Extended Xmas holiday for NI schools?

[WilsonMilson]

Teenage ds came home today telling me that the word at school (from teachers) is that an extended Xmas break is likely. We are in Northern Ireland.
He said the rumour is that achool will break up one week before planned, perhaps to enable some to isolate before meeting up with vulnerable relatives at Christmas.

Have no idea of the truth in this. Anyone else heard of this being a possibility?

Also in NI and my son said the same thing yesterday! I'd not be surprised if they did do it to be honest.

It’s an eminently sensible idea, so pretty unlikely any government will go for it.

I’ve heard from teachers (England) that this is in discussions. Might be part of the whole uk wide Christmas plans. I really really hope not though

I definitely think we are being drip fed the idea. I am not particularly supportive of it, but obviously will just to go with the flow. I would prefer it was home learning (not yet another holiday) and secondary schools only - but who knows!

It's not in discussions in England. I'm a teacher. Christmas 'celebration' plans with lunches and parties (in bubbles) are in full swing.

Interesting @hopeishere that your son said the same thing. My DH came home from work just after I created the thread and said one of his colleagues had heard the same from his child.
I’d like it if it was home schooling, not just an excuse for yet another week off school!

Not sure about NI but I can't see it happening in England. Matt Hancock stressed earlier on that he believes keeping schools open is important.

They keep saying there are no "plans" but you never know. It would be to be a work week not another week off.

I think it’s a good idea, we are in the north west and I know a large academy trust have announced that they are closing a week early but I did read today that the government have apparently asked them to reconsider.

3 teachers in my household in NI .. there's lots of speculation about it but to be honest we normally find out Peter Weirs decision on the news same time as everyone else.. the ea email about it usually comes soon after usually around 5pm on a Friday afternoon.
It would make sense to have home learning the week before to allow families to meet up with relatives knowing they have completed 2 weeks isolation .. however that is providing they do actually isolate.

I’d like them to finish a week early and go back two weeks later with remote learning for those. How many will end up in self isolation the week before so will have to isolate with the worry over Christmas. After we need to curb cases from all the mixing people will do at Christmas and new year.

In NI here, my teenager said their teacher said the same thing this week too