Keeping DS2 off school for the last week?

[HeelHeel]

DS1 isn't back at school until the new year because of 4 cases of COVID in him class, DS2 has been off because of 2 cases but is due to go back next week.

I am on my own with them and we are spending Christmas with my DM and DF who are self isolating for 2 weeks beforehand so it's safe for us as I am vulnerable. My DM is also in the vulnerable category.

I am thinking about keeping DS2 off for the last week, they have emailed us saying that they are not doing school work and just playing games at school.

Ok worried about sending him because if part of his bubble contracts COVID that means isolating at Christmas in our home.

I have depression and anxiety and haven't seen anyone for months and it's really stressing me out.

I don't know what to do.

I’m not one for taking kids out of school but in this instance I would.

I probably would

I'm doing this. DD last day is Friday. School doesn't officially break up until 22nd. Sod that!

they have emailed us saying that they are not doing school work and just playing games at school.

Really?! I would love to see an anonymised version of that letter.

The children will gain more from having a happy parent and Christmas than they will loose in school work. Will school set online work or can you do something like maths through baking, everyday so they have a development of skills? Usually there is a day/sometimes 2 at the end of final week of games, or a lesson a day in the last week...

@Redlocks28

they have emailed us saying that they are not doing school work and just playing games at school.

Really?! I would love to see an anonymised version of that letter.

Me too ...

I am really surprised at that letter! I won’t be taking mine out early but I totally understand why you would. Less kids in school also equal less risk for those still going in, I think.

In my situation no I want mine to stay in as much as possible while they can but in your situation yes I would.

I would in your situation so you can enjoy Xmas

Do it. It makes little sense to put everyone at risk for one child to do 5 days of craft and games.
My child is vunerable so ours havent been back since march.

I have the same issue - Dd year 10 self isolate until 19th December so tempted to pull out ds year 7
They are dropping like flies in our secondary school North east

I wouldnt take mine out, because we arent seeing anyone over Christmas, but in your case (especially being vulnerable, and on your own with them?) I totally would. Also fair play to you, because I have a partner and this year has nearly killed me, dont know how any single parents have managed! Have a break and see your family.

Totally yes. Our primary school has said they will not be issuing fines for parents who choose to withdraw their kids early before Xmas.

Do it, and don't give it another thought. It makes absolute sense from a practical point of view, and the kids (and you) more than deserve some extended relaxing time at home & with family.

My sons primary doesn't finish til the 23rd and I'm seriously considering cutting the term shorter for him.

Enjoy your festive break!

I'm taking mine out so we can see my mum who has COPD. I wouldn't think twice in your case, definitely do it

In this situation, I would keep him off and enjoy your Christmas!

I have posted the plan for the last week of term and what they will be doing from the newsletter that was sent.

Thank you for your replies.

I would imagine the school has sent that so families who want to, feel they have the option and support to not send children the last week

I'm keeping mine off. More than half the school is currently self isolating and DS 2 only just returned yesterday. The thought of getting 'the text' next Friday fills me with horror. My children will be in a far better state of mind come January if they've been able to enjoy 2-3 weeks of being able to exercise outside etc. Self isolating is tough enough in winter, when their days were quite full with school work - the entire Xmas holidays inside is a very different prospect.

I'm a solo parent and have two children. My daughter is in Year one and coming to the end of two week isolation due to her classmate testing positive, due to return to school on Monday for the last week. My son is nearly two and at nursery. I decided today to keep them both home now until after Xmas. I can't bear the thought of two weeks over Xmas without seeing my parents, the kids would be sad too. Next week will be tricky as I work from home full time but I've got to get through it. I'm in east london and the numbers are so high here. Time to hunker down

Do it, but be aware it will go down as unauthorised if you are honest with the school about the reason.

Yes, I would tbh. The government have left us to fend for ourselves so you should protect yourself where you can imo.

I would keep them off. Cases in our area are high due to secondary school children testing positive and the Head wants to close the school, but isn’t allowed.

That timetable doesn't suggest they'll not be doing school work! They are all additional activities, not all day ones (it'd be a bloody good Christmas lunch if it lasted all day!).

That timetable is interesting.

I can't tell if it's meant to suggest to parents that their child won't be missing learning in the last week, or if it's a perfectly normal christmas timetable. We have our christnas lunch on Wednesday, but we'll be working until lunchtime on maths, English and science.