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Original poster

return to school

41 replies

Laughterqueen · 23/02/2021 15:27

I am keen to hear your views about the return to school on 8th March. My son's father is adamant that it is not safe. He has potentially got the diaphragm of an OAP due to a disability, so is in group 6; as am I. He maintains that we should keep our child at home until 3 weeks after our first vaccinations. Neither of us have a date booked yet, and group 6 is massive, so it obviously could be a couple of months until we get to this stage!

I feel backed into a corner with this. I have reluctantly agreed until Easter, but I am very unhappy about keeping our child home beyond that when all their peers will be back to some kind of normality. Homeschooling has been ok, but the standard of the provision once all the children are back will not remain this good.

I am worried about the impact of this decision on my child's mental health, but I have been told that our child will only see his father by video call if I insist on sending him in. This is probably a bluff, but I know he is serious and terrified.

I'm interested to know if there's anyone else going through this. Or if not, what do you think? Am I wrong?

Both perspectives of course welcome.

OP posts:
Mintjulia · 23/02/2021 15:32

My DS will be returning to school on the 8th. His df is in his 60s so due his vaccination sometime soon. I've taken the stand that for one or two weeks, seeing his dad face-to-face is less important than going to school.

But his df only does 8 hours a week anyway, and most of that is sat doing nothing, so our circumstances may be different to yours.

Totallyfedup1979 · 23/02/2021 16:37

I’m not bothering to send mine in until after Easter.
With all the testing beforehand it feels like there will be an awful lot of disruption and DS works really well from home. He’s no trouble.
So? Honestly, if you decide to delay your child’s return until after Easter, I don’t think they'll be missing much.

happymummy12345 · 23/02/2021 17:48

I am not happy at all. I think it's one of the worst decisions that's been made throughout the whole situation. Schools should not return until after the Easter holidays when it's safer hopefully. My son has to go back 8th March. His school have confirmed attendance for all is compulsory so not sending him isn't an option. But I think it will do way more harm than good. Yes I want him back at school, but when it's safe to do so, which I don't believe it is at the moment.

Hophop26 · 23/02/2021 18:02

Those of you not sending your children in, are your schools still going to provide home provision? I thought it’s stopping from 8 March and fines if don’t attend, so if want to continue staying off and child isn’t clinically vulnerable it’s a matter of removing from the school and delaying until after Easter not an option.

MrsBlondie · 23/02/2021 18:05

I very much doubt the home school provision will be there after 8th March. Just a thought
Both my 2 will be going back. We are all very glad schools open soon.

Violetlavenders · 23/02/2021 18:06

I will be sending my children into school. They can't wait. I'm willing to make sacrifices elsewhere if necessary, but their education and mental health has priority.

Violetlavenders · 23/02/2021 18:08

Honestly, if you decide to delay your child’s return until after Easter, I don’t think they'll be missing much.

My year 12 would miss an awful lot! And I couldn't possibly teach A level chemistry...

MrBullinaChinaShop · 23/02/2021 18:08

Mine will be going back. I think the benefits outweigh the risks for us. However everyone has their own individual circumstances.
Our school won’t be providing online learning for those who don’t return by choice, but I suppose you could say that you’re self isolating due to contact with a positive case, for example.

Wolfiefan · 23/02/2021 18:13

Mine are going back. I’m CEV and have been shielding. Had my first vaccination. Not perfect protection but my Y6 and Y12 really need to get out, continue their education and see their friends.

Wolfiefan · 23/02/2021 18:14

Y13.
See what sodding lockdown has done to my brain. He’s Y13. FFS.

GoneCrazy · 23/02/2021 18:14

There won’t be home provision after 8th March unless your child is isolating because their bubble has burst at school.

GoneCrazy · 23/02/2021 18:14

Also I think they could fine you

doubleshotespresso · 23/02/2021 18:22

OP it's sounds like you offered your ex a decent compromise? I'm not happy at a return on 8th March (won't be going back then), but if you're prepared to wait until after Easter surely he needs to meet you somewhere in the middle?

Thatwentbadly · 23/02/2021 18:26

The number of cases now are significantly lower than October. If he thought it was safe for him to be in school in October/November DH then he doesn’t have reliable argument now.

Fortherosesjoni70 · 23/02/2021 18:34

In with a big bang.
Yes, it is a disaster in the making.
People forget. We have a new more infectious variant.

Fortherosesjoni70 · 23/02/2021 18:34

@Thatwentbadly

The number of cases now are significantly lower than October. If he thought it was safe for him to be in school in October/November DH then he doesn’t have reliable argument now.
Sorry, its not comparable. This is down to the kent variant.
Fortherosesjoni70 · 23/02/2021 18:35

oh and other variants of concern.

Fortherosesjoni70 · 23/02/2021 18:39

Its not safe.
Secondary schools have driven infection rates high. The media and the govt are gaslighting parents to believe that it wasnt schools.
They cant say its schools. They need society to work. If children are not at school, it is a problem.
Its simple.

Fortherosesjoni70 · 23/02/2021 18:40

I have chlidren at high school and in primary. I am in scotland. NS is being far more cautious and I am so relieved.

Fembot123 · 23/02/2021 18:42

I’m confused as to who has the health problem, your sons dad or your son?

Lulu1919 · 23/02/2021 18:44

Gavin W has said attendance is mandatory so there will not be any remote teaching etc

MrBullinaChinaShop · 23/02/2021 18:59

@Fortherosesjoni70

Its not safe. Secondary schools have driven infection rates high. The media and the govt are gaslighting parents to believe that it wasnt schools. They cant say its schools. They need society to work. If children are not at school, it is a problem. Its simple.
I haven’t made my decision on what the government are telling me. I’ve made it based on my own research and analysis of the situation and the risk vs benefit for my particular children.
Violetlavenders · 23/02/2021 19:03

If children are not at school, it is a problem.
Its simple.

Yes, it's a big problem, especially for our children's education and wellbeing.

bathsh3ba · 23/02/2021 19:10

From what I understand you risk a fine. I'm group 6 and unvaccinated and mine are returning. I'm more worried about your H's 'threat'. Smells of coercive control to me and reminds me of my ex.

TierFourTears · 23/02/2021 19:12

My understanding us that only children who gave been advised to shield will be permitted to remote learn. All other children will be expected in school or risk a fine.

Do you live with your sons father? I'm guessing not. In which case do what is right for your household.