2 weeks until schools reopen

[Maizeyflowers]

Can't believe it's finally coming to an end (having the kids home not the virus)

I've got mixed feelings. It's going to be bitter sweet schools restarting. I'm hoping normality will help people feel better. I have my worries but lockdown has made me ill. I really hope a few weeks of routine will settle my troubled mind. I'm sad its going to be so different though. Not even allowed lunch in the hall and can't see friends in the other class. But I just hope its positive for everyone. I also hope that a vaccine is available soon to put an end to all this worry. But I know it's unlikely. I'm very nervous about the winter months too.

How's everyone else feeling?

@latticechaos got mine from the source bit on the UK worldometer page its a gov website link im hoping it would be accurate but you can never be 100% with this government

[quote Uhoh2020]@latticechaos got mine from the source bit on the UK worldometer page its a gov website link im hoping it would be accurate but you can never be 100% with this government[/quote]
Your test info was daily, they were doing the 7 day rolling average?

I just saw another school in Scotland (secondary) has closed tonight due to a positive case.

Is it not just closed for 1 day though, for cleaning?

I’m going against the grain here. I’m going to miss my children when they return in 3weeks. We have made the most of the time, created a routine that works for us,plenty of home learning, fantastic input from schools. 2-1 “teaching” I think they’ve come on leaps and bounds. If I could afford to I would homeschool. Certainly not looking forward to entering the “rat race” again and life run on strict schedule.

I'm literally counting down the minutes, like a prisoner in a jail cell with a bit of chalk, until I can drop my two at that school gate...

I don’t know why but all the joyful can’t waits really make me sad.

Loved lockdown, I know realistically it's got to come to an end though and children need to start getting back to school, can't stay off indefinitely.

Schools in Scotland back 1 week, my son’s class is in isolation for 14 days already following a positive case and I got a letter today saying it’s in my other son’s school.

@roverroo21

Schools in Scotland back 1 week, my son’s class is in isolation for 14 days already following a positive case and I got a letter today saying it’s in my other son’s school.

oh dear

I'm dreading this term.

@JanahJo

I don’t know why but all the joyful can’t waits really make me sad.

Yes me too.

I think for me it is because we are heading into an uncertain winter so whilst I wish it would all go ok, I feel it could be disrupted and worrisome.

@JanahJo why does it make you sad?

I can't wait because after 6 months of trying to work whilst the kids are at home I and my dh are at cracking point. And I'm a lucky one as I've had some help in the summer with a local girl, have plenty of space and probably more time than others.

If I'm struggling god only knows what some others are feeling.

My kids are back and they are playing among their entire year group at break and lunch. They are not segregated from their friends all day.

[quote flowerycurtain]@JanahJo why does it make you sad?

I can't wait because after 6 months of trying to work whilst the kids are at home I and my dh are at cracking point. And I'm a lucky one as I've had some help in the summer with a local girl, have plenty of space and probably more time than others.

If I'm struggling god only knows what some others are feeling.

[/quote]
For me it is because whilst I also really want it go well with my.children, I don't share the hope that it'll be ok.

I think parents who have found it very hard might also find the 14day isolations and closures hard.

I also do worry about teacher health and possible deaths.

It's a sobering time imo, rather than a happy time. I'm daunted by covid generally, especially as we have such poor schools leadership at government level.

I'm not sending mine back in September.

Crowded school, cramped classrooms - and schools have no defence against airborne transmission. Latest research indicates children are infectious, even though their mortality rates are low.

Lots of other facilities have just opened up in August too - and numbers are creeping up again. We don't know yet about what impact this wider opening up will be having.

All factors combined, I'd like to wait and see what happens before determining if it's safe because right now, I don't feel certain that it is.

I'm also concerned as general government advice contradicts the advice they are giving to schools. Current leaflets say to avoid confined spaces, indoor spaces, crowded spaces or spaces with poor ventilation. That pretty much sums up our school!

I respect every parent's view to decide what's right for their child but having scrutinised all the latest data, it's an unknown risk with indications that the government are ignoring the emerging research. I'll take stock and re-assess in 4-6 weeks time.

@ExhaustedFlamingo

Yes, I hear all you say. I am uncertain.

Do you anticipate a fine or pressure from school?

@JanahJo

I don’t know why but all the joyful can’t waits really make me sad.

I'm sure there's many joyful cant waits coming from the actual children aswell. Parents wanting a little bit of normality and stability back in their children's lives is nothing to be sad at. We know there's risk involved, we know its going to be stop start, but there's nothing wrong with feeling happy about them enjoying some school life again however different it may be to before. Of course not all children like school but on the whole the majority do and thrive in that environment.

@latticechaos I emailed the school to warn them of my intentions and to ask if there was any way they could not fine me - we don't have the financial resources to pay a fine right now.

I'm self-employed and I have SEN twins, both of whom need 1:1 support so I effectively have to do two separate school days, one after the other and then fit in full-time work. Make no mistake, schooling them at home is hard and I wouldn't do it unless I felt it was absolutely necessary. Financially it's not easy right now - hence my concern over the fine.

I got the most wonderful email in reply. The head acknowledges that he can't guarantee safety, despite their absolute best efforts and intentions. He believes parents should be allowed to make the decision that's right for their children in the current climate, without fear of a fine. He has said he will support me and seek advice if he is challenged over attendance.

I will deregister if I really have to, but I'd rather not as I'd like my children to return to the school as it's a wonderful place. I feel like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders right now - we have some breathing room to wait and see what happens with infection rates etc.

@midnightstar66

My kids are back and they are playing among their entire year group at break and lunch. They are not segregated from their friends all day.

I am a secondary teacher so mainly talking about the secondary experience.

I feel so nervous about them going back. Not so much due to the virus but we have been off since March together. Just me and the kids. Husband worked the whole way through. I can feel my anxiety building already. I think I have separation anxiety. Trying not to let the kids see it as they are okish about school returning. I'm back to work the same day aswel, hopefully I can actually get work some work done through the tears.

@ExhaustedFlamingo

I am so pleased you got that response.

I have a conversation scheduled with our head soon. I have involved my kids as they are older. I hope for a similar response.

Best wishes

And also for all parents who want to return now, I do hope it works out well.

I want no arguments between parents who all want what feels right/best for our children!

To be completely honest I've really loved having my dc home. I have been furloughed though so haven't had to worry about childcare.

I will worry when they go back but i think they definitely need to.

I think if they don't go back now when will they?

@monkeytennis97 I was responding more to op who said her dc (presume primary) wouldn't be able to mix how your local high schools aren't looking as you describe either. The main measures are adjusting time tables so there are no single periods to reduce movement and staggered start and finish times, lots of hand sanitiser dispensers. Not much else seems different.

Thank you so much @latticechaos ❤️

Good luck with your conversation. From what I've heard, there have been mixed responses from schools. I set out very clear, non-emotive, bullet-pointed reasons as I wanted to demonstrate there was a logic behind my decision.

If anyone wants support about not returning to school yet, there's a really helpful FB group. Some of the posts in there are a bit mad, but generally there's lots of helpful links and information, and parents from all over the country are sharing their experiences. It's:

www.facebook.com/groups/657607021743154/?multi_permalinks=733975530772969&notif_id=1597938220082044&notif_t=group_highlights

Hope the link works!

For any parent who IS sending their child back, I hope it all goes well. If there's a chunk of us who don't send ours back, it creates more room and distance in the classroom for your children, so it's got to be a win/win for us all 😊

he believes parents should be allowed to make the decision that's right for their children in the current climate, without fear of fine

I'd be wary of this, just because that's HIS belief its not the belief of the powers that be who say its mandatory to return. I dont know who issues fines whether it's headteachers or LEA or how much they are but I know schools can't hide their attendance figures.
Whilst im not saying you should send them back its your choice, but I wouldn't take his reply as a given you won't be fined.