Anyone else considering not sending primary school children back next week?

[Iremembertheelderlykoreanlady]

Me and OH both CV.

DD in year 5. Before Xmas every single class in very small primary school had to isolate due to cases.

We both WFH and I'm part time so plenty of time to help with schooling and can get out for walks and fresh air.

I don't want to send DD back into school next week. Cases were coming down in my area but now are shooting back up.

I don't want to de register (and don't feel I should have to in these circumstances) she loves her school as do I.

This is not a dig at the SLT or the teachers. They have all tried really hard to make the school safe but obviously it's not possible.

Anyone else in the same boat?

I am gearing my kids up that schools may not reopen.

But if they do, then I will send both of my primary aged kids back.

I can say I am less sure than I was in September, but we are tier 2 (although I think that will change tomorrow) and our 3 form entry primary school has had 0 bubbles popped.

Yes, considering it.

We're not vulnerable, but I think schools should be shut. And kind of wrestling with the ethics of sending them and putting teachers and families at risk when we don't need to.

I can keep them home. Easier for me if they go to school but they're happy at school and I'm confident I can educate them.

Thinking of keeping them at home but wondering if I will be fined

I'm sending mine back, there has only been 1 positive case in the school so far with 1 year group asked to isolate.

I only work part time so could home school but last time was hard work and despite my best efforts they didn't learn nearly as much as they would have at school and missed a lot of social interaction.

So torn with what to do....DD would be upset and resentful if I kept her home when her friends go back, but equally I would rather keep her home and able to go out for exercise, than face the inevitable self isolation that's going to come shortly after they return. Dd2 has been asking all week to go to preschool too, and after a bit of a hard time settling her, again, I'd feel it was two steps back to pull her out for the forseeable.
Those who are keeping kids home, what are you going to tell your school? Claim illness, or tell them the truth?

Those who are keeping kids home, what are you going to tell your school? Claim illness, or tell them the truth?

Probably claim illness for the first two weeks as to be honest I fully expect primaries to be shut after that anyway.

@DropsofJupiterinherhair definitely the truth. We spoke to our Headteacher about our concerns before the September term started, and this would be us fulfilling a promise to let her know when we feel it's not safe to send DS in. I don't expect her to be happy about it, but tbh we're not too bothered about threats and fines when there is a real risk of DH getting really sick.

I'll be sending my dd in but I'd be happy for other parents to voluntarily shield and keep their children home.

Me, I don’t see why we can’t at least have the choice to keep our own children at home if we want to. It would be safer for those wanting or needing to send children in too

We've followed tier 4 lockdown rules so haven't seen anyone for weeks. I'm sending my children back to school. I'd appreciate anyone who has been mixing to stay home!