September

[Lemons1571]

I’m trying not to panic as I know I’m getting way ahead of myself. But what if all the kids are still not really back at school? I read on another thread that OFSTED are working on that basis, and are planning for inspections based on remote learning. I’ve got a (current) year 10, 7 and 4 - could it be January or maybe even next Easter before they’re full time again? Goodness knows what will happen with next years GCSEs. Is anyone else concerned that September is not going to be the golden egg that everyone seems to assume it will be?

Just seen this in another thread...

www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-52895640

Looks like we have school disruption for many months to come in the new academic year.

I don't think giving up work and going on benefits is the right thing to do really.

@Uhoh2020

I have just decided to focus on my children as a priority over my job for now

Good for you! I'm sure we all prioritise our children ahead of our jobs but for the vast majority choosing 1 over the other isn't an option. My priority is my children getting an education in school because I can not provide that for them as well as working to put food in their belly and a roof over their head at the same time. Having my children baby sat by a screen most of the day and not having any social interaction with children with people their own age is funnily enough not a priority for me.

Fortunately for me my job is not a priority. I'm not on great pay. I'm giving up my job for a few months to focus on my children's schooling because I am able too. That's a sacrifice I am taking. This is something I know many families will not be able to do.

You seem to of missed "I" and "my" in my comment.

It's funny how people like you want to make assumptions on children's learning as being sat by a screen most of the day and having no social interaction. That's not the structure to my children's day nor a lot of children's day. I had actually planned to take up a teacher training course in September which is now not going ahead for obvious reasons. But good job for me that I get the practice of being a stay-at-home parent-teacher. This is something I am doing, and as said many many times by myself, it's not something that all families can do and I respect each parent's decision and their own circumstances. I am not for one second telling people that my way is the right way or the only way. It's just one way of adjusting to what has been thrown in our way.

@Waxonwaxoff0

I don't think giving up work and going on benefits is the right thing to do really.

I'm not giving up work. I'm technically still employed. It's just classes as unpaid leave. Normally I would of taken parental leave but the period I need of is way above the entitlement for parental leave. I'm already on benefits given my not so great pay. I will not be claiming any extras and nor would I be entitled to any extras. I have take time off work because if my children are only going to be attending part-time, I have no one to care for them if I am at work.

I'm really hoping schools will find a way to have all children in, even if that's on a part time basis. DS's school have been great with online learning etc, but he needs to be back in a routine, with children his own age. He's year 6 and he's the only one of his friendship group that didn't go back this week and that's upset him as he wanted to go back too ( his school only took back children who's parents both worked). He's accepted it for now, but I think If we're still in the same position in September then he'll be even more upset

Our school is doing almost nothing (secondary) - worksheets and the odd email. I actually think teens need school even more, working with parents is totally impossible and they need a peer group. Is there anyone responsible for this, if school head is unresponsive? MP? LEA? Ofsted?

I have a horrible feeling that the disruption will go on for months. It’s just that this fact is being drip fed to us a couple of months at a time as it’s easier on people to break down targets into smaller chunks. If they said you’re unlikely to have all kids back full time until 2022 there would be uproar.

I honestly think they will increase bubble size to 30 before the end of June.
Attached is a screenshot of the 'actions for schools' document on gov.uk I have highlighted the section that makes me think this.