Can’t see how children will be able to go back to school in 2021

[Ouchy]

Let’s face it. The R0 may not be controlled for months. Vaccine unlikely until 2021. Teaching unions up in arms. People unwilling to accept the risk of the virus (low for many). I’m getting more and more concerned and the government haven’t published any forward plans for how school can be restarted in the various scenarios we may be facing come September (have they?). What on earth are the DfE and the Education Secretary doing during the working week if they’re not planning this stuff? Is there something I’ve missed - am I mistaken? I’m getting more and more concerned. The children are low risk - there needs to be a plan and fast as their educations and social development are being kind of ignored for something they’re super low risk for as individuals themselves. Looking for reassurance really - am I mistaken or being silly?

Nihil:

If schools don't go back full time and as normal with more hand washing, as they are doing around the world,

Which countries have sent all kids back with no SD?

How do their current death rates compare with ours?

I'm sure my job will look different but that doesn't mean it will require any less skill or hours. In fact the opposite as kids starting points for the year will be more varied than normal and with all the disruption behaviour will probably be worse.

The unions have no power btw. The current shitshow is entirely down to the government.

Lynda, that is an amazing post!!!! You’ve summed it up perfectly.

And children miss time at school, sometimes significant amounts. But somehow they seem to survive and achieve. It’s not ideal, but what else is there?

Why would any teacher in their right mind, rush into a class of 30 in the height of a pandemic? I like my job, but not enough to risk my life for it.

[quote Oaktree55]Someone asked for source re blended school/home learning September onwards. I actually watched it on TV being discussed but found this......I think those thinking school ie indoor crowded environment in Autumn (ideal Covid spread) will be normal in September is somewhat deluded. They will need to limit numbers congregating indoors in crowded circumstances which for schools means not all kids in at once.....

gov.wales/check-catch-prepare-summer-and-september-all-schools-wales-enter-next-phase[/quote]
No I asked for evidence that schools were hotspots to spread Covid the evidence is completely the opposite, as I said soucres please.

If they insist on part time learning then they must provide a universal income too, because that is the only way thousands of families will be able to survive losing one wage. And they have to ensure online learning is the same across the board because the bullshit that is happening now simply is not good enough.

Classes go back as normal but the bubble principle remains. So you have your full class and they do not social distance, but they do not mix with the rest of the school. That would be my theory on what will happen in September or even possibly before the summer holidays. No idea about secondary though

What the unions have asked for are proper risk assessments to be done as all the staff (not just teachers). It may have escaped people's notice but it's the government that closed schools and the government that set the rules on bubbles and distancing. It's the government that have said which year groups can go back. I don't understand why teachers have become the villains here!

It’s not my job to provide sources. Google school Covid outbreaks Israel /France and look up the latest research on kids spreading virus. The evidence is becoming clear that kids spread as much as adults they just haven’t been tested as much as often have mild symptoms. To compare U.K. schools to European ones is often erroneous as Europe in many cases has had lower community spread/better track and trace. Don’t even compare us to Asia if you are interested take a look at the hygiene/social distancing measures they set up after often being closed for far longer than U.K. schools. Need to be careful to compare apples with apples.

@greathat I think one of the reasons is that is it is clear some schools/teachers are still doing a phenomenal amount of teaching, but many other schools aren't doing any at all.

Most recent government data says there have been more outbreaks linked to schools than to hospitals

@Comefromaway

I’m beginning to think that dying from Covid is preferable to living like this.

Beginning feel like that myself

Both mine went bk monday I've breathed a sigh of relief and they are much happier and the school are amazing as well

The evidence is becoming clear that kids spread as much as adults they just haven’t been tested as much as often have mild symptoms

I don't think it is tbh. I've seen lots in the news recently that suggests the opposite.

No it isn't but please back up sweeping statements. The evidence does not back your argument. Infection in children is so low that they do not create enough virus to spread it. Sage agree that schools are very low risk. So why are we throwing a generation of kids under the bus?

@greathat

Most recent government data says there have been more outbreaks linked to schools than to hospitals

I would love to see that data can you link to it?

Lol I don't hate teachers at all.

I just have no time for anyone who wants to prolong the harm done to my children by removing their right to go to school.

I am amazed to find that many of them on MN are teachers. That is not my experience offline.

I expected teachers to defend children's rights and not leave it to the Children's Commissioner and the heads of a few academy trusts.

I thought they would have insisted schools went back for as many pupils as possible and made demands for funding for Nightingale Schools, and bringing back retired and some of the many teachers lost to poor retention.

I thought they would do whatever it took to get education back up and running.

Like I say, I was raised by a teacher who thought education was just as crucial to society as health. Who thought what he did (and loved) was as important as being a doctor and had a profound impact on lives.

I'm amazed to see people who say they are teachers saying months off school and a return to part-time education is no biggie.

I disagree. But if that is what we are moving ahead with as a society, then I want to either pay less tax or I want some kind of UBI because I will no longer be able to work if I have to educate my children at home.

Most recent government data says there have been more outbreaks linked to schools than to hospitals

That is a lie.

I agree @Nihiloxica I think what has shocked me is that it isn't teachers out there shouting about the fact some children aren't being educated. But then I come from a family that values education.

The evidence does back up my statement. You honestly are quoting SAGE the same group that stated mass gatherings such as Cheltenham don’t pose a risk of spread etc etc. Instead of watching the news try reading the latest scientific research. I give up. People want to believe what suits them 🤷🏽‍♀️. The U.K. does not have community spread under control. It will only increase. Schools will not be able to open safely in September without social distancing which means kids cannot all be back at one time.

the stats this week: 15 in schools 8 in hospitals

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/889981/Weekly_COVID19_Epidemiological_Summary_w23.pdf

I am so angry that there is not a plan in place of how we get all children back to school. Yet the current focus seems to be about air bridges, because people’s summer holidays are far more important????

This will effect the poorest children worst. Middle class parents will pay for tutors and private schooling. Those children will never make up the gap unless something is put in place to close it.

Part time schooling for another year will only grow the gap further.

If part time schooling is looking likely from September then the first thing they need to do is flip the holidays. 6 weeks over the winter and 2 weeks over the summer. On the basis, let us hope we have a vaccine or effective treatment by next spring and children can be back full time in for some proportion of the year.

My nursery has been open throughout without any problems at all.

I will be very surprised if all children are not back at school by September.

@Nihiloxica I'm not fucking lying, I suggest you go read the data, rather than bitching about teachers

In all honesty I am angry about education. And the way we are letting our children down.

However I am privileged. I have the money, education and resources to ensure this doesn't impact my daughters. They will be fine. So crack on not my problem. Except that it is and I value education for all.

[quote greathat]@Nihiloxica I'm not fucking lying, I suggest you go read the data, rather than bitching about teachers [/quote]
Link please,

@Nihiloxica

Most recent government data says there have been more outbreaks linked to schools than to hospitals

That is a lie.

15 compared to 8 last week.

Much higher than previous weeks presumably because more kids are back?

Or are PHE lying?