One thing to make schools safer

[pinkhappy]

There are a lot of threads about schools and covid. I get lost in the rage and strong opinions even though I am sure that somewhere in there there are constructive suggestions.
Without expressing any views on politics/the govt or any fury, what is the top thing that you think could realistically be done to make schools safer when they reopen? Just one suggestion per answer please.

1. Staggered returns.
2. No ill kids in school
3. Space/smaller classes

4.Masks for juniors upwards full time with changes at specific times.

1. Staff and parents masked.
2. Rotas

Masks

My children are all in school (abroad) and everyone is masked. Not ideal I know but the schools are still open so I'll take it.

While ideally I think teachers should be vaccinated, it seems that this would overcomplicated and slow down the vaccine rollout. And deaths are generally linked to age so I can see why it might be better to e.g. vaccinate a 49 year old mum of two children who go to different secondary schools (therefore esentially mixing with 100s of different families) than a 25 year old teacher.

I don't want vaccinations for teachers as I think that'll put parents at greater risk as then distancing won't even be attempted in schools!!

We can't segregate into little groups - we all need the fucking vaccine and until that happens we all need to protect each other.

Maybe that's a bit harsh - I guess I would want it for the teachers but my fear is the government will then just let schools be even LESS covid-aware, meaning the rest of us are even more at risk.

My child's secondary school already required masks all day (classrooms and corridors), has ventilated rooms significantly, children stay in same room etc so to be honest I would put cracking on with vaccination top...

Either offer out all spaces next weekend to all adults who work in schools (2 days at 500k a day will cover it) or allow same group all empty spaces at local vaccine centres for next 3 weeks .. Many currently have lots of slots empty and others are using less staff as 'hit goal' 'less demand'.
Then open booking system to all over 50s (or even better over 45) so as many can get first dose as possible out before 2nd doses start.

1. Vaccinations (prioritise school staff/older students)

1. Only have half the class in, week on and week off. Extra homework for those on a week off (no teaching as teacher will be teaching those in school) (primary).

1. Outdoor learning when weather permits.

1. Temp checks twice daily (limited benefit to this but everything helps - might discourage those chancing sending a less than well child in)

1. Ventilation is happening already in our school - all doors and windows kept open.

1. Discretion for the principal to close the school if they feel necessary...e.g. local outbreak, number of symptomatic cases waiting on tests/results.

1. Masks (already worn on school bus and secondary schools)

1. Remote learning options for CV staff and students and ill/isolating students

Masks and rotas are needed 100%

Rotas and non teaching staff asked to WFH

OP please say you’re Carrie giving some ideas to Boris this afternoon!!!

Got to be rotas. I have already taught with masks and the masks that these students are wearing are not clean or used only once. They are used for a week (if you're lucky!!) And are disgusting and hanging off them, constantly touched. It cannot be doing them any good sitting with those on their face all day!

HanLoch yes they are grim aren’t they?!

I can imagine...

My primary age school kids are on a hybrid schedule in the US. It's essentially a rota with the class split into 2 groups, with alternating days. Those at home Zoom in though, so everyone is getting the same instruction. It's hard on the teachers but they've been doing it since November and are just brilliant. Kids are masked all day exempt lunch time. There have been Covid cases but in all instances the kids caught it outside. There has been ZERO spread in school.

@rosesinmygarden

Won't not with. Apologies if I included any fury.

😂😂😁

@BiggerBoat1

All the families who are desperate to have their children in school sticking to the rules.

Windows open.

Yes.

Having Rotas would be a logistical nightmare.
Completely pointless. There is no completely
Safe working environments, kids are generally fine. Teachers have to get on with it.

No to rotas- it's a nightmare to plan.
I am already worrying about the planning for return- as we have to plan something for pupils out of school to do remotely as well as those in school.
Doubles the workload.

Vaccines. Apparently they also cut transmission by 84%. Could do all school staff in one day.

Compulsory masks at all times

@grafittiartist Rotas could be organised so full classes are in some days and not others. Or primary, half the group and teach the same thing twice.

We were already doing the half in half out with no notice repeatedly last term for isolating students /groups of students. I'd rather have planned rotas than the mess that was last term.

How are rotas supposed to work with so many KW children needing to be accommodated?

Vaccinate the vulnerable - all of group 6, and the people who’ve been excluded from group 6 cos there’s too many of them (asthma, heart disease), and all the children who would be in group 6 if they were over 16, and all over-45s, since long-term sickness is a concern as well as death. Both doses.

In the meantime, publicise the fact that schools are NOT safe and let both children and staff choose to wfh.

Masks (secondary), vaccines for staff, money from government to hire extra spaces.

I’ve been working the whole time, in a small room with secondary school kids and the main thing I have and want to keep is the ventilation but I want parents on board with it and students to be allowed by the school to keep their coats on where necessary.