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

[user8558]

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?

Well, given the evidence from
Israel and Aus after release of lockdown, everyone at work is planning for the mother of all winters. Is like something from game of thrones ‘winter is coming’.

Local to me we’re currently at the bottom of the bottom of all things covid.

If you’re worried now, when are you going to let them go back?

No. Mine are y10 then and a critical part of their education.
Also socially, emotionally, psychologically it's not healthy to keep these children at home.

Nope and IMO people should be fined for not sending their kids in come September. Anyone who decides not to send them should dereg and home school but should also think about getting MH help. Praying something is done about all the children who are victims of abuse and who have been out of the system since March

it's so good to see parents are determined to get their dc back to school for both mental health and education, it's been a very difficult time for you all.

No. 1 is already back and so much better for it.

No!

We aren't vulnerable and I know it's difficult to put yourself fully in the shoes of someone who is, but I think (and hope) my decision would still be the same if I were vulnerable.

Plus - while we won't have a vaccine by then - hopefully there will have been huge advances in our treatment and understanding of the disease.

I have some personal reservations about my dc returning.

They have both flourished at home with their learning and development.

My youngest will be returning to a teacher who is convinced she is academically behind despite scoring off the chart in last year’s statutory assessments (at 6, lo was scoring at 11+ in numeracy and literacy), but as lo doesn’t communicate verbally in class, her teacher has decided she is not keeping up.

I worry that both dc will regress academically when they return as when we’ve been informed that the first 4-6 weeks will be assessment and catch up, my 10 year old has entrance exams for private schools in January, we really don’t have time to go over things she’s already confident and secure in.

No way

100% yes. I'm not dismissing fears and concerns, but evidence from countries that have opened up seems to me to suggest schools being open is not a huge risk. I also think there is a big reservoir of immunity that's currently not measurable - simply because we've opened up so significantly and the numbers (at least what we can see) are still reasonable. I work in a hospital and i really can't see a big uptick yet.

Winter is likely to be bumpy but at least the treatments are starting to get better. I think we need to go ahead for the children's sake and our own.

17, A levels next year, really needs to be back. However, asthmatic plus dad currently shielding.

Its certainly not a straightforward decision. After lots of research, thinking atm is he will be going back but not on the bus, I’ll be driving him and he’ll be wearing a N95 mask in classes.

If numbers shoot up in winter, will have to rethink.

if deaths are forecast to be back up to 800 a day by November

Where has that been forecast? I haven't seen that. Do you have a link?

Against all the odds, (lack of PPE, limited amounts of social distancing etc), schools are doing what they can to limit the dangers of spread.
I'm not saying to keep your kids home, but just to be aware that, when the Government tells you they are "safe," they most definitely are not.

No. They'll both be at secondary.

But I'm going to drum it into them to wear masks when possible, sanitize hands, don't bite nails, pick nose etc.

No, they need their education and I need to get back to working rather than teaching.

My DC will definitely be back in. Being away from school has had a big impact on their mental health and wellbeing and they need to get back to proper education.

No, I’ll be sending mine back. I am thinking that we may not be able to see grandparents etc though once they’re back (or maybe just outside at a distance), and understand it’s a different decision for those shielding. The government has said they’ll be exceptions for those in families who shield and they will not be fined, as far as I understand.

Otherwise, yes, the other option is deregistering and homeschooling long term - which can work well for many families.

I am not keen for children to go back in Sept either.
It is too soon to make a decision but if numbers are concerning me I would prefer not to send back to school. 1 child is shielded.

However, it is really difficult because the child has many absences due to health anyway and I am concerned that if shielded children are expected in we will be penalised for not sending in to school and it will be viewed negatively. child is also under diagnosis which should lead to further support which is needed and I am concerned that not returning to school could delay support and diagnosis.
But I can not see how risk wont increase come Sept or October/November. And returning to school if child will then have to be removed again quite quickly could also be very detrimental.

not to mention what will happen should their be exposure to covid.

Yes. We are considering it just for this academic year.

Fuck no.

Mine went back for last 2 weeks of term and it was amazing to see the difference in them. No way in hell would I not send them in in September.

Schools should be back in September and all children should be going... If I had school age children I would be sending mine, even though I was quite against schools opening in June (I thought it too early myself)...but September will be fine.

However, if you are worried, you can deregister your children and home school if you wish, this is allowed in the UK.

@Wolfsony

Yes. We are considering it just for this academic year.

Why do you think you will be given the luxury of choice “just for this academic year.”? It’s either you send you child to school or you withdraw them completely. Do you think, already overcrowded, schools are going to be holding the door open waiting for you to decide. This kind of arrogance astounds me.

Mine (year 8 and year 10) will definitely be back an are very happy at the prospect. The risk to their mental health and education by not being back in a classroom with their peers is far greater than any risk of them catching covid. Motivation for home learning is very low now after all this time and it would be extremely hard for them if this carried on into the next academic year. As it is I think they'll just about get away with it and catch up but only if back at school in September. Year 10 ds is currently doing a day a week and his teachers are being great and very enthusiastic about returning full time in September.

@Educationwhateducation perhaps I'm not the arrogant one. Although I'm not sure you're being arrogant just more well small minded. We don't all have the same options. Our kids go to a private school so it is indeed our choice to send them or not. The school is offering distance learning for those that want it. Why are people nasty when someone has a differing opinion.

No. My son is Y1 and has been back 4 days a week for the last 4 weeks. He has absolutely loved it! He missed the interaction with other kids as well as the activities/learning.

It's been so nice to hear him chat about playing with his friends who are in his bubble.

I teach secondary and have been in over the last few weeks. Again, it's been lovely. My year 10 group were silent the first week -like they had almost forgotten how to communicate. Now they laugh and joke with me and with eachother and it's great to see. They are looking forward to seeing their other friends and doing all subjects again in September.

As a school, we have worked really hard on sorting the year group bubbles and making sure it's as safe as possible for staff and pupils in September. We will be doing far more in September than we were before lockdown started.

At some point, schools need to go back, just like other aspects of life, so that children can continue their education and socialise with their peers.