90 kids does not seem like a bubble to me. AIBU?

[Rainallnight]

DD starts Reception in Sept. We’re really happy with our choice of school generally.

But the other day they sent an email explaining how their Covid arrangements were going to work, in which they said that each year group (not class) would be a bubble. In Reception, that’s 90 kids.

Reasons given were mostly logistical to do with space/time etc.

What do you think?

High school bubbles of 250...

It’s what the government say is ok.
I don’t see another way that schools can open really.

I agree that it isn’t much of a bubble really.

To be honest when the kids are all mixing on the playgrounds after school I can’t much see the point of bubbles in primary schools at least.

The government guidance recommends class bubbles for primary. However some primaries are opting for year bubbles for logistical purposes - as it’s guidance a school can decide to do that.

You could ask to see their risk assessment if worried OP.

Bubbles are just meaningless bollocks meant to placate parents into sending their Dc's back in. 12YO DD will supposedly be in a "bubble" with 200 others. It's completely ridiculous.

Oh that’s interesting.
Our school is doing class bubbles of 30 and hoping to increase to a year group bubble around October half term.
I didn’t realise primary could mix classes too.

Well obviously it's bolllocks

Government are going to do it whatever and come December we will be right into a second wave 🤷‍♀️

Maybe next time people won't vote Tory

Ah, thanks Bigmouse, that makes sense.
I have read the guidance but along with countless other policies, risk assessments etc I have forgotten most of them.

Bubbles don’t work as there are often siblings in different classes or schools and children travelling to school by bus or Tube. Children attend different after school clubs and go to different after school childcare.

They don't really work at all - because of course most kids will have siblings in other year groups. Also even a bubble of 30 isn't just 30 kids - it's 30 households, plus grandparents, friends, etc etc. I guess it's better than nothing but - it's not really a bubble.

The reason for pretending that kids are in bubbles is so that the whole school doesn’t have to close if there’s an outbreak, just a bubble.

It's to help with the logistical nightmare. It sounds like a big school. By doing year group bubbles they only need to find the space for 7 break times and 7 lunchtimes to keep the bubbles separate. If they did class bubbles it's 21 breaks and 21 lunches (assuming 3 classes every year and a full primary)

Bubble is just the new name for class/year group

Secondary year group "bubble" of 250+ here.

Pupils being discouraged from using public transport. Good luck with that.

@Pootles34

They don't really work at all - because of course most kids will have siblings in other year groups. Also even a bubble of 30 isn't just 30 kids - it's 30 households, plus grandparents, friends, etc etc. I guess it's better than nothing but - it's not really a bubble.

Plus the children with parents who work in their school, working in different bubbles. It would mean closing down several classes if there was one case. If that’s still what the guidance suggests. Like I said, it’s all become a bit of a blur.

@LividLaughLovely

High school bubbles of 250...

Mines about 360.

He's already having a meltdown about no social distancing in class

Yes, ours will be eating in year bubbles in class groups with minimal spacing. Three MDS, I'm thinking one to each class of 30-33. All the MDSs will have to work between classes as it's highly likely one will have to leave each lunchtime with a first aid/behaviour issue. Children also need toilet/want to see their favourite MDS and go over. Obviously kitchen staff will be close and supervisors for SEN so easily 100 in a room. All staff now allowed to use staff room so that'll be up to 100 adults a day. Not great, but has to be trialled to see if works.

Honestly I guess schools are doing why they can. I guess some schools will find it hard to have bubbles much smaller than the year groups because of them all accessing play ground, lunch etc.

@megletthesecond - not sure how they are meant to get to school without public transport. Majority use bus or tube.

Some primaries have to go for year group rather than class bubbles because a) the school is open plan in design, b) children are set for some subjects, c) there is not enough time/ space to stagger breaks, lunchtimes for the numbers involved, without eg. lunch stretching from 9.30- 2.30 or something d) teachers move between classes (allowed in the guidance without apparently popping the bubble, but some schools have made larger bubbles to fit this).

Yanbu, bubbles = bollocks.

There will be no social distancing and little else other than handwashing.

Over 500 in our secondary "bubble" from September.

Bubbles are just made up to make you feel safer. You hear the phrase and then think suddenly it's all under control and safe/controlled.

I reccomend parents have a plan b for when this all collapses in winter, because the government certainly haven't got one.

Our new year 7 bubble will have 350 in it.
Ridiculous

@MoreW1ne

Bubbles are just made up to make you feel safer. You hear the phrase and then think suddenly it's all under control and safe/controlled.

I reccomend parents have a plan b for when this all collapses in winter, because the government certainly haven't got one.

Exactly.

Bubbles aren’t consistent and there guarding bubbles.
All teachers and support staff can move between the bubbles.
Schools can have external visitors and volunteers in.
PPA can be covered by any number of floating staff members.