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?

I have noticed posts on here about people not wanting to send dc back with guidelines in place.

The happiness at friends / classes outweighed all that for ds.

I listened to lbc and 5live today, there were numerous positive reports of children going back :)
I feel this is key to getting other aspects of life back on a more comfortable track

But they aren’t being adhered to - there’s not social distancing when children are playing outdoors, you can see that in most places. They changed the rules slightly, because they know that this would be so. I’m glad people's children have had a nice day, but the virus doesn’t pick and choose who to infect.

I never doubted that the kids would love being back and seeing friends, it's the health issues that are the problem. There's a reason it's just a couple of years being sent back and not everyone.
By the time we have to make a decision re: our year grps it should be obvious whether or not this was a gamble or not.

I just know I have a young child whose brain is not "too full of sad" for the first time in a long long time, and who is likely to actually get to sleep tonight.

I’m a TA. It was better than I expected but that’s because we only had half the eligible children in. Also with this lovely weather, all windows and doors wide open , lunch eaten outside etc. School have been great at providing lots of soap, gel and sprays.

Ds is going back Thursday he is year 1. Many parents I know are not sending their kids back but at the park today he saw a little friend who is going back. They were both overjoyed to discover this and really looking forward to seeing each other at school.
For the first time in 11 weeks I have not had to tell ds off at all today , he has played nicely and not even asked for the iPad.
He is happy to be getting back to some sort of routine very soon

Apparently, according to science , delaying just 2 weeks would have seen the risk halve. I do wish they’d waited.

Best Day Ever apparently. She'd become quite shy and introverted and is now back to her loud happy chatty self.

We have ‘weird taping’ on the floor. It’s necessary and even with it they needed reminding. The only disappointment for them was no football!

Two back today y6 and y1, both had a wonderful day and came home chatty and smiling. Y6 in particular has really struggled with lockdown, she's back to her old happy, creative self!!

Great to read such a positive returning to school thread.

@lilgreen Our city hasn't sent any kids back yet, reception and yr 6 are possibly going back 8th June, no plans for other years at all yet.
They're actually listening to the scientists...
I don't trust a government who's own children overwhelmingly go to private schools that won't re-open til Sept, and who are receiving a full day of online lessons from their 'independent' schools.
OF COURSE the kids are delighted to be back, seeing their mates after all this time, in a much looser schedule than normal. Why wouldn't they be?

Mine are secondary and a yr3 who has been told she won't be going back this academic year sadly, but this has made me so happy. Well done all you wonderful teachers

That’s encouraging actually. Am kind of hoping that the other years don’t go back too soon, give the schools a chance to breathe before adding in more kids and having to redo everything!

A reporter on the bbc just before the briefing was saying that some years of secondary might not go back until November

Arethet I don't trust the govt either .

I do trust the school though who have been very positive about the return.

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Today 18:40 DominaShantotto

“I just know I have a young child whose brain is not "too full of sad" for the first time in a long long time, and who is likely to actually get to sleep tonight.”

Aaaww I love that! I went past a preschool today and the children were giggling and obviously very happy to be back. I’m sure their parents were anxious about how they were getting on and will be met by happy, stimulated children who no longer have to be home for nearly 6 months. Those few weeks before the summer holidays will make such a difference

Independent preps have for the minority also opened for YR, 1 and 6 so you're talking nonsense @Aretheystillasleepbob

My dd returned to nursery today, was a little worried as 10 weeks when you are 18month old is a long time but she settled straight back and was chatting all day apparently. Wish all primary would go back as ds is missing his friends.

Argh - for the majority that should say!! Not minority

My Y6 had been very anxious and angry about going back to school.

He came out very happy and relaxed saying that he wanted to go again tomorrow.

They did 'stuff' apparently. Bubble of 9.

I am very relieved. But completely understand that some schools just can't make it work at the moment.

Asleepbob private schools are back my dd was at one today and is really happy. Yes private schools largely did online learning but I think it's only boarding schools not back until September

Another great first day back here too. Classroom of 6 children in year one. I think about 20 went back out of 45, they are spread across 3 classrooms. She had her own desk and took her own stationery. They ate homemade packed lunches in their classroom. My son also went back to his private nursery and had a really good day.

I'm so happy to read about everybody having brilliant days, I wish my son could have gone, he's reception but the local authority changed their mind on Friday (after school made the plans and I told my son he was going back that morning). He's gutted.
I was happy with the risk, there was a chart I read somewhere today that the vast majority of children don't live with anyone over 50 and the risk to under 50s is tiny, households are (supposed to be) only socialising with others outdoors so again low risk of passing to non children households. Shielding and vulnerable teachers wouldn't be there. Its all personal though, just my personal risk assessment. Hopefully we will get back soon.

Also many, including many educators have said that returning to school with the restrictions will be detrimental to the mental health of the children.

The decision has been extremely difficult to many parents.

I have never worried about the physical health of my children. Their risk is extremely low.

But I have been concerned about the media reports. Even though I knew our childs school would never make the experience negative, you start questioning your own judgement with the constant bombardment that you receive from media / social media.