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?

[GoldenOmber]

There have been cases in schools in Scotland, but there haven’t (yet, as far as we know, of course) been outbreaks within schools.

One pupil tests positive, self-isolates, does not spread virus = not a big problem.

One pupil tears positive and spreads virus to rest of class and therefore increases community transmission = would be a big problem.

Our big outbreak here at the moment is in a chicken processing factory.

[GoldenOmber]

@Bupkis

caution obviously required but really not a big deal

The thing is, if there was a situation like the 8 cases in the Dundee special school, here - it would be a very big deal for us, and I would still be threatened with a fine if I felt that we should keep ds home.

yes, totally understood. That school has temporarily closed though, appreciating that they have a number of medically vulnerable pupils.

[Jamhandprints]

I'm really scared. I work in a school and will be in a classroom with 30 kids and my DCs will be at school and nursery so we'll be exposed to so many germs. I dont know anyone who has recovered from corona virus locally. Just deaths or severe long term complications.

[Bupkis]

The school has closed for cleaning, and no decision has been made as to re-opening.

My point is that if there were 8 cases in ds's school, this would make us keen to keep him home - he has complex medical needs and has been shielding....however if the school stayed open, we would be fined for keeping him home.

[EachDubh]

Most schools have been back between 8-10 days, we don't know yet if there will be school transmitions we are relying 100% on parents and older children being careful when out and about, staying off with signs of sickness. Most schools have already had to send home kids who exhibit symptoms. Fingers crossed by working together, getting smarter we will keep school infevtions to a minimum.

[dementedpixie]

The cases were in adults connected to the school, not the children. Seems to be closed for cleaning

[CallmeAngelina]

I wonder how many of the children were actually tested, though. If they were asymptomatic?
Does anyone know if they've traced the source of the outbreak? Were they "Patient X" and the kids haven't contracted it, or did an asymptomatic child bring it in?

[Flagsfiend]

@Bupkis

The school has closed for cleaning, and no decision has been made as to re-opening.

My point is that if there were 8 cases in ds's school, this would make us keen to keep him home - he has complex medical needs and has been shielding....however if the school stayed open, we would be fined for keeping him home.

You could buy yourself some time in that situation by you having an altered sense of smell and ordering a postal test. By the time it came and then you sent it back to get results you'd have a few days which hopefully would give enough time to assess the situation. You'd have to be willing for your household to isolate properly though for the duration.

[hadders89]

You're not alone. Its a daunting feeling. We have spent months being told, nay drilled to be distant from every living creature yet now they want us to bring in our precious ones that we spend our lives worrying over and protecting into school. Its blooming daunting. My lo is starting school for the first time, im dreading it, i wish I could be happy but I am not. My daughter is ready for school yes but I wish they wasnt forcing these little ones to start yet, I feel more for the older children where they have been told even in a bubble to keep a distance. This is not good for their mental health stall. I took my girl out of playgroup early as soon as signs went up but it feels that its reached that stage again. Also due to her being at school her social life will now completely die off at home as we won't be able to bubble with family and she has 5 cousins her age but in seperate schools so yeah all this sucks. I think i have majorly rambled on and probably didn't make sense but I feel better for rambling

[hadders89]

I cant begin to imagine the worry. My mum is in this situation and I want to lock her door and not let her return to work. Its also her bringing it back to my dad. I think alot of us can overcome this virus but then others, well..... . If he is so adamant of a return to a new normal he needs to protect the few, especially within a special needs school.. i lived back at home a year ago and my mum was constantly coming home with bites or needing to change due to being spat on. All part of the role normally but now in this climate... i would invest in a face shield if i was you i tried to convince my mum of this

[hadders89]

@lillylemons

I'm glad that schools are re-opening but dd is not too happy about it has her friends are in another form so she won't get to mix with her friends in school. She really struggles to make friends and never clicked with anyone in her form.
I can't wait for a little bit of normality and some quiet time when dd's at school.

See this is the worst part of it. As if school wasnt hard enough for them.

[Trackandtrace]

@IncidentsandAccidents

The more I read these threads the more I think that previously shielding families have been utterly failed. They were advised to isolate in an extreme way for months and are now being told to dramatically alter their behaviour. Of course they feel anxious and unsupported. This group should have been separated out in policy terms and been given the right to home educate temporarily with support.

This....
Schools ooen in 2 weeks. Shielding paused letter said avoid indoors enviroments if you have to go inside wear a mask and keep 2m away from others. Keep 2m away from others at outdoor meet ups. Avoid social situations and proceed with caution.
Can attend school.

So since shielding was paused we have done nothing to add risk this means no trio to the beach, no trip to the park as too risky but in 2 weeks she is expected back into school with no social distancing, no ppe.
Oh and she cant have an in person appointment with hospital specialist as this is too high risk at the moment.

Btw she wint be back in school and we will face the fines if issued

[Uhoh2020]

I wish they wasn't forcing these little ones to start yet
@Hadders89 dependant on when your DD birthday is you could keep her home a bit longer or even upto next September. Compulsory school age is 5, you can delay her start until the term after her birthday if you wanted too. Of course I'm not sure where you stand with keeping the school place that's been allocated for September you'd need to speak to the school or local admissions dept about that.

[QueenofmyPrinces]

My friend’s little boy is due to start his first year at school at the end of this month and she said the school have broached the topic with her of the children wearing masks whilst there.