Time to think about closing the schools

[DolphinFC]

ONS survey finds that education staff are 37% more likely to catch Covid than other workers.

Previous data showed they were no more likely to catch covid than other workers and many people (especially MNetters) felt that this was all the proof needed to keep schools open.

Well, new data shows the reverse is now the case.

The give us the social distancing other workers have.

That was in reference to the "if you don't want to teach your kids to use a knife and fork, don't have kids" comment - quote didn't work!

@DolphinFC

The give us the social distancing other workers have.

Universities have had no social distancing in place since July. There hasn't been a requirement for social distancing since then.

@DolphinFC

The give us the social distancing other workers have.

You know that is impossible.

@SpinsForGin

With respect, as a governor you can't properly understand what it's been like for school staff going into school each day.

And no social distancing since July? 6 months? That's well over a year less than school staff including months and months when unvaccinated. It really doesn't compare.

School staff aren't saying they are the only ones.

It’s kind of irrelevant anyway, schools are shutting themselves. My year and the year above closed with a couple of hours notice meaning parents had to sort out the last few days of term.

No supply (supply was already in covering a teacher who hasn’t recovered from Covid). There was no supply for the supply. Loads of staff off sick, they had to close. No online learning or KW provision for the vulnerable children at all.

It’ll be worse in January. That’s primary BTW so a big hassle for parents. I am not sure burying the head in the sand, praying it will be fine will work. Staff when getting sick, are getting very sick. Possibly due to their constant exposure with no masks/small spaces/ventilation. You can’t get supply for the supply anymore.

@Itisasecret

It’s kind of irrelevant anyway, schools are shutting themselves. My year and the year above closed with a couple of hours notice meaning parents had to sort out the last few days of term.

No supply (supply was already in covering a teacher who hasn’t recovered from Covid). There was no supply for the supply. Loads of staff off sick, they had to close. No online learning or KW provision for the vulnerable children at all.

It’ll be worse in January. That’s primary BTW so a big hassle for parents. I am not sure burying the head in the sand, praying it will be fine will work. Staff when getting sick, are getting very sick. Possibly due to their constant exposure with no masks/small spaces/ventilation. You can’t get supply for the supply anymore.

Agree, the thread title should be changed to ‘Time to Plan for schools to not reopen until half term at the earliest’

You know that is impossible

Social distancing is impossible, yes But that isn’t the only potential tool in the box, is it? Masks would help. Funding hand sanitizer and extra cleaning would help. Making sure that windows open would help. Making sure those in windowless rooms have some source of fresh air would help. Avoiding big gatherings - assemblies - would help. Creative time-tabling would help. Providing schools with a healthcare professional to assess and test students would help. Ensuring there are enough lfts would help. Recognising the value of supply staff and budgeting accordingly would help. Not having to make support staff redundant because of reduced budgets would help. Holding the teaching profession in high esteem, paying teachers appropriately would help. Making a decision about exams right now, not in 6 weeks time, would help. Not expecting schools to do everything - solve domestic abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse, be a mental health service, have to manage children who need alternative provision would all help.

We have masks in secondary, we have hand sanitizer coming out of people’s ears, we have a freezing school and we haven’t had assemblies, whole staff briefing, etc. We still have plenty of Covid.

It’s a pain in the arse but I do think it’s one of those cases where we just can’t do much about it.

So the choices are close the schools, or have the schools open and staff and students will get Covid.

@DolphinFC

The give us the social distancing other workers have.

I work in a factory and I can tell you we cannot social distance.

You cannot social distance in some jobs. Schools are one of them. That's where you have to take other measures like masks and ventilation.

Wax

I agree that it's many jobs not just teaching that can't distance. How many people wear masks in your factory?

@DolphinFC

Wax

I agree that it's many jobs not just teaching that can't distance. How many people wear masks in your factory?

None. We had them in January when we had a big Covid outbreak but we don't wear them any more.

Most people are vaccinated at my work, that is one difference that schools don't have. Vaccinations for younger children could be considered.

[quote Sherrytriflestrull]@SpinsForGin

With respect, as a governor you can't properly understand what it's been like for school staff going into school each day.

And no social distancing since July? 6 months? That's well over a year less than school staff including months and months when unvaccinated. It really doesn't compare.

School staff aren't saying they are the only ones. [/quote]
I've a pretty good idea. My full time job sees me working with schools pretty closely.

I also research the impact that disrupted education has on disadvantaged young people and the picture is pretty shit tbh.

We don't have masks in secondary classrooms?

We do. Scottish schools always have.

@Piggywaspushed

We don't have masks in secondary classrooms?

Yes but it would be better to implement these things rather than close schools.

@SpinsForGin

So are you in schools each day?

I'd be interested in reading that research. Does it include ks1 children? The impact on them has been shocking.

I agree wax. A PP said we did.

@Sowhatifiam

You know that is impossible

Social distancing is impossible, yes But that isn’t the only potential tool in the box, is it? Masks would help. Funding hand sanitizer and extra cleaning would help. Making sure that windows open would help. Making sure those in windowless rooms have some source of fresh air would help. Avoiding big gatherings - assemblies - would help. Creative time-tabling would help. Providing schools with a healthcare professional to assess and test students would help. Ensuring there are enough lfts would help. Recognising the value of supply staff and budgeting accordingly would help. Not having to make support staff redundant because of reduced budgets would help. Holding the teaching profession in high esteem, paying teachers appropriately would help. Making a decision about exams right now, not in 6 weeks time, would help. Not expecting schools to do everything - solve domestic abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse, be a mental health service, have to manage children who need alternative provision would all help.

Some of you need to have a word with your SLT I think. Our school have kept bubbles in place throughout. No assembles. Staggered starts and finishes. Lunch eaten in classrooms. All teachers masked if they want to. Masks are pick up and drop off. If we can do it, why can’t other schools?

There are loads of schools that have masks and have always had masks and are still being hit by covid. I’m just not at all convinced they work!

You didn't say you were in Scotland many. It remains a farce in England that people wear masks in corridors and then whip them off to sit in a cramped classroom.

Your school has gone against DfE guidelines cheeses...

@Piggywaspushed

Your school has gone against DfE guidelines cheeses...

I know. But no one has complained, and they haven’t got into trouble for it 🤷🏻‍♀️.

I'm also not convinced that masks make much difference, unless it's the FFP masks.

However these FFP masks cause oxygen problems for children.

So overall masks in school are not the solution imo.

Some of you need to have a word with your SLT I think.
Our school have kept bubbles in place throughout. No assembles. Staggered starts and finishes. Lunch eaten in classrooms. All teachers masked if they want to. Masks are pick up and drop off. If we can do it, why can’t other schools?
Because many of these things are against the guidance.