The government is trying to make you think schools will be socially distanced

[noblegiraffe]

The government are currently running a (well publicised) propaganda campaign to say that schools are safe. They are using social media influencers, journalists and friendly scientists (firmly ignoring any unfriendly ones like the Royal Society). Branwen Jefferys of the BBC tweeted “So how high is government anxiety about school return? A PR company acting on behalf of the Cabinet office is now emailing media offering experts to support the “messaging”. Strange way to approach news journalists ..”

And just about every news outlet running stories about schools seems to be rotating stock footage of half empty classrooms with teachers miles away from the kids. There have even been photos of kids getting temperature checks (not allowed). I was watching Sky news where a commentator was saying how awful it was that kids would be sent back to socially distanced schools. The PM gave a rambling speech to carefully spaced kids in a library. And in a visit to a classroom it’s clear that the kids were all shoved down one end in order to give some lovely spaced kids at the other end for the PM to pose in front of.
metro.co.uk/2020/08/27/boris-johnson-staged-school-visit-social-distancing-13188600/

Matt Hancock was on the news saying it was really important for teachers to stay 2m from the kids to avoid spreading the virus between all the bubbles they’ll be working in, despite knowing that this will be utterly and hopelessly impossible.

Why are the government lying? Why are they sending the ‘right’ experts to the press? Why are kids being spread out for staged photo shoots instead of honest pictures?

And why are the press largely going along with it?

Schools are going back, in a lot of cases to an estate that is unfit for purpose. Old buildings, no ventilation, large class sizes. Pupils will be crammed in facing a teacher who won’t be able to stand 2m from them. If it’s so safe, why aren’t they showing and acknowledging the reality?

YABU: what they are doing is fine and there are perfectly reasonable explanations for all the suggestions of socially distanced classrooms and schools in the media

YANBU: the lying liars are lying to us again

@WhyNotMe40

Then you underestimate the general feeling amongst school workers. Regardless of the public facade.

Do teachers on here think there will be a strike? I’ve seen so many posts from teachers saying not.

It was probably already agreed origninally. They just decided to wait. To play the game so that the EIS could say, look at what the unions have done for all you teachers. They had this in the bag from the beginning im sure.

No because we don't have the public support.
However, it's strike or section 44 if conditions become obviously unsafe.

@palacegirl77

If the Government are lying and its really not safe where are the Unions? Theyre made up of teachers arent they? Why arent they walking the streets letting us know? Why are we getting letters from the LEA saying its safe, why is our headteacher sending videos saying its all hunkydory? Where is the action on the teachers part? If its so terribly unsafe why arent they up in arms and standing outside schools protesting? We are getting reassured by schools its safe and staff saying they cant wait to welcome us back - are they all lying too? This is so confusing for parents but the only place I actually "see" these concerns is on mumsnet!

The unions are speaking out.

That's why the government (and DM!) have this "teachers and unions trying to block return" mantra.

They are not.

Mh Union emailed earlier to say very pleased with governments decision on lockdown areas and heads discretion.

But many members still concerned heads are refusing them the option - that's what head has decided so they are calling for government to make the guidance clearer and for it to be a staff decision.

They aren't blocking at all. They are campaigning for safety measure on behalf of their members.

Teachers are speaking out. It's usually done through unions too.

Do teachers on here think there will be a strike? I’ve seen so many posts from teachers saying not

Not here i doubt. I dont think there is the appetite atm.

Sorry forgot to mention I was talking about masks!

@neveradullmoment99

Do teachers on here think there will be a strike? I’ve seen so many posts from teachers saying not

Not here i doubt. I dont think there is the appetite atm.

Not here either.

Teaching and support staff snag schools open with safer measures to keep them open. I've not seen any wanting to lose another day education by striking.

I could be off though and maybe there is calls? Not mentioned in my union.

We were all surveyed before schools went back.
One of the questions was about strikes.
It wasnt even mentioned in the feedback here in Scotland so I doubt anyone wants it or can afford it!

I’ve got 3 kids going back to a large state secondary. Reception, y1s and y6s were largely back before summer. Scottish schools have done 3 weeks.

Are you honestly suggesting we think there is going to be social distancing in schools and that we don’t understand how it is going to work when they are in.

Do you have kids?

Masks came up but i feel that ha already been agreed. The union was part of the talks about opening schools.

@Gwynfluff

I’ve got 3 kids going back to a large state secondary. Reception, y1s and y6s were largely back before summer. Scottish schools have done 3 weeks.

Are you honestly suggesting we think there is going to be social distancing in schools and that we don’t understand how it is going to work when they are in.

Do you have kids?

There is no social distancing. I am a teacher. I have 3 kids. 2 at high school and one in primary.

The 2 at high school have to wear masks but not in class. They clean the tables and sanitise their hands. They have to wear masks in corridors and social areas.

@UndertheCedartree if parents want to help a school financially either with money or resources then they are best talking to the school and asking what they really want. Our local MAT is sourcing hand sanitiser for all the schools in the MAT then recharging it to the schools. So this will take funding away from another part of the school budget, so they may like a donation towards books instead for example.

If parents can afford to make a sizeable or regular donation eg £10 a month, it might be an idea to ask schools whether they are eligible for gift aid.

Do teachers on here think there will be a strike?

No. I think you should keep an eye on resignations though.

In primary school here, we have staggered starts but not in all schools. It depends upon the building. Lunches are staggered as are playtimes.
The playground is zoned. Children have to stay in their class and play only with those children in their class. We have to keep the windows and doors open. children are encouraged to learn outside. Hands are sanitised upon entry and exit even if its for gym. P.E. the children come in changed. They have a packed lunch. They eat in class and the tables have to be sanitised. Children have their own things, kept in their tray.

@noblegiraffe

Do teachers on here think there will be a strike?

No. I think you should keep an eye on resignations though.

The lag from resigning to ending contract slows it down a bit. I saw a teacher say that their school did yearly contracts and renewed each September.

Not sure if only private schools can do that but I bet the school is regretting that cost saving. There would be exodus then

@Waxonwaxoff0

Surely it's not hard for parents to figure out themselves what school is going to be like. I'm under no illusions that school is going to be socially distanced, a picture in the media isn't going to convince me paid you'd have to be an idiot to believe anything the government says anyway.

But doesn’t it make you what else they are lying about?

YANBU @noblegiraffe it stinks.

You can mark off 2 metres in your class and have a teacher bubble but this is very hard to adhere too. Children are not allowed on carpets. They are put in rows facing the front and not each other. Although in younger classes P4 and under, this is allowed.

Agree @neveradullmoment99 if you have a kid back or going back you know the score. Laughing at the idea that there is a propaganda campaign pulling the wool over our eyes

Teachers will not need to strike. If things go badly, the schools will close of their own accord. If things go well, there will be no need to strike.

@neveradullmoment99

You can mark off 2 metres in your class and have a teacher bubble but this is very hard to adhere too. Children are not allowed on carpets. They are put in rows facing the front and not each other. Although in younger classes P4 and under, this is allowed.

I can't in my class. Absolutely no way I can have a 2m teacher bubble. Primary classrooms are a different kettle of fish.

But doesn’t it make you what else they are lying about?

It’s a Tory government. I assume they’re lying about most things.

OP- bang on. I'm a primary teacher. Classrooms will be overcrowded, in many cases with no ventilation or handwashing facilities. 2m or even 1m distancing is impossible. Surfaces will be touched by many. Toilet cubicles used by multiple classes. Teachers are the most important resource this country has and some will get very ill this autumn term.

It is a joke @Gwynfluff. In Scotland there are daily cases and not just one school. However NSturgeon says no transmission child to child for now. Not sure if thats the same after todays cases.

@noblegiraffe, i am in 3 primary classrooms! You are right, 2 metres, no way!