year 6 child came out very happy and relaxed. It all seemed to go really well.

I feel really glad we decided she’d go in.

Someaddedsugar · 01/06/2020 18:17

DS went back to nursery today.

I cried this morning as he so confidently waved and said bye before walking in to meet his keyworker by himself (she was standing inside and the door was wide open so I could see). This has literally never happened before.

He had a nap at lunchtime and unfortunately woke up a bit early so didn't have as good an afternoon, however after 11 weeks off I think that's to be expected and he's talked about playing with dinosaurs and painting all the way home!

justasking111 · 01/06/2020 18:18

So happy to read all these stories. Wales really does need to act soon. Happy kids make for happy homes.

ProseccoBubbleFantasies · 01/06/2020 18:20

This is such a lovely thread to read.

It's lovely that children are so happy to be back

ToothFairyNemesis · 01/06/2020 18:24

Am really pleased these children got to be with their friends and go to school. It has highlighted to me that if children don’t socially distance within their bubbles, it will be a long time before mine can safely return. I did think it would be challenging for year one and reception but maybe naively I assumed year six would be expected to.
I think I will probably have to home school which is not what I would like to long term.

GreenGreenGrassofSloane · 01/06/2020 18:25

Lovely thread - I'd seen some videos from schools on how they were going to enforcing social distancing - it seems like that isn't the norm.

OrangeGinLemonFanta · 01/06/2020 18:27

Reception child here. She was glowing when I picked her up. Full of chat about making a bug hotel and playing at the water tray. Carpet time is in individual taped areas with your name, she thought it was fun having a special seat. She looks exhausted now. It was lovely seeing the Head (a very sensible and caring woman who inspires great confidence) looking so happy to see everyone in the playground.

Like a pp I was very worried about what I was sending her in to but I feel so much better after today. It's done her a world of good.

User24689 · 01/06/2020 18:27

@toothfairynemesis That is such a shame for your child but it was always in the guidance that they wouldn't be expected to socially distance within bubbles. The amount of stress that would place on children would, on balance, not be worth it in my opinion. I know it's difficult though because those with vulnerable family members obviously have to do a different assessment of risk to the general masses.

I'm really happy to read all these reports though. My DD is due back tomorrow. I'm excited for her.

Cornettoninja · 01/06/2020 18:27

I’m really pleased to hear of all these happy kids Grin

We were going to send dd(4) back to preschool but the days allocated to her were on my work days and we couldn’t guarantee the same person picking up and dropping off (one of their restrictions). I’m gutted for her tbh but it’ll be September soon so her chance will come soon.

timeforawine · 01/06/2020 18:28

My daughter (3.5) has had a lovely day at nursery Smile
Very happy little girl

UndertheCedartree · 01/06/2020 18:28

Lovely to hear. My DD is in Y3 and I would love her to go back even just for one day to be with her teacher and friends again!

Orangeblossom78 · 01/06/2020 18:29

This is really good to read. Ours doesn't start back till next week but it is very reassuring. DC very much missing school

SallyOMalley · 01/06/2020 18:29

This is great to hear!

I just feel so bad for my Y6 child. None of their year could go back due to space / staffing issues. The school is only open to keyworker kids, YR and Y1. My ds is devastated, as are his friends.

But ... I so pleased that those who have gone back have had a great day. Smile

Laiste · 01/06/2020 18:30

DD yr 1 went back today. All OK.

She was in a bubble with just 5 other children and her TA from before lock down and she seemed to enjoy her day. There was a 2nd bubble (with the class teacher) which had 6/7 children in it. So that's 11 or 12 out of 27.

They didn't do any academic work, it was all spoken work on managing feelings and play. They're all only in Mon Tue Wed and Thur for the next 6 weeks. Friday will always be a day off.

Fingers crossed it stays this positive. The thing is i recon we wont be long before we're all back to square one for 14 days as kids are ill so often! especially mine who seems to react to every little cough or cold with a thumping 104 degree temperature for 48 hours Hmm it's going to be us isn't it ...

ItsSummer · 01/06/2020 18:31

I don’t understand this.

Of course mentally and emotionally, it’s far better for them to be in school and with other children.

Teacher’s will work hard to make school life as nice as possible in spite of the restrictions.

But it’s due the concerns about physical health that schools were closed.

They are two totally different concerns.

Reastie · 01/06/2020 18:33

No dc back today but I live opposite a primary school and saw the nursery out playing earlier having a fantastic time. About a dozen of them. No social distancing at all, and all sharing outdoor toys etc without cleaning in between (assume it’s ok if in their bubble) but their look was of pure joy of playing with friends

MarshaBradyo · 01/06/2020 18:33

One child back. Very happy said it was a great day and he was glad to be back.

Yurona · 01/06/2020 18:35

Mine went back to pre-school. Absolutely loved it, had a great day.

Juliet2014 · 01/06/2020 18:35

Neighbour’s year 6 went back

Absolutely loved it!

DominaShantotto · 01/06/2020 18:36

Mine are back as there were concerns for one child's mental health as she wasn't coping at all with lockdown and social isolation (if a 7 year old can be depressed - she was). She has come back out a changed child completely - back to her normal ever so happy self - says school is "lovely and peaceful" and is full of which friends she's got in her bubble.

I always did have faith in the class teachers they'd make it so - despite the head's best efforts to make it as hard on the parents to access or want to access any provision as possible. My issue in our school is with the head's management of the situation and the tone communication has taken - not at all with the class teachers who have always been stars.

I see we're about to be invaded with the "lock them up because VIRUSES" brigade now as we've illicitly had a ray of sunshine in this all.

The other child's been making podcasts and they've had a whole TWO RETWEETS so she thinks she's like famous now.

MarshaBradyo · 01/06/2020 18:36

It’s even nice seeing his back pack back in use and left on the floor.

I hope dc age 10 is back soon, he would really benefit from it but might be a while.

OrangeGinLemonFanta · 01/06/2020 18:37

ItsSummer there has been a lot of press and chat in the last few weeks claiming that schools can't adhere to the guidelines without turning schools into little gulags, mentally scarring the children for life. So it's a relief to know that the guidelines can be kept to whilst still allowing the children to enjoy school.

Juliet2014 · 01/06/2020 18:38

A lot of the children going back will be children of parents who have remained positive and upbeat (or at least given impression!) and so they are happy and confident children. They haven’t been terrified.

Whereas on the basis of so many threads on mumsnet- there will be a lot of children who have parents that are constantly hand wringing, angry at Boris and never going out despite not being in vulnerable group. Those children won’t be going to school if and when they can for a long time yet. Poor things.

pink1173 · 01/06/2020 18:38

My year 6 daughter said it was the best day ever! No weird taping on the floor or circles. Lovely positive welcoming teachers. So pleased with the way they handled it today.

Hadenoughfornow · 01/06/2020 18:38

ItsSummer the health concerns have never reay about the children.

Many have chosen not to send their children to school due to the media reports about how the changes will be implemented.

I wouldn't send my child to any of these schools, not now or ever.

I did speak to my childs school.

And it seems to have went well. Very small bubble. And he had a smile on his face.

Let's hope it continues and that everyone at the school stays healthy and well, which they should, given the precautions the school have taken.