If You Could Choose Any Education Option for Sept

[IDSNeighbour]

I'm getting so confused by what parents actually want to happen with schools right now (I'm not a parent, I'm a teacher). I want to know what home opinions my classes are going to be coming in from in Sept - whether they're likely to be nervous or confident, whether they will want to SD or not, etc.

I know parents aren't one hive mind but the 'loudest voice' seems to keep changing its mind. Or I hear different ones, idk.

I'm sure there used to be a board for polls and surveys but, if I wasn't imagining, I can't find it.

So, if you're up for an unscientific straw poll to help me gauge general feeling, can you post A, B, C, D or E in the thread (you can explain if you like, I don't mind!)
A - I want full time schooling as close to the old normal as is allowed
B - I want full time schooling but with safety measures such as social distancing and masks for all who can and are old enough.
C - I want blended learning (half in the classroom and half online)
D - I want to keep my child at home all the time, home school them and not be penalised (ie, I want my place back when I think it's safe)
E - I think schools should remain closed for most children for now.

A

Teachers never stopped working I am sorry but this just really makes me angry. I know some teachers in some schools worked hard and even over the Easter holidays. But lots of teachers did almost nothing during the term and exactly nothing in the holidays. We all know this is true and maybe it was their head's fault and not theirs. But let's not pretend otherwise.

@Medianoche

B, with the schools properly funded and supported to make the changes needed.

Thank you

B. I'm a teacher, married to a teacher and parent to secondary age dc.

The A scenario wouldn't particularly worry me for myself - I'm pretty sure I've had the virus and we are all in good health, not vulnerable.

But I think A will cause a rise in cases which risks closing schools soon after they open, plus it would be unfair on vulnerable school staff and vulnerable family members of school staff and kids.

@notevenat20

Teachers never stopped working I am sorry but this just really makes me angry. I know some teachers in some schools worked hard and even over the Easter holidays. But lots of teachers did almost nothing during the term and exactly nothing in the holidays. We all know this is true and maybe it was their head's fault and not theirs. But let's not pretend otherwise.

'Exactly nothing in the holidays'Ah we are supposed to work in the holidays?!

C. DC upper secondary though and well motivated to work at home part of the time. I think it would reduce their chances of exposure if Covid really gets a grip in our area.

From the pov of a school worker then B. Again, reduced chance to be exposed to it.

A is completely unworkable. It will start off in Sept ok but unrealistic when Covid starts circulating.

"If grandparents wish to see their grandchildren that is entirely down to them. What adult would 'blame' a child for a grandparent catching a virus. Despicable"

I think the poster meant that vulnerable children sometimes live with their grandparent or other older relative because their parents are not around.

Bingo! Yes, play the 'stress' card -strangely you rarely hear of it outside teaching.

Utter tripe. A quick Google will find you the figures for stress in the workplace and the number of days off because of it. It's widespread across pretty much all sectors.

I already said upthread - C

How does it work in reality?

Part time school in smaller bubbles with extra homework? As it’s not going to be online learning out of class unless it’s 30 plus in class.

Also part time for everyone including KW?

Reality is extra homework is not as good as live teaching. Sectors will pull apart, for how long?

B, with the schools properly funded and supported to make the changes needed.

The reality is full time this way means double space and staff.

@Spikeyball

"If grandparents wish to see their grandchildren that is entirely down to them. What adult would 'blame' a child for a grandparent catching a virus. Despicable"

I think the poster meant that vulnerable children sometimes live with their grandparent or other older relative because their parents are not around.

Well this is true but we can't base national education policy on this nor deny all children their right to full time education. It's clutching at excuses

I'm glad that people are voting for A.

As that is what the government wants, and of course they have also stated that schools will not close.
How this bunch of lame brained fuckwits can determine this by ignoring any scientific advice that doesn't meet their criteria is beyond me.

But lets just hope for the best.

However, the vast majority of schools that I know of are going with B. Because they are legally required to make sure that their employees are as safe as possible.

Just gone through it with DH (secondary teacher) he says B.

@MarshaBradyo

Sectors will pull apart, for how long? - sorry I don't understand this part of your post.

Some intensive teaching in school, with consolidation activists sent home based on what they have been taught.
Yes it's not as good as being in school, but I'm the current circumstances it is better than many were provided with before.

I would say for the first half term, if cases in the UK fall further (as opposed to increasing) then we can reassess. I just don't like the idea of jumping in and hoping for the best- then panicking when it goes wrong.

Key worker children could be full time - where necessary- but I think key worker definition was laughable tbh.

However, the vast majority of schools that I know of are going with B. Because they are legally required to make sure that their employees are as safe as possible.

Do they have smaller classes to SD?

DH says "'A' shows a level of ignorance". He is more measured and less panicky than me..

lifeafter50
Bingo! Yes, play the 'stress' card -strangely you rarely hear of it outside teaching.

What rot, just like all the other "cards" that are played, they are equally played outside of teaching in the private sector, lets not pretend that they are not.

@monkeytennis97

Just gone through it with DH (secondary teacher) he says B.

Is he advocating doubling staff and space?

but we can't base national education policy on this nor deny all children their right to full time education.

Quite

@LaurieMarlow

But it's ok to deny teacher's advice other school staff the right to a safe workplace?

@monkeytennis97

DH says "'A' shows a level of ignorance". He is more measured and less panicky than me..

Ok what is the education funding increase for B?

teachers AND other school staff

I am sure other countries have done a form of blended learning eg teacher teaches half a class, so social distancing is possible, and the lesson will be broadcast to the other half of the class, either in another room, if there are spare classes (not likely in England) or at home. So it isn't always just giving children homework to do.

Obviously this form of blended learning doesn't work if pupils and schools haven't got the technology, which is where the Government have let schools down yet again.

@MarshaBradyo I think he and I are teachers, we deserve a workplace with SD and mitigations like others. How it is organised it not our job to be honest!

What rot, just like all the other "cards" that are played, they are equally played outside of teaching in the private sector, lets not pretend that they are not.

You certainly don’t get to go off with stress in my sector. You get managed out.