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Original poster

Keeping DS2 off school for the last week?

54 replies

HeelHeel · 09/12/2020 09:45

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.

OP posts:

Redlocks28 · 10/12/2020 07:43

@thetoughhaveleft

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!).

Yes, I agree. There are Christmas activities in that timetable, that doesn’t mean they are doing no work.What did the actual letter say?

I don’t disagree that you taking your child out might be sensible in this situation. You do appear to be extrapolating though.

Em8725 · 10/12/2020 14:43

I’m so pleased I found this thread. I’m currently debating doing the same, for near on identical reasons. You’ve made up my mind. I’m taking my DC out for the last week. We’ve also been told we won’t be fined and they will only be doing colouring and activities related to Christmas - phone call not a letter. DC is 4.

unicornparty · 10/12/2020 14:45

My ds is doing those activities too but they're on top of normal lessons not instead of.

littlestpogo · 10/12/2020 15:48

I’m debating this too - single parent as well and two DC. Both still in school atm but lots of classes bubbles have popped. If they are self isolating it would mean they couldn’t see their dad at Xmas ( ex’s new partner has a vulnerable child). They’d be very upset ( Partic my eldest who has SEND). And to be honest I can’t bear the thought of being trapped in my home for two weeks. They usually go to their dads for a few days in the Xmas holidays and that couple of days break is the only thing that’s been keeping me going.

BettyOBarley · 10/12/2020 16:01

I would do it.

I got the call yesterday so 4yr old DS is isolating until 23rd. All the nice pre Xmas things we had planned are cancelled. More importantly I'm just praying he doesn't start with any symptoms as he was in close contact with the child...

lorisparkle · 10/12/2020 16:16

In your case I would keep them at home, In the school I work at the classes are dropping like flies and if I was a parent at the school I work at then I would as well - only about a third of the school is in tomorrow anyway! However I will send my own children to the bitter end as I have no good reason to keep them at home and I know they will all be doing academic work.

DamsonInGin · 10/12/2020 16:45

I have lost my nerve and in similar situation. That's it for me, I have been Frank with school. They have given me a couple of overt hints that is fine but had to toe the 'unauthourised absencr' line. I was a bit upset and the woman at school was too, they are fielding lots of these calls.

Nobody is going to get into trouble for giving next week a miss. I've had it and we are not giving elderly DPs who live with is COVID at the last hurdle.

ClaireP20 · 10/12/2020 16:45

Hi Op, we literally just had en email from our school saying we could keep them off if we wanted to for the last week. We are based in London/Essex borders. I think all schools will be getting similar by tomorrow.
Of course keep the kids off, they don't do much in the last week anyway! And i'm sure the teachers would be grateful as less chance of infection xx it makes perfect sense xx

ClaireP20 · 10/12/2020 16:46

@Em8725

Absolutely right x

loutypips · 10/12/2020 16:50

Well yr6 dd made Pom poms and sung Xmas songs all day today. Tomorrow they are watching a film. I doubt next week they will be doing a scrap of learning.

iHaveACold · 10/12/2020 17:00

Take them out! You will spend the whole week stressing otherwise and it's not worth it. From experience, anything taught the week before the Christmas holidays never sticks because the children are exhausted and too excited!

I'm wondering if they said they were only doing Christmas activities so parents would choose to keep children at home. All the teachers I know (and me) are hoping many children stay at home the final week so we can stay 2m away from the children who are in (social distancing doesn't work with 30 kids in a class, might have a chance if only 15).

Helenj1977 · 10/12/2020 18:42

I've decided tomorrow will be my dds last days.

If they have to self isolate from next week that's Christmas gone.

My dad has been in hospital with heart issues and I'm not missing this Christmas with him.

lorisparkle · 10/12/2020 18:45

After my comment - they are having to close my school next week which I am sure will be a relief for many parents.

Daisy829 · 10/12/2020 20:33

@lorisparkle I wouldn’t be surprised if our school got closed. We’ve had 7/8 classes go this week & they have associated bubbles as they split them out for phonics. I hope they close to be honest. I think it would be the sensible decision. It’s a shame as our rates have been dropping quite a lot recently.

lorisparkle · 10/12/2020 21:14

@Daisy829 I work in a special school so any social distancing is impossible and staffing can get tricky very quickly. I am keeping my fingers well and truly crossed that none of my children or my husband are in contact with a positive case at their respective schools next week.

AllDoneIn · 10/12/2020 21:21

Do it, in a heartbeat. I'm a teacher and I would be doing it myself if I could.

MoiraNotRuby · 10/12/2020 21:25

I think teachers want whats best for children. The ones who have loving homes, I think the teachers want them to stay at home. The ones who are neglected or abused at home, I think the teachers want them safe in school as long as possible. The newsletter seems a coded message that it's fine to skip the last week. I would report them as being off sick with a tummy bug or something else not covid related.

Then school can play along and not have to do anything about fines.

Hope you have a lovely Christmas op x

mumwalk · 10/12/2020 21:51

If I were you I'd keep them off. You'll certainly not be doing them any harm.

To be honest, I'm more worried about what kids are going to bring back into school with them in January.

Sally872 · 10/12/2020 21:56

Sounds like a heavy hint from the school. Even if it isn't i would keep him off.

overoptimism · 10/12/2020 22:02

No schools are working now.

LadyCatStark · 10/12/2020 22:11

@overoptimism

No schools are working now.

Have you been to all schools?

DS’s is working as normal.

Mover437 · 10/12/2020 22:28

@overoptimism

No schools are working now.

Not true. We have precious little time to teach a packed curriculum. This year more than ever, we're using every minute we can get. Teaching y6 algebra and ratio next week (in the context of Christmas, of course)

ForeverInADay · 10/12/2020 22:32

Do it!

SionnachRua · 10/12/2020 22:33

So he's presumably quite young? I'd keep him off. I'm expecting a few of my class to be out in the last week, that's ok by me. Your school seem to be sending a coded message along those lines too. People can do what they wish to feel safe, though I won't be supplying work home.

My class will be working next week but I would never start tricky topics in the final week before Christmas. It will be gentle work like symmetry and a slow wind down.

ImPrincessAurora · 10/12/2020 22:49

In your situation and having seen that timetable? Yes I would.

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