Are we feeling optimistic that schools WILL start returning from Monday? *MNHQ editing to note that this thread refers to schools in Scotland (WHICH IS FINE BY THE WAY AS THE SCOTS GET THIS ALL THE TIME IN THE OTHER DIRECTION signed a Scottish MNHQer)*

[DumplingsAndStew]

Does anyone know what time the address to MPs is due? I'm assuming it will be live streamed in Parliament before an official announcement later in the afternoon?

(UK)

@Chewingle

Op You sound rather highly strung... fingers crossed for you that the Scottish schools do go back on Monday so you have a break!

Aren’t we all fairly highly strung at the moment? After 6 weeks of working full time from home, home schooling 2 primary aged kids and looking after a 2 year old, I certainly am.

Why are you talking about Scotland then say "UK" in your post OP? Education is devolved matter so there will be no "UK" policy.

@titchy

But it wasn't - she mentioned MPs, not MSPs.

Apologies, I wasn't aware that it is only MSPs that meet to discuss this. I had assumed it was open to all at that level in parliament.

Thank you @dementedpixie and @DumplingsAndStew.

Fingers crossed that DB will be able to work again soon!

I'm not looking for Scottish views, I'm wondering if anyone is feeling positive that the plan for schools due to start returning on Monday will go ahead

@DumplingsAndStew

Do you know when the schools in NI are going back? Or in Wales?

@Chewingle

Op You sound rather highly strung... fingers crossed for you that the Scottish schools do go back on Monday so you have a break!

Thanks hun.

We have inset days Monday and Tuesday, then all foundation stage in from Wednesday at ds2s primary school in south Wales.

@MrBullinaChinaShop
Yes but we don’t all jump on valid questions re.... what country are you talking about?!

@TableFlowerss

*I'm not looking for Scottish views, I'm wondering if anyone is feeling positive that the plan for schools due to start returning on Monday will go ahead*

@DumplingsAndStew

Do you know when the schools in NI are going back? Or in Wales?

As far as I know, Wales are hoping for the same staggered return as Scotland, and England and NI are looking at around the 8th of March?

This information is widely available if you have a quick look for it.

Monday feels a bit soon. A bit of good news though, I went to a Red Site covid centre for my DD to be assed for a virus, and the GP there said the drop in patients since vaccine rollout started has been significant week on week, and cases of severe illness are now rare. This in a large town on the outskirts of a major UK city. Good news direct from the front line.

It's just not as simple as "everyone back to school" - how I wish it was.

Even if they go back, one suspected case and bam the bubbles will be out again for 10 days then in then out...

I wish they'd vax the teachers pronto - it was their suspected cases/isolating because of family members etc that caused my son's class to be out for several weeks - nothing to do with bursts in the bubbles at all.

@ChilliChaos

We have inset days Monday and Tuesday, then all foundation stage in from Wednesday at ds2s primary school in south Wales.

Oooh, so you've had a definitive confirmation that Wales start returning next week? That's fantastic new. Is that all of Wales? Do you know when that was announced, I'd be interested in reading the statement.

@CharlieRummer

Monday feels a bit soon. A bit of good news though, I went to a Red Site covid centre for my DD to be assed for a virus, and the GP there said the drop in patients since vaccine rollout started has been significant week on week, and cases of severe illness are now rare. This in a large town on the outskirts of a major UK city. Good news direct from the front line.

That's really positive to hear. I hope your DD is ok.

@Rosehip10 Because that’s what some posters do when they’re talking about England. I suspect the OP is doing a bit of it back.

@Twixmas

It's just not as simple as "everyone back to school" - how I wish it was.

Even if they go back, one suspected case and bam the bubbles will be out again for 10 days then in then out...

I wish they'd vax the teachers pronto - it was their suspected cases/isolating because of family members etc that caused my son's class to be out for several weeks - nothing to do with bursts in the bubbles at all.

I understand it won't be a simple return I'm hoping today's announcement will also bring an update as to what happens with isolating as a contact in schools, as I think offering the lateral flow tests was expected to change the rules that were in place before Christmas.

Our school were only sending home close contacts anyway, not whole classes, so we definitely didn't have as much disruption as some pupils/families.

@Twixmas

I also agree with your wish that they'd prioritise vaccinating teachers

All schools will reopen as planned on the 8th of March, announced on Monday by Boris Johnson.
We have just ordered new school shoes and trainers.

I am feeling optimistic and confident that this is all coming to an end now thankfully

Our school have already sent out permission forms for us to sign to have the children tested twice a week (they are both secondary age)

I have 50+ year friends getting called up for vaccination and quite a few younger friends who have dashed out for last minute vaccinations at end of day. Hopefully vulnerable and/or older teachers will be in the same boat and most will have had first vaccination by the 8th

Don’t know where you live.but I’m in my 50’s and none of my friends have had it. They haven’t even started on 65-70 round here.

Just because a few of your friends have had it doesn’t mean everyone over 50 will be vaccinated by the 8th March. I’ve got plenty if teacher friends with no vaccinations on the horizon in that age group.

My mum still hasn't had her jab and she's 75. Think her appointment is next week

@DumplingsAndStew

Wales was confirmed for 3-7 year olds on 5th Feb www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/schools-education-return-coronavirus-wales-19776674

Yes, infants in Wales are returning from Monday. I’ve had times and details for my child who returns on Monday, so I’d say it’s quite certain.

[quote DumplingsAndStew]@titchy

But it wasn't - she mentioned MPs, not MSPs.

Apologies, I wasn't aware that it is only MSPs that meet to discuss this. I had assumed it was open to all at that level in parliament.[/quote]
As education is devolved MSPs decide on education matters in Scotland.

Weirdly, and somewhat unfairly, all MPs from all nations of the UK get to decide on education matters relevant to England.

@snowydaysandholidays

Our school have already sent out permission forms for us to sign to have the children tested twice a week (they are both secondary age)

We've not had anything yet, but am imagining permission forms will come out if it's announced to go ahead after today.

Do you have any more information on the testing, as we've really been told nothing? Are the tests to be done in school, or are they sent home? If home, are we expected to dispose of them in a particular way? Are there any restrictions for those who won't/can't test?

Sorry, I know we'll get more information when it's happening, but I'm a bit anxious about it, so any info would be appreciated.

[quote Letsleepingdogslie8]@DumplingsAndStew

Wales was confirmed for 3-7 year olds on 5th Feb www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/schools-education-return-coronavirus-wales-19776674[/quote]
Thank you, I'll take a look.