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Original poster

Is anyone thinking of keeping kids off school in Aug/Sep?

384 replies

user8558 · 11/07/2020 08:57

I know a lot can change before then.

And I know lots of kids are desperate to go back and parents desperate for them to go back.

But is anyone considering at this stage keeping them home a little longer?

OP posts:
labyrinthloafer · 13/07/2020 17:39

@tootyfruitypickle

I don’t understand. Children don’t get very ill from this. Why would you not send them in? I’m nearly 50 but I’m not that likely to get seriously ill either? That combined with the incredibly low odds of catching it now makes it a no brainer surely? They were at school when the infection rate must have been insane , it won’t go back to that.
A) some children are higher risk B) children live in families. Some have parents at high risk of serious illness or death C) we actually don't know about health risks of those who have supposedly 'mild' cases

It is most definitely not a no brainer!

Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 17:40

@tootyfruitypickle

I don’t understand. Children don’t get very ill from this. Why would you not send them in? I’m nearly 50 but I’m not that likely to get seriously ill either? That combined with the incredibly low odds of catching it now makes it a no brainer surely? They were at school when the infection rate must have been insane , it won’t go back to that.
Exactly. People are being led by fear without actually looking at any data on covid in children. In every single country children under 18 make up 2% or less of total cases. Either because they dont really get it or because its so mild they never present for testing. I think the main reason is parents worried about them bringing it home. Tbf i can understand that, it worries me too, but at what point do we put the kids first?
tootyfruitypickle · 13/07/2020 17:41

It’s a no brainer if you’re not high risk. I should have said that sorry. I have huge sympathy for those at risk - I would have been a few years ago while having chemo and my blood runs cold when I think about going through that in the middle of a pandemic

Shesaysso · 13/07/2020 17:42

No, my kids (Yr 10 & 8) are desperate to be back at school and it’s been really detrimental to their development. My Yr10 has been going in one morning a week for the last 3 weeks and the uplift in her mood when she comes home is phenomenal.

labyrinthloafer · 13/07/2020 17:44

@Jrobhatch29 I would say when England has a grip, decent local data and WHEN WE HAVE FUNCTIONING TRACK AND TRACE. I am v v cross about track and trace being so crap.

England is not doing great tbh.

labyrinthloafer · 13/07/2020 17:45

@tootyfruitypickle

It’s a no brainer if you’re not high risk. I should have said that sorry. I have huge sympathy for those at risk - I would have been a few years ago while having chemo and my blood runs cold when I think about going through that in the middle of a pandemic
I don't think it is, I'll be honest. I think England is not in a great place and the school approach taken is risky.
Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 17:49

[quote labyrinthloafer]@Jrobhatch29 I would say when England has a grip, decent local data and WHEN WE HAVE FUNCTIONING TRACK AND TRACE. I am v v cross about track and trace being so crap.

England is not doing great tbh.[/quote]
You are very right there. Track and trace a joke. That doesn't put children at anymore risk though. It is estimated only 1 in 3900 have it though. Symptomatic people should be isolating. By September cases should hopefully be lower. How low does it need to be for kids to go back?

Uhoh2020 · 13/07/2020 17:52

We are all making a choice between potential risk to health vs a quality education. Unfortunately majority cant have it both ways at the moment.

For some there isn't a choice either way. Some will have too keep their dc off at the detriment to their education for a period of time as the risk to health is too great,
others will have to send their DC due to having to return to work themselves and it not being possible to help with the home schooling. I for one wouldn't know where to begin with the GCSE subjects my DS will be starting in September. I know the risks involved in sending him into a crowded high school with 800 other pupils every day , it doesn't mean I'm not bothered about it or not scared of him catching it because I am.
I will be sending my DC back to school fully aware of the risks involved.

Parker231 · 13/07/2020 17:55

There have only been 11 Covid related deaths recorded in the UK today - a record low.

labyrinthloafer · 13/07/2020 17:55

@Jrobhatch29 Issue is - if that risk changes, we won't know.

In Leicester they had no info. The government gives no info at all. The schools were not fully open, thankfully.

The 1/3900 is not broken down at all, for some areas it is higher, for some lower.

My concern is - the government will mishandle this phase in much the same way it mishandled in Feb/March. They may get away with it. But I don't feel confident, no.

labyrinthloafer · 13/07/2020 17:58

@Parker231

There have only been 11 Covid related deaths recorded in the UK today - a record low.
There was a v high number yesterday tho, so is just a levelling. England's numbers are pretty level, unlike Scotland's.
Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 17:58

[quote labyrinthloafer]@Jrobhatch29 Issue is - if that risk changes, we won't know.

In Leicester they had no info. The government gives no info at all. The schools were not fully open, thankfully.

The 1/3900 is not broken down at all, for some areas it is higher, for some lower.

My concern is - the government will mishandle this phase in much the same way it mishandled in Feb/March. They may get away with it. But I don't feel confident, no.[/quote]
We do get the local data as of 2nd july though dont we?

Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 18:01

The data thread regularly anaylse the new local data. Also follow RP131 on twitter who breaks down the local data. I am pretty sure we would know pretty quickly since they changed the reporting of local data to include pillar 2 on 2nd july

wherestheotherone · 13/07/2020 18:01

No my children will be going back. 6 months out of education is worrying and we simply cannot work the hours were employed to. One of my dc has been back at school and it's been so good for mental health. Another is still at home and is miserable. Bored, disconnected and frankly needs social group and to be educationally challenged.

labyrinthloafer · 13/07/2020 18:02

@Jrobhatch29 They share the data on pillar 2 tests now, yes, but only as a lump figure I think.

I am not remotely confident. I wish I was.

Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 18:05

[quote labyrinthloafer]@Jrobhatch29 They share the data on pillar 2 tests now, yes, but only as a lump figure I think.

I am not remotely confident. I wish I was.[/quote]
You can definitely get pillar 2 regional data now. It is broken down by local authority now and if local news release case figures it will contain pillar 1 and 2 now. It changed on july 2nd

NotShiny · 13/07/2020 18:08

Children were not permitted to have tests until fairly recently, so I dont think we have the correct figures to go on. In any case, someone mentioned 500 odd hospital admissions, which to me shows children do get it and do suffer from it, and that's 500 too many. And yes, some children do have pre indisposed conditions which puts them at more risk than others. And some children are built like adults, my teens are nearly 6 foot tall. And as someone else said, children live in families. Families they can pass it on to.

Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 18:09

Look on the data and graphs thread. They have been looking at regional data just today and they are brill at breaking it down. A few weeks ago it would have been hard to identify new hot spots but its quite clear now

labyrinthloafer · 13/07/2020 18:09

Sorry I meant - you'd get it for your whole LA but nothing more than that. In Leicester the affected areas are quite small.

We're not set up with our systems, and that is concerning to me.

Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 18:17

@labyrinthloafer

Sorry I meant - you'd get it for your whole LA but nothing more than that. In Leicester the affected areas are quite small.

We're not set up with our systems, and that is concerning to me.

Ah ok I see what you mean. My local authority is small but I see what you mean for big cities etc. Still, it is easier to see trends now I suppose.

@NotShiny far more kids are hospitalised for other viruses. I find the data on children reassuring and the only good thing about this nightmare is the minimal impact on kids. Sweden didnt shut schools and have a terrible death rate yet no children under 18 died. I can totally appreciate it is different for vulnerable children. At end of the day your choice, makes no difference to anyone, but if you looked at data you would probably be reassured.

NotShiny · 13/07/2020 18:31

"Unless children have medical issues they should be in school, but like I said, do what you want!"
I will do what I want. Why do you feel its up to you to tell me what to do. You know nothing about my children or my family's health. Trust me, I'm not hanging on your every word to see what you think .

Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 18:35

@NotShiny

"Unless children have medical issues they should be in school, but like I said, do what you want!" I will do what I want. Why do you feel its up to you to tell me what to do. You know nothing about my children or my family's health. Trust me, I'm not hanging on your every word to see what you think .
Oh get lost. I literally said do what you want!!
NotShiny · 13/07/2020 18:38

Jrobhatch....why on earth do you presume I havent looked at data? I have looked at data, (certainly not Swedens though as absolutely no point, different country entirely). And I will continue to look at data nearer to September, when it is much more relevant. As I've said several times now, I will look at facts and figures nearer to the time for my own area and make a decision based on that.

Jrobhatch29 · 13/07/2020 18:55

@NotShiny

Jrobhatch....why on earth do you presume I havent looked at data? I have looked at data, (certainly not Swedens though as absolutely no point, different country entirely). And I will continue to look at data nearer to September, when it is much more relevant. As I've said several times now, I will look at facts and figures nearer to the time for my own area and make a decision based on that.
All I have said to you is if your decision to not send them back is based on the threat to children then data suggests they are at very very low risk. There is a study in the guardian today from germany that says since opening schools hardly any children, or teachers, have tested positive. Like I say, your decision, but stats on kids are reassuring. Obviously would be better if no virus!!! But I for one am relieved kids do okay. I'm not contuining this discussion now, I am sure whatever decision you make is best for you!
sunseekin · 13/07/2020 19:04

@labyrinthloafer “I don't think it is, I'll be honest. I think England is not in a great place and the school approach taken is risky.”
Completely agree, and add into that a government with a dodgy moral compass, bizarre concept of risk and blundering, confusing style.
I have zero confidence in the government atm.
I’ve never really been into politics and go along with most things tbh. The government have scared me as much if not more than corona.

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