Do you think schools will be closed a week early so we be with parents/grandparents for Christmas?

[Dontbakeinatent]

Hi,

Just that really.

I hear that the government are putting together a plan so that we can be together at Christmas.

This is the only thing I can think of that would be effectve.

Thoughts?

I’d be surprised, they’ve made such a song and dance about having schools open at all costs, and they would have to admit that schools are a massive transmission point! It would make sense to minimise the impact of the mass movement across the country. At least they’re actually thinking ahead about students this time.

I hope not.

I don't think the economy will tolerate shutting primaries and having all those parents not working.

I imagine they might do something like the Wales firebreak where the primary kids carried on, but the secondaries had a week of distance learning.

That assumes a degree of common sense- that people would use the week to isolate rather than start their Xmas break early, or be out and about doing last minute shopping/ enjoying festive fun. Sadly, I don’t have much faith in people to do the former.

I don't think they will for primary age, as that would cause issues with childcare. They might for secondary, but it'll depend on which country you live in- here in Wales during our firebreak, only primary and years 7 amd 8 returned the school the week after half term, all the older years had remote learning for the week. So if anything was decided, I would expect it to follow that pattern here again. Children have missed so much school, and there are so many children who don't celebrate Christmas that it would seem a bit off for the government to prioritise a Christian celebration for family time. I say that as a practicing Christian. However in Wales (at least my area) we also aren't getting fined for unauthorised absence at the moment so I think some parents will choose to isolate beforehand.

Absolutely not. Children have lost too much education as it is.

I certainly hope not - if they're insisting on face to face teaching in spite of safety worries because education is so important, surely they won't cancel it so that we can all have a lovely time?

I want to see my family as much as the next person, but that would imply that seeing Grandma is more important than keeping teachers and kids safe, wouldn't it?

I wouldn't want this and it is not fair on children like ds who cannot be educated remotely. We won't be seeing parents at Christmas.

I hope not. Plenty of other celebrations of other cultures and religions have been disrupted. I expect there to be some small relaxations of the rules but a huge number would finish school, socialise/shop/do other things for a fortnight rather than isolate, then see family anyway.

I can't see how it could work. And I don't support it. Children's education has already been damaged.

I bloody hope not they’re already finishing on the 18th here!!
We have 17 days off with fuck all to do as it is

my family on other side of country so can’t see them
In-laws probably staying home alone on the day as their late 70’s with health issues and don’t want to risk getting it - their choice
Sister in law said we can go to hers Xmas day but her cooking is shit so covid is perfect excuse to dodge that one

I doubt it. They all have a lot to catch up. They won't close schools unless the infection rates are absolutely dire.

@Artesia

That assumes a degree of common sense- that people would use the week to isolate rather than start their Xmas break early, or be out and about doing last minute shopping/ enjoying festive fun. Sadly, I don’t have much faith in people to do the former.

I'm not even sure it is anything to do we common sense or lack thereof, but it would only work if it was a complete lockdown again, which is just ridiculous. People won't do it, and if restrictions are only lifted for the 25th I absolutely will not.

Sister in law said we can go to hers Xmas day but her cooking is shit so covid is perfect excuse to dodge that one.

Silver linings and all that.

I think there will have to be limitations on Christmas and priorities will have to be made. No one wants to have Christmas and find covid has been passed around the family at a later date, especially those that are vulnerable.

Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Parents are told it is safe enough and compulsory for their kids to be in school. I don't see how the government can then close schools because it would make Christmas too risky. They say they are safe enough for our most vulnerable families to be exposed to.

Many of us are working right up until Christmas, what childcare would people suggest we use if they shut a week early for some people’s convenience? All our annual leave is being used covering the actual school holidays.

Many people are already using grandparents as their informal childcare in line with guidance. A lot of these grandparents, including the older ones, don't want to be 'kept safe'.

People will see each other at Christmas.

Schools wont be closed.

Nope!

I hope not. They've miss so much education already. My eldest has lost 3 weeks so far since august due to self isolation, and goodness how many more times that will happen.

Plus is the number of days in school not enshrined in law? So when would this other week be made up?

@Figgygal

I bloody hope not they’re already finishing on the 18th here!! We have 17 days off with fuck all to do as it is

my family on other side of country so can’t see them
In-laws probably staying home alone on the day as their late 70’s with health issues and don’t want to risk getting it - their choice
Sister in law said we can go to hers Xmas day but her cooking is shit so covid is perfect excuse to dodge that one

Ours are finishing on the 18th as well to make up for going back a week earlier in August.

It's quite early enough, already not sure how we can cover this with working hours etc 🙈

Hopefully not

No thanks. I don't care about seeing family at Christmas.

I don't think they would shut schools just so a few people could see relatives at Christmas. It's disproportionate.

Closing schools to reduce cases in high risk areas is always a possibility.

I truly hope not. They've missed too much time at school already this year.