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Original poster

State schools must stay open but private schools can close early

217 replies

Lumene · 12/12/2020 09:39

This seems really wrong to me. Kids I know at private school has their last day yesterday, so a clear run until Christmas. But the government is forcing state schools to stay open, meaning parents have a legal obligation to send their kids in.

This means if you pay you can safely see your family at Christmas but if you don’t then you can’t unless you break the law and face a fine.

OP posts:
NeurologicallySpeaking · 12/12/2020 15:17

So really this isn't a state v private issue at all. It is that you would like state schools to not have to submit to government authority on this particular decision. What private schools do or don't do is irrelevant.

HarryLimeFoxtrot · 12/12/2020 15:19

How do you expect working parents to find childcare at the last minute? It’s one thing for private schools to finish on 11 December as planned (the term dates are published at least 18 months in advance). But quite another to suddenly shut all state schools with no warning 3 weeks before the end of the holiday year with no alternative childcare provision available. Or do you just think all the doctors/nurses/supermarket workers should just be allowed to take next week off to look after their children?

catspyjamas123 · 12/12/2020 15:34

Many are already closed in all but name. Many classes are isolating where we are while a few are still meant to attend - with the threat of the law behind that. It’s a public health issue - as with the entire pandemic.

Original poster
Lumene · 12/12/2020 15:34

Wow there are a lot of defensive posts on here from people paying for private schools Xmas Shock

No I have no problem with what private schools are doing, my issue is that those with kids at or who are running state schools should also have the ability to prioritise the health of pupils and staff if needed during a pandemic, without threats from the government.

OP posts:
MrsMiaWallis · 12/12/2020 15:34

@Lumene

Also agree with this:

Private schools can decide to close early - as Eton has done while continuing remote learning. State schools don’t have the choice. I think this is relevant. Both are inspected and regulated and have to operate within a legal framework. Schools in general are a key vector for spreading Covid so I do think parents are correct to be concerned.

Are you suggesting Eton is not operating in a legal framework? Eton is a residential setting so has very little in common with comprehensive schools.
MistletoeandGin · 12/12/2020 15:36

@Lumene

Wow there are a lot of defensive posts on here from people paying for private schools Xmas Shock

No I have no problem with what private schools are doing, my issue is that those with kids at or who are running state schools should also have the ability to prioritise the health of pupils and staff if needed during a pandemic, without threats from the government.

I’m a state school parent. How do you know the parents would be happy for them to close early? I certainly wouldn’t be. Mine have missed 17 weeks of school this year already.
MrsMiaWallis · 12/12/2020 15:37

@Lumene

Wow there are a lot of defensive posts on here from people paying for private schools Xmas Shock

No I have no problem with what private schools are doing, my issue is that those with kids at or who are running state schools should also have the ability to prioritise the health of pupils and staff if needed during a pandemic, without threats from the government.

Glad you've read the thread and toned down your ridiculous ill informed goady OP.
MrsMiaWallis · 12/12/2020 15:42

Presumably if state schools closed as early as independent schools they wouldn't meet their contracted hours. As lots of them don't do anything like a full day and no Saturdays, they have to teach longer terms.

Ilovechoc12 · 12/12/2020 16:36

All my children finished yesterday and have done for years - one week before the state schools.

Generally in my private schools - 1st term 12 weeks, 2nd term 11 weeks and the final term 10 weeks.

They haven’t finished early - it’s the normal time for independents where I live.

Girlyracer · 12/12/2020 16:43

My DD's independent school always closes 1 week earlier than local state schools at Christmas. 3 weeks off. What's your beef OP?

sashagabadon · 12/12/2020 16:58

Happy to see my kids school will be open this week as normal. Lots going on, tests and parents evening ( online) and a choir Christmas carol performance ( parents can watch on line) plus lots of other things.

notevenat20 · 12/12/2020 17:03

I’m a state school parent.How do you know the parents would be happy for them to close early I certainly wouldn’t be

I am too and wouldn't be happy either.

wondersun · 12/12/2020 17:04

To those saying they always break up earlier at Christmas, no they don’t. I checked in on Eton’s term dates a few weeks ago as I was wondering and it was next week like us state schools. Now they’ve apparently broken up / switched online. It stinks.

wondersun · 12/12/2020 17:06

And to those who want them open they could be! Open safer with more space for teachers and the students that need to stay safe.
It’s an absolute no brainier. And to punish people with fines and prosecution, pure evil.

wondersun · 12/12/2020 17:08

Furthermore, let’s me honest most tory MOs children go to private schools finishing early. Don’t ask me how I know, I don’t. But I still know. I’m not comfortable with them deciding that everyone else can take extra risks. It doesn’t have to close it could switch to remote.
We don’t have to prettily count the teaching hours of teachers that have given so much this term.
Are the commenters on here real or Tory moles???

MrsMiaWallis · 12/12/2020 17:11

@wondersun

Furthermore, let’s me honest most tory MOs children go to private schools finishing early. Don’t ask me how I know, I don’t. But I still know. I’m not comfortable with them deciding that everyone else can take extra risks. It doesn’t have to close it could switch to remote. We don’t have to prettily count the teaching hours of teachers that have given so much this term. Are the commenters on here real or Tory moles???
Private schools normally finish earlier x 20000000

Eton is a residential setting, as is my dds school.

It really isn't some sinister plot.

donkeysliveaverylongtime · 12/12/2020 17:11

So much wilful misunderstanding of the OP.

I know of several private schools that closed early : as in earlier than published term dates.

Not one of them was threatened with an injunction or received a personal letter from Nick Gibb.

wondersun · 12/12/2020 17:12

@MrsMiaWallis

The clue is in the name - INDEPENDENT schools Hmm

They can do what they like.

Dd broke up yesterday. They break up at this time every year. She breaks up for summer at the end of June.

Do some research before starting goady threads.

“They can do what they like”

And you’re calling the OP goady.

Can you not understand the frustration that the MPs making the decisions for state schools are probably able to protect their own families better than state school families in the main?

Earlier finishing times or not. It’s a pandemic and everyone deserves the same level of prostration if possible.

wondersun · 12/12/2020 17:13

@donkeysliveaverylongtime

So much wilful misunderstanding of the OP.

I know of several private schools that closed early : as in earlier than published term dates.

Not one of them was threatened with an injunction or received a personal letter from Nick Gibb.

Exactly. I honestly don’t think they’re real. The department of education will be really cross atm they just got destroyed on Facebook. They’re probably angry posting on here 😂😂😂
starrynight19 · 12/12/2020 17:13

So much wilful misunderstanding of the OP

People are purposefully derailing the thread with this constant harping about term dates.

wondersun · 12/12/2020 17:15

Agreed, not real posters. Tide is turning, I can’t be bothered with them.

donkeysliveaverylongtime · 12/12/2020 17:16

mia is definitely real, to be fair. Although that doesn't mean I know where she works.

Residential sate schools have not been allowed to alter term dates either mia.

wondersun · 12/12/2020 17:16

Ps I don’t know what prostration is 😂😂 But feel like I should 🤣🤣🤣 D of E we are laughing at you now.

PixellatedPixie · 12/12/2020 17:20

@RaspberryCoulis

Private schools in "making their own rules" shocker! Hmm
Don’t be jealous of others - it has nothing to do with Covid. Private schools have had far longer holidays since time immemorial.
PixellatedPixie · 12/12/2020 17:22

@wondersun

To those saying they always break up earlier at Christmas, no they don’t. I checked in on Eton’s term dates a few weeks ago as I was wondering and it was next week like us state schools. Now they’ve apparently broken up / switched online. It stinks.
Private schools have always broken up earlier and had much, much for holiday days than state schools. Also, why does it suck - it means they are closed and so not spreading Covid. It doesn’t detriment anyone else that they close early!