Now we know why the govt were suppressing the schools infection data

[noblegiraffe]

...because for secondary it’s very worrying.

They choose to release it the day before we break up for half term, too late for any circuit breaker like the other U.K. countries.

They’ve quietly removed the assertion that schools aren’t high risk settings from the guidance. At what point are they going to start to be honest about the risks, particularly in sixth forms and colleges?

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/928749/Weekly_COVID-19_and_Influenza_Surveillance_Graphs_W43_FINAL.pdf

Considering the amount of teens currently isolating due to cases in their 'bubble' then I can't say I'm surprised that the chart is showing a decrease. If the teen/young person is already isolating then they aren't going to want to be tested if they have symptoms (know a few students who have said there's no point getting tested as they 'know' it's covid)

I am also not sure why it is 'scaremongering' to state factually what is happening in schools. That implies that we should keep the truth covered up .... why?

@sunflowers246

And the chart I posted is actual confirmed cases.

Not estimates that other charts below show.

I can't see the chart you posted, but infection rates remain steady for that group (see my graph of 15:05) based on random sampling by the ONS.

We know there was a lot of mass testing of uni students going on at the start of term which probably massively boosted confirmed case numbers because they were picking up huge numbers of asymptomatic cases.

@cantkeepawayforever

It’s not about hiding anything. What we need to avoid is parents and staff becoming hysterical- schools are open for the vast majority of DC and it needs to remain that way.

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools or at least prohibit the publication of figures beyond headteachers and government.

I would also look to take action to prevent a small minority of teachers from scaremongering and campaigning to shut schools.

There are a number of posters I don't recognise on here posting about "scaremongering". Funny that.

Noble giraffe is a maths teacher, with a formidable command of the facts and lots of experience actually teaching children.

I don't think she is scaremongering at all. I'm really grateful to her for coming on here and telling it like it is.

I think we need to support parents in making the best decisions for them and their families.

We can't do that by with-holding information from people, or playing down the truth. Funny that people seem to be suggesting that now. Why is that?

@Ecosse for a paid poster you’re really not that bright are you 🙄

@herecomesthsun You what, re 'posters you recognise'? I have been here almost 20 years. I NC every couple of months.

As you were.

It’s not about hiding anything.....

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools....

Um ... the obvious contradiction there would be funny if it wasn't so serious.

@Ecosse it’s a shame you don’t have any weighty points to add to the debate beyond schools need to remain open. A bit beyond you I think.

[quote Ecosse]@cantkeepawayforever

It’s not about hiding anything. What we need to avoid is parents and staff becoming hysterical- schools are open for the vast majority of DC and it needs to remain that way.

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools or at least prohibit the publication of figures beyond headteachers and government.

I would also look to take action to prevent a small minority of teachers from scaremongering and campaigning to shut schools.[/quote]
No one is hysterical. We are a bunch of intelligent women, many of us professionals. Could you talk to us in an appropriate way please?

Thank god it isn't up to you to decide who can and cannot speak their mind.

I’m done hopefully most can separate the wheat from the chaff 😆

overtherainbow

But; I think Noble is very good at scaremongering and seems to be trying to put people off sending their DC to school. Correct me if I am wrong but I’ve not read about one school staff or school kid dying since schools have reopened since sept

As posted earlier in the week, I've had a TA die of COVID this week.

[quote RonaLisa]@herecomesthsun You what, re 'posters you recognise'? I have been here almost 20 years. I NC every couple of months.

As you were.[/quote]
Well I don't recognise you; on the other hand I wasn't posting about you, (as far as I know ) cheers

@OverTheRainbow88

The data is the data, I can’t disagree with that.

But; I think Noble is very good at scaremongering and seems to be trying to put people off sending their DC to school. Correct me if I am wrong but I’ve not read about one school staff or school kid dying since schools have reopened since sept.

Our kids need to be in schools.

It's not just about the children not dying though. My daughter is 12. I have several auto immune diseases and am on medication that means I get every single big and green going. I have had simple chest infections turn into pneumonia 7 times in 3 years . My daughter has ALWAYS been very careful in school anyway but not she is very scared that she will bring this home and I will get very sick or worse. Her dad also has 3 heart issues. In the worse case scenario she could end up a bloody orphan. Her school claims to be safe but since they started they have had nothing but bubble Closures and positive cases. I got the letter attached just today.

I am more than happy to keep my daughter at home. I am educated to masters level and have worked as a HLTA so am more than capable of helping with her school work. But the school won't allow it even though it would reduce numbers. Because school is SAFE.

[quote Ecosse]@cantkeepawayforever

It’s not about hiding anything. What we need to avoid is parents and staff becoming hysterical- schools are open for the vast majority of DC and it needs to remain that way.

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools or at least prohibit the publication of figures beyond headteachers and government.

I would also look to take action to prevent a small minority of teachers from scaremongering and campaigning to shut schools.[/quote]
If testing was taken out of schools and there were no figures, I would even more seriously consider withdrawing my children .

You are going against the government flow a bit, because ONS are providing more not fewer figures about schools, and some of these have been very helpful in seeing where the problems are and how high the risk is.

Having less information would be more concerning as we couldn't quantify risk so well; I think it would have the opposite effect to that which you intend.

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools or at least prohibit the publication of figures beyond headteachers and government.

That’s all about hiding everything

I'll try again:

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools or at least prohibit the publication of figures beyond headteachers and government.

If testing were “removed from schools” (which presumably actually means that school-age children would not be allowed tests), or if my own headteacher was hiding positive cases from us, I would remove myself from school.

@ForthPlace

overtherainbow

But; I think Noble is very good at scaremongering and seems to be trying to put people off sending their DC to school. Correct me if I am wrong but I’ve not read about one school staff or school kid dying since schools have reopened since sept

As posted earlier in the week, I've had a TA die of COVID this week.

That's awful. This is one of my biggest fears for my school as we have a number of TAs who are vulnerable. How awful for the people who think they may have passed along cases in your school. It must be really hard not to feel personally responsible.

@CarrieBlue

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools or at least prohibit the publication of figures beyond headteachers and government.

That’s all about hiding everything

Now, if people were saying that about SATS, Ofsted reports and League tables, you'd be talking.

How awful for the TA and their family as well! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound heartless.

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools

Good plan! I personally recommend not checking my bank balance in case I notice I’m overdrawn.
Similarly I don’t look at the fuel gauge on my car as I get upset if I might run out of fuel.
And I never look in the fridge to see if I have milk, in case I have to buy some!

I try to avoid becoming hysterical. Ignoring reality is such a help.

Thanks Nellodee. Horrendous.

Devastated pupils, staff and community of the school. So many tears. Sadly a small group of seven year olds asking if it is their fault "we were in Mr J's group this week".
Leaders and governors feeling incredibly responsible even though all 'guidance' has been followed. ☹️

It’s not about hiding anything

I would personally either reduce or remove testing in schools or at least prohibit the publication of figures beyond headteachers and government

Can you not see the irony in that ?

They are not going to prevent testing in schools, in fact a research study testing in schools is just about to start.