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Original poster

Will there be a U turn over primary schools in the next few days?

175 replies

SoscaredforJan · 31/12/2020 12:31

Just that really. If things carry on getting worse over the next few days are they really going to send primary schools back into the Covid hell?

At what point will we have to have a national lockdown to stop the hospitals from being overwhelmed?

OP posts:
AaronPurr · 31/12/2020 15:07

@Lmnopqrstuvwxyz

Also our school hasn't had a single covid case. I still know no one who has had it.
I'd say that's a pretty unusual position to be in right now. I really hope it remains the same for you.
Char2015 · 31/12/2020 15:08

I've just read a letter from Haringey leader. The letter sounds like they are advising primary schools not to open next week and schools will have their support with this.

HibernatingTill2030 · 31/12/2020 15:08

@starrynight19 can you link the website you got that from? I love data and statistics and don't recognise it!

KatherineOfGaunt · 31/12/2020 15:09

Just to clarify, they didn't miss 6 months of school. Even if they received no work at all and were out between March 23rd or whenever it was and July 20th or so, that's still only 14 weeks of school.

That's 3 1/2 months, not 6! So let's not exaggerate numbers.

The issue with them staying open now is that they're more likely to miss a couple of weeks here and there ad hoc, as staff isolate. It would be better to have a planned two- or three- week closure with key worker/CEV provision and proper remote teaching until we know more about the numbers due to this new variant.

HibernatingTill2030 · 31/12/2020 15:11

Thank you!

Lmnopqrstuvwxyz · 31/12/2020 15:13

@KatherineOfGaunt

Just to clarify, they didn't miss 6 months of school. Even if they received no work at all and were out between March 23rd or whenever it was and July 20th or so, that's still only 14 weeks of school.

That's 3 1/2 months, not 6! So let's not exaggerate numbers.

The issue with them staying open now is that they're more likely to miss a couple of weeks here and there ad hoc, as staff isolate. It would be better to have a planned two- or three- week closure with key worker/CEV provision and proper remote teaching until we know more about the numbers due to this new variant.

Yes, everyone has already told me this. I have apologised. Sorry again. It's been an disaster year and felt much longer than it was.
Ilovenewyear · 31/12/2020 15:15

The borough we live in = 616/100,000 schools shut
The borough my DC go to school = 599/100,000 schools open

I know other factors come into play but I find it really hard to decide whether to send my DC to school or not. Gut reaction says not to, given one of my DC has an underlying health condition but they are not considered CEV so I would be at risk of a fine.

I know it’s not a popular opinion but I wish they would make one decision for all. Shut them all or open them all. Either it’s safe at school or it’s not.

Notgoingouttoday · 31/12/2020 15:15

Our local primary is in theory going back but I know the class teacher currently has Covid so will not be going in. We are in Tier 4 but not on the list of closures but I'm sure that more will need to close due to staff shortages.

thepeopleversuswork · 31/12/2020 15:23

There has to be a u turn in areas where the rules are inconsistent. I am in a SE London borough where rates are through the roof and all adjoining boroughs primary schools are closed. For reasons best known to Gormless Gav and his pals ours are opening

I have been in touch with the head and she is incandescent and multiple staff are out with Covid so I don’t think our school will be able to open even if they want it to.

But the inconsistency is just impossible to justify. If the virus is dangerous to be a threat to the lives of teachers and staff you close all schools not cherrypick some and leave others open.

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 31/12/2020 15:30

@lazylockdowner

I hope they change their mind before Monday and close all schools...even just for the month of January... it's madness
Yes, agree they should close for January and maybe February.. Sending them back after the Christmas mixing is madness. All those that didn’t as decided it was better not too will be at risk from those that did or went further and broke the rules.

We have some light with the vaccine so go remote, keep people safe and throw everything into getting as many vaccinated as possible.

I get some will moan about no childcare but the health and lives of everyone comes before free childcare.

SabrinaTheMiddleAgedBitch · 31/12/2020 15:40

Bit off topic but does anyone think Gavin Williamson comes across as extremely detached from it all? He's very odd

bluebeck · 31/12/2020 15:44

He reminds me of Frank Spencer...

DinosaurDildo · 31/12/2020 16:08

He sounds like a priest!!... that sort of voice that no one listens too.

Happymum12345 · 31/12/2020 16:16

I can’t believe they’re sending primary schools back with cases so high and reports that children do indeed spread the virus too. Let alone all the teachers and staff being so close together. As a teacher and mum, I’m dreading it.

Bluewallpaperflowers · 31/12/2020 16:24

Not the next few days, but in the next month I would say almost certainly.

Nonamesavail · 31/12/2020 16:25

I'm worried for teachers :(

coconuttyhead · 31/12/2020 16:33

Just another half-hearted measure made by the government so that they can not be accused of being either too proactive or too reactive Hmm

Lairyfightzzzz · 31/12/2020 16:35

I think so but with this bunch of clowns in charge who can tell

I've already decided to keep ds at home. If it isnt safe for him to go to school in Bromley and Southwark then how exactly is it safe for him to go to school in Lewisham?

AlexaShutUp · 31/12/2020 16:38

I think primary schools should close, and I wouldn't be surprised if there was a u-turn on this. We'll have to wait and see.

Beebityboo · 31/12/2020 16:40

Over 900 deaths again today. It is madness to have children going back to school on Monday. I won't be part of it.

manicinsomniac · 31/12/2020 16:42

They can't!

It was announced yesterday. Schools are working through what that means for them today and letting everyone know.

Tomorrow is New Year's Day. Then it's the weekend. Then we're in on Monday. No time for yet more changes, surely!

I don't think we're opening to anybody next week, even though we're allowed to. Awaiting confirmation but really gutted about remote learning again.

AaronPurr · 31/12/2020 16:44

I don't think we're opening to anybody next week, even though we're allowed to. Awaiting confirmation but really gutted about remote learning again.

Is this a primary school? If you're allowed to open why aren't you?

CKBJ · 31/12/2020 16:46

Another 55,000 cases and over 900 deaths. Hospitals are stretched or at breaking point. What is the government waiting for? Another 2 weeks and cases and deaths even higher! It’s not what anyone wants but why not keep ALL schools closed next 2 weeks reassess and reopen ones where infection rate is lower/hospitals aren’t overrun.

Fortherosesjoni70 · 31/12/2020 16:55

The BBC are reporting the government saying they are hoping schools will be back to school as soon as possible. OMG!
Nearly 56000 cases! Honestly people need to take their own action.
They need to immediately lock down everything.

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