So are all kids back on the 08/03 or not, conflicting reports...

[Thoughtsfortheday]

Sky news have reported that both all schools with be open to all pupils from the 8th of March and also there will be a “cautious and gradual approach to reopening schools”

Very helpful, only which one is it?!?

I am not a fan of these leaks ahead of announcements at all, what’s the point of having everyone speculating hours before any clarity!!

I'm guessing it's both - schools opening but students going back gradually? We'll find out soon.

Just wait until this afternoon when we hear it from the horse's mouth.

Agree....no point speculating until Boris gives his announcement later.

I really try not to but when it’s it to do with things such as children’s education and being able to see loved ones again I find it really hard, especially with every news channel, page and social media platform pushing the latest speculation...

I’m sure they are arguing about it still. Boris wants all children back, but I’ve a feeling most people want a phased return.

I wonder if they'll open for people who want to go back 8th March. It would be a sensible approach - people who are coping with home school can continue, or people who are still very vulnerable and not yet fully vaccinated etc. You could probably reduce class sizes by 25% by allowing that approach.

It won't be anything that sensible though.

I’ve got a horrible feeling it will be all kids from the 8th which seems absolutely crazy to me and a bit of kick in the face to everything we have had go without for the last few months and I say that with a husband who is operationally deployed, living away 500 miles away from family and 3 DC that are desperate to go back to school!

BBC says this:

'Although schools are set to reopen to all pupils on 8 March, it is thought a few days' flexibility may be built in to allow measures like testing to be put in place.'

What they'll do is gradually return the years back full time. My DD year will be last, so we'll have to listen to all the other kids being dropped off at the school at the top of the road for a couple of months. Then, I would imagine it'll either be the summer holidays OR another lockdown. I'm going to prepare for DD going back in September, but if your children aren't in her year, you should be good to go on the 8th!

I think it's absolute madness to send everyone back in one go. At least give people the choice to delay sending back when they have vulnerable and still unvaccinated people in their household. It shouldn't be send back or deregister/be fined.

Agreed @Satsunday.

Does anyone know what time the announcement is at?

I think it’s gets leaked to give everyone enough time to kick back against it and the media goes mad. Then the lockdown gets extended, few wet children return in actuality and all because that’s what’s the “public” want.

Boris is announcing to commons at 3.30 and then doing a speech at 7.

Its all just speculation, I keep seeing people referring to leaks, but depending where you look the leak is slightly different. Personally I'm waiting to see what is said in Parliament later today and at the announcement this evening.

The radio news is announcing it as gospel. Makes a mockery of everything

It says school open, nothing about how many children in, hopefully they will do it gradually. They leak a bit to see reaction. Wait until 3:30

Work for school. Our school normally informs us within an hour if knowing themselves. Nothing on outlook yet, so it's all guesswork at the moment. I'll be watching Boris this afternoon to find out more!

"What they'll do is gradually return the years back full time. My DD year will be last, so we'll have to listen to all the other kids being dropped off at the school at the top of the road for a couple of months. Then, I would imagine it'll either be the summer holidays OR another lockdown. I'm going to prepare for DD going back in September, but if your children aren't in her year, you should be good to go on the 8th!"

Wtf? You think your daughter will be at home until September?

The teaching unions will kybosh it but schools supposedly back on 8th. Who knows with sixth form colleges if they are being lumped in with universities

You can’t allow some kids to stay at home unless you accept they won’t receive an education. Teachers can’t teach in school and provide work for kids at home.

@Hollyhead

I wonder if they'll open for people who want to go back 8th March. It would be a sensible approach - people who are coping with home school can continue, or people who are still very vulnerable and not yet fully vaccinated etc. You could probably reduce class sizes by 25% by allowing that approach.

It won't be anything that sensible though.

This is not a sensible approach for children of parents who just struggle to get them to school. Attendance is a real problem for many children.

I think the wording is deliberately vague so far as they are watching the public response. All schools open does not equal all kids back full time. I think the short answer is, we don't know yet.

@DavidsSchitt there was no small amount of sarcasm in that reply, sorry to alarm you

@nobodysdaughter nope. Not following you.

@poppycat10 You over estimate the power the unions have - if teachers are told to return on the the 8th they will, despite what the loud "schools should never open" MN teachers froth every day.