Risk of coronavirus in schools

[Kaylasmum49]

I have a daughter in s6 (Scotland) I'm starting to get really worried about the risks of transmission in schools. I have severe health anxiety and have been struggling massively to cope. I'm 54 and overweight so worry that I am higher risk.

I know that most people will disagree with me but I think schools should close until the numbers start to fall again.

I don’t think they should close - but there should be mitigating measures - blended learning to allow for distancing being the obvious first place to look/consider.

In my daughter's school in some classes the kids are sitting shoulder to shoulder, when I drop her off in the morning there are groups of up to ten kids huddled together in the playground, how is that safe?

Nope I don't think they should close. There has been 3 cases in my dc's secondary school (also scotland) but no onward transmission and neither of my kids have been affected.

My dd is also S6 and has to do an advanced higher class online with a different school (they would normally go to the other school) and it is shit. She is being put at a disadvantage and would be even worse if she had to do all her classes online

If they must reduce pupil numbers (which I don't believe is necessary) then they should have years 7 8 and 9 in on rota and all doing exam courses in full time, do to anything else will put kids at a massive disadvantage because in years to come nobody looking af their CV is going to check if they are a 'Covid Year' they will just see lower exam results and write them off.

Schools can't close because people are relying on them for childcare. That's the top and bottom of it.

You an de-register your child if you like and home educate.

There isn't social distancing on primary schools. It's not manageable to social distance. There is no point in breaking up groups of ten children in the playground and then cramming them all in front of the same whiteboard for maths. That's just giving the public the opinion that they are social,distancing inside too which they aren't.

I’m really struggling with this mindset; I don’t mean to be rude, but were you not concerned about the effect you being overweight has on your general health? Yes, Covid is a risk, but so is being overweight (Covid aside). Why are people so scared of this, and not other risky behaviour. Some of the most vocal Covid rule enforcers I know are smokers...wtf is that about?!

Sorry, but no, I don’t think all schools should close.

Schools should not close.
There hasn't been a single case at my son's school and he has thrived since returning.
Children need an education and parents need to work.

I know that most people will disagree with me but I think schools should close until the numbers start to fall again.

Not This Again.

You are free to home school your dd.

2 confirmed cases only in our 1800 pupil school here in a tier 2 area. Only a handful of pupils isolated for each case and no-one else has tested positive.
Yes, your daughter might catch it. But you can't deny her her life and youth because you are overweight. Being 54 does not make you much higher risk (and less than many teachers and others in higher risk occupations).
Observe good hygiene in the house, teach your daughter to take REASONABLE precautions outside the home, and lose weight - as I am sure you are doing already, as that is something you can do to reduce your risk without compromising anyone else's life.

kenDoddsDad you ARE being rude!! I am overweight but I have condition called lipoedema which causes a build up of abnormal fat in my legs, hips and arms. I know my daughter needs to be in school but I am genuinely scared of contracting coronavirus. My biggest fear with health anxiety is not being here for my children, I have five and 3 of them are autistic, although 2 are adults. My 13 year old son always gets any viruses and bugs much worse than the rest of us and he is very scared too.

I don't know what the answer is but the numbers are rising rapidly and schools must be at risk of high transmission.

I think schools should be the last things to close.. We are tier one 2 cases in different years since September. No further cases as a result.

I am a keyworker working from home.. I didn't send him in last time, I have already told my DS he will go in PT if we end up in the same situation as I consider the risk to his Mh worse . I suspect many others will feel the same.

I would have taken a 2 week circuit breaker but the goverment chose not to so I would be doing it in a few weeks time.

In which case, I apologise. I think I’m just so fed up of people thinking Covid is SO much riskier than any other day to day pursuit. Do you get in cars? Go on buses? Everything holds a risk and a huge perspective has been lost when it comes to this virus. To think all schools should be shut is grossly disproportionate.

I hope you get some help for your health anxiety.

Im sorry your anxious but schools should not close. I would focus on getting help for your anxiety.

It's very hard if you have children and you a parent in a high risk category who would otherwise avoid contact with everyone (online shopping etc). You have my sympathy.

Those who are able to home school should be given the option without risking a fine or deregistering but they wouldn’t be allowed to rely on school for any support, I think teachers have enough on their plate. This would be a win win, previously shielding parents and children would be safer and less kids in school so less transmission.

It's so annoying when people use the fact that cases are low in THEIR schools to suggest that of course schools don't need to close. In my DC school there were 12 cases just this week. It seems likely some of this transmission IS happening in school, despite all best efforts and it is very stressful. A blended model surely has to take over at somr point.

I think the governments made a mistake in caving to pressure about schools closing. They shouldn't have lumped primary and secondary together.
I think blended learning for secondary schools could work. Exemptions for kids who can't be at home alone or the younger year groups.
Give lessons to half the class then send them home to do the work - this is what was planned at our nearest private school (though the kids weren't sent home but into study areas to do the 'home' work).

I want ds to stay in school. He is severely autistic and needs the routine for his mental health. It is also the only respite we get. Also blended learning won't happen for children like him. If he is home we will be on our own.

@Sockwomble

I want ds to stay in school. He is severely autistic and needs the routine for his mental health. It is also the only respite we get. Also blended learning won't happen for children like him. If he is home we will be on our own.

Is your son not allowed into school regardless of closures ? Sorry if I'm incorrect or it wasn't possible for you during lockdown but I teach SEN and we have remained open throughout to any students who needed or wanted to be with us ?

I agree OP. I think schools should close over the peak this winter. I am in Scotland too and I think Nicola sturgeon has her eye on independence now and she has worked out that it’s an unpopular position to be closing schools so that’s why they are insisting they do all they can to stay open. This worries me. I want them to stay open, but not if the COVID rates get to point it is unsafe.

If the numbers and deaths continue to rise despite the whole country ending up on Tier 3, I expect schools will end up closing or going onto a blended timetable.

Its more unsafe, mental health wise, socially, educationally for children to not be in school. Enough damage has been done.
Some perspective I am afraid, is needed. And shutting schools again is not sensible in the slightest

@OpheliasCrayon my DC has severe autism/SLD (and social worker etc as was listed regarding those who should stay in school/vulnerable ). We were told by school there was no provision for DC during lockdown. DC lives in a care home so they (did a brilliant job) home schooled.

@OpheliasCrayon but you know I disagree with you 'open at all costs' stance. Blended learning for some secondary years will make a good difference to the R rate and to the risks of the wider community.

@Trevortrilby

It's so annoying when people use the fact that cases are low in THEIR schools to suggest that of course schools don't need to close. In my DC school there were 12 cases just this week. It seems likely some of this transmission IS happening in school, despite all best efforts and it is very stressful. A blended model surely has to take over at somr point.

Likewise just because numbers are high in THEIR school doesn't mean people should suggest all schools should close