Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

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:
BrowncoatWaffles · 01/06/2020 20:17

Another happy year one child here. There were only five in her class but two of them are pretty much her favourite kids in the class and she adores her teacher so much she was very chuffed she didn’t have to share him. Everything was a big adventure. She loved having her own desk and a her own tray of stationery. She loved having a picnic lunch in the playground. She is happier than I have seen her for months. I was so frightened last night, I didn’t sleep. But it went so well.

I still don’t trust the government‘s policies or motives but the staff at DD’s school are amazing. Will the school stay open long if there’s a second spike? Probably not. But every day she is able to go is a bonus.

ChicCroissant · 01/06/2020 20:17

This is a lovely thread, so nice to hear about the children having fun. Well done to all the staff involved. Star

JassyRadlett · 01/06/2020 20:20

4yo went back to nursery today. I was talking to his teacher at pick up - he said they’d been expecting it to be a bit like after Christmas, with kids a bit clingy and weepy on the first day back, but every single child was just overjoyed to be back. DS2 had a lovely day ‘full of friends’ and fell asleep exhausted and happy. His view was that nursery wasn’t very different, lots of activities and some different toys. I’m so impressed with how they’ve handled it.

Unfortunately school announced this morning (to the kids via google classroom rather than to parents) that to cope with Year 6 and Year 1 being back they’re further reducing the provision for the other years, including comments from a teacher dropping to once a week and lesson resources for homeschooling dropping to maths and English only. Which has rather rubbed salt in the wound of his brother getting to go back to nursery.

CupCupGoose · 01/06/2020 20:23

It might sound pathetic but I'm holding back tears reading this thread. I'm so pleased to read about all the Happy kids. I really hope my 2 get to go back this year. It breaks my heart seeing them so miserable.

ArtieFufkinPolymerRecords · 01/06/2020 20:25

@ItsSummer

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.

It wasn't for the physical health of children though, because children, on the whole, are at minimal risk. It was all about reducing the risk of children catching and passing it on, so that the curve was flattened and the NHS wouldn't be overwhelmed.
TulipWonder · 01/06/2020 20:27

Thank you for starting this thread ❤️

Greenpop21 · 01/06/2020 20:28

We are only wearing masks if we have to get close. So for first aid.

BakewellTarts · 01/06/2020 20:31

My year 6 went back today. Had a great day. I have nothing but praise for her teacher and the way the school have managed them. Lots of outside time and the school setup very thoughtfully. I hope this continues as it's so clear to us that this is what she needs.

DominaShantotto · 01/06/2020 20:34

I see our kids got under 3 pages of joy allowed.

Sad sad times.

Pollyputthepizzaon · 01/06/2020 20:34

Yep my 2 went back today and had lovely days. Classroom bubbles with only 2 children to each desk and apart from no carpet time they said the day was pretty normal.

They ate their lunch in the classroom and staggered play times so only 2 classes outside at once. No weird hoops to stand in or socially distanced madness within the classroom bubble. They ran around and played tag etc as usual.

My kids said it felt almost totally normal and they were thrilled to be back with friends.

Epigram · 01/06/2020 20:38

Great thread! Well done to the teachers who have worked hard to make things work for all these happy kids. Really hoping my DC can go back soon.

UntamedShrew · 01/06/2020 20:38

My year six DS has had a lovely day - I was so worried about it but it was really well done, and best of all they made it fun for them all. Amazing! The teachers and head have slaved all half term to make it all work.

NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoBy · 01/06/2020 20:39

My yr6 went back today and loved it!

I'm a secondary teacher and can't wait to teach face to face again. Zoom lessons just don't cut it!

AdalindMeisner · 01/06/2020 20:43

@Hadenoughfornow

Arethet I don't trust the govt either .

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

That is how I feel, I don't trust the government and their handling of everything but both myself and DH have said we have total faith in out headteacher (she refused to open before our county council public health officer declared it unsafe - we are in a hotspot).
listsandbudgets · 01/06/2020 20:44

So lovely to see they had such an amazing time.

My hearts breaking for my year 3 DS and year 9 DD reading this though. THey're both desperate to go back and they can't. DS has been asking me every morning for weeks when he can go back to school.

Reading this gives me hope that the day will come.

bumblingbovine49 · 01/06/2020 20:49

I personally think children would be a lot happier at school generally if the classes were this small all the time. I know.it isn't practical yada yada but if we had enough space and teachers children would.be so.much happier in school in smaller groups

lilgreen · 01/06/2020 20:50

Oh @bumblingbovine49 we said the same today. So calm with fewer children.

ElsasSalamander · 01/06/2020 20:53

My DD went back to her YR class today & Y5 DS back in keyworker group too. Only 6 in DD’s group & less than 10 in DS’s. Both had a fantastic day & came home really happy. They can’t wait to go back tomorrow.

PineappleUpsideDownCake · 01/06/2020 20:53

Wow so pleased to read all this!

My yr6 is back in wednesday. Shes v bright and autistic and desperate to be back. Im vulnerable so its been hard to weigh up.

Shes desperate to go back and we've had a picture of the classroom . Looks like 7 if they all turn up, which she will love!! Also ours are social distancing, and washing hands every hour but I think thats easier at 11.

I just hope it goes well !

ArtieFufkinPolymerRecords · 01/06/2020 20:55

@Bol87

See, this thread is simply asking how everyone’s kids got on with their days being different. A joy of positivity.

Jog on with your doom & gloom in this thread. Go create your own. It’s nice to read some positives. Children have really suffered for an illness that barely affects them. I’m glad it’s time for them to resume some normality.

Yes, it's interesting that none of the negativity has come from anyone whose child went to school today; not one person has said their child went back and hated it and doesn't want to go back, but some people can't resist commenting about why they shouldn't have gone back.
vixb1 · 01/06/2020 20:57

So nice to read this. We made the decision today to send our 3 year old back to nursery next week. I know she'll love it, she'll have a great time.

But I'm still really nervous about whether we're taking a risk sending her back in virus wise. But it is what it is, I'm desperate to get back to some kind of normality now. The decision is made. But this thread had helped, thank you!

shirleyschmidt · 01/06/2020 21:00

Ours were back to nursery today and loved it!! I get the impression from DD that hardly any others have gone back (yet) so I'm really encouraged by this thread, and really hope others join soon to help keep the nursery going!

scunnymum · 01/06/2020 21:01

Hi I work in an infants school as a t a. I work in reception and we had 5 children to three adults. We have had lots of outdoor learning, dinnertime was on the field as it has been a lovely day. We are a small school so we have only taken back so many of our nursery and reception. All the reception children are in their own bubbles, each child has their own pencils glue scissors etc yes they do sit at a table when they first come in but it's not for long. Each class also has it's own p e equipment which is cleaned everytime the children use it. We as adults have our dinners and breaks in our own areas so we are not moving around the school pick up and drop off times are staggered. This is how it has been today for my school and probably many others it's so heart warming to read the posts of parents saying how much their children have enjoyed their day. We can only hope that things get better soon and all of our children can go back to school.

Pomegranatepompom · 01/06/2020 21:01

So happy to see all these positive posts about happy children.

smogsville · 01/06/2020 21:03

The only not brilliant thing about DS going back into reception today was that it was for such a short session. But I understand why of course. I took him, DH collected. When he got home he burst into see me where I was working telling me all about it, how he had his own chair that no one else could sit on and his own folder with ruler and pencil that no one else could use and was basically embarrassingly enthusiastic about the new no sharing rule. He's with two TAs who've been at the school for years and who I like and respect enormously. Roll on tomorrow, next week with lunch and the following week with almost full days.