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Original poster

Visiting schools - good or bad idea?

26 replies

cakedup · 20/04/2022 13:18

I work for the council and my job has involved delivering presentations/workshops in schools. This came to a stop with the onset of covid. My job is pretty flexible in that i can pick and choose my projects, delivering workshops is just one of them.

Schools have been asking me to go back in and I just can't decide whether I should or not - I'd be interested to hear some opinions.

I am double vaccinated (no boosters yet), have not caught covid as far as I know but have been extremely careful, practically isolating until a few months ago when I started venturing out as my mental health was taking a downturn. I am worried about getting long covid - really could not deal with that just as I'm entering menopause thank you. Especially when I come on here to read posts from people who have caught covid and now suffering with bad skin/missed periods/exhaustion etc

I don't really subscribe to the belief that if you're going to go shopping, visit friends etc then you might as well do it all as I think it's all about minimising risk, and doing what you need to do.

Some other thoughts:

  • not sure it's responsible for me to go from school to school, possibly spreading covid?
  • colleague of mine has been going into schools and I'm worried this makes me look bad - especially since funding cuts have meant our jobs are not as secure as they were previously
  • there's a possibility that I could offer outdoor practical workshops only which might be a good compromise? Failing that, I could ask to deliver in the hall
  • I don't drive so it would also involve a lot of travel on public transport
  • I do feel that children benefit greatly from my workshop - it's a safety related theme. I always come away from my workshop believing that I may have just saved a life.
I keep thinking, wait til the numbers go down but go down to what?

I realise that teachers are going into school every day - but they have no choice and also at least they are going into the same school and mixing with the same people.

Then I think, covid is not going away. I just have to get on with it. If I get long covid or seriously ill then that's just part of living in a world with covid.

I have to just decide what to do and commit!

OP posts:
Waxonwaxoff0 · 20/04/2022 14:45

Up to you. Most people are living normally now. Kids spread Covid between themselves at school so it's a bit silly to worry about you spreading it. I don't know anyone who is giving stuff like that a second thought any more but then I've worked out of home in a factory throughout.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 20/04/2022 14:46

You do sound overly anxious regarding Covid, are you vulnerable?

FairyCakeWings · 20/04/2022 14:53

If part of your job involves going into schools when you’re asked to and they have a good reason to need you in, then of course you should do it. If you can just choose not to bother with schools then that’s not very fair, and someone who isn’t scared of schools should probably have your job.

All the other visitors are back to school now, volunteer readers, workshop leaders, specialist teachers and therapists, and most of them go round different schools. It’s fine.

ifonly4 · 20/04/2022 15:09

Sadly many school staff and children, as well as staff in other places don't have the choice. One thing you'll be in control of is setting up. Our school still has mist windows fully open, if not no one would question if you arrived and open others. Also, you might need able to do your presentation near a window which would reduce risk.

Either way, getting your booster will give you further protection.

fallfallfall · 20/04/2022 15:10

If your that concerned start by getting your third dose the booster as it’s called.
if your nearing menopause missing a period or one being off schedule for two weeks surely is your norm anyway. I suspect your nearing peri-menopause and don’t know the different expression or stages.
do you have a condition that causes you to be vulnerable to long Covid or a worse outcome?
based on what you’ve said your taking advantage of not working and are using this as an excuse.

Roses1221 · 20/04/2022 15:13

From a school: we’re back to business a usual. Guest speakers, school councillor, peripatetic teachers etc. all back to normal, visiting multiple schools and workplaces. If I were in your shoes I’d be worried that an alternative workshop provider would be sought if you’re not available.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/04/2022 15:18

From a selfish point of view... please do if you can. The "extras" like workshops really do add to kids education. My DDs Yr6 class are really excited about their trip to a safety workshop place in a few weeks after having had no trips, Bike ability, plays etc for 2 years.

But you need to do what's right for you.

Original poster
cakedup · 20/04/2022 15:21

Waxonwaxoff0 · 20/04/2022 14:46

You do sound overly anxious regarding Covid, are you vulnerable?

I'm not but my partner has multiple health issues

OP posts:
Original poster
cakedup · 20/04/2022 15:24

fallfallfall · 20/04/2022 15:10

If your that concerned start by getting your third dose the booster as it’s called.
if your nearing menopause missing a period or one being off schedule for two weeks surely is your norm anyway. I suspect your nearing peri-menopause and don’t know the different expression or stages.
do you have a condition that causes you to be vulnerable to long Covid or a worse outcome?
based on what you’ve said your taking advantage of not working and are using this as an excuse.

I'm waiting for my booster, not due yet.

I don't have periods as I had a partial hysterectomy. Yes probably at 49 I'm peri-menopausal.

I most definitely am not taking advantage - I absolutely love working in schools and miss it terribly.

OP posts:
Original poster
cakedup · 20/04/2022 15:29

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 20/04/2022 15:18

From a selfish point of view... please do if you can. The "extras" like workshops really do add to kids education. My DDs Yr6 class are really excited about their trip to a safety workshop place in a few weeks after having had no trips, Bike ability, plays etc for 2 years.

But you need to do what's right for you.

Thank you for the encouragement....this is what I need to hear really. I do realise the children have missed out on so much.

OP posts:
fallfallfall · 20/04/2022 15:31

Once you have your booster and your vulnerable partner has all the doses available to them (4 in some places) I’d suggest you begin your return.
mask on public transport and hand sanitizer if it helps reassure your family.

herecomesthsun · 20/04/2022 15:39

Lots of people do give this sort of thing a second thought.

You can do an online package of a presentation.

One department in my DC's school do "loom" presentations where there is a video of slides with a voiceover. if the individual teacher is off, then it is very easy for another teacher to support the presentation. A package like that could be delivered by a teacher already in the school, maybe?

You could provide the online presentation with the option of a callback if any particular young person needs to talk about their individual circumstance.

You can do the presentation outdoors in the summer as you've said

You could be careful about the setting you use. A large ventilated school hall where you are on a "stage" and the children are watching below, that would I think be relatively lower in risk.

You could produce a pamphlet? (if you haven't already)

thelittlestrhino · 20/04/2022 15:42

I understand that you are anxious, but children listening to/interacting with different people in school and on trips is such an important thing. It is SO noticeable that the children are struggling with these skills, so we are trying to encourage lots of opportunities. From a selfish point of view, if you can make it out to schools, please do!

BogRollBOGOF · 20/04/2022 16:35

While our school has only just started letting parents in, they've had other visitors such as music teachers and sports coaches for much of the time since Sept 2020.

Children really need enriching in-person experiences, especially now.
When my two have had "online" alternatives such as the panto last Christmas, it's just another bland 2D experience that's greatly diminished.

Real life is so important and healthy, and we learn so much more from real interactions compared to staring vacuously at screens.

Original poster
cakedup · 20/04/2022 18:44

herecomesthsun · 20/04/2022 15:39

Lots of people do give this sort of thing a second thought.

You can do an online package of a presentation.

One department in my DC's school do "loom" presentations where there is a video of slides with a voiceover. if the individual teacher is off, then it is very easy for another teacher to support the presentation. A package like that could be delivered by a teacher already in the school, maybe?

You could provide the online presentation with the option of a callback if any particular young person needs to talk about their individual circumstance.

You can do the presentation outdoors in the summer as you've said

You could be careful about the setting you use. A large ventilated school hall where you are on a "stage" and the children are watching below, that would I think be relatively lower in risk.

You could produce a pamphlet? (if you haven't already)

Thank you @herecomesthsun. I have been doing online presentations, digital resources etc - it's just not the same though and schools are understandably fed up after 2 years of everything online. But yes, I could at least start with outdoors and big halls only.

OP posts:
TheKeatingFive · 20/04/2022 20:22

I expect it won't be long before the schools in your client base start using other providers who will deliver in person. As you say yourself, an online experience just doesn't compare.

herecomesthsun · 20/04/2022 21:22

Actually, our secondary school has been very careful about covid and would be interested in outdoor options etc. They'd probably welcome a discussion of this sort Smile. It shows you have a responsible attitude.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 21/04/2022 05:29

TheKeatingFive · 20/04/2022 20:22

I expect it won't be long before the schools in your client base start using other providers who will deliver in person. As you say yourself, an online experience just doesn't compare.

Yeah, as a parent I wouldn't be keen on an online presentation at school. They already spend far too much time on computers and he's only primary age.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 21/04/2022 05:29

Outdoors would be alright though now the weather is nicer but not in winter.

Cauliflowersqueeze · 21/04/2022 05:46

I organise quite a few presentations at our school. I refuse all online options in favour of live speakers.

passport123 · 21/04/2022 06:00

How can you not be due a booster yet? It's available 3m after the 2nd dose so unless you were hugely late being vaccinated....

MrsSkylerWhite · 21/04/2022 06:13

Are you CEV? My husband is (in four categories) had all jabs/boosters. Recently had Covid and other than one niggling issue, is fully recovered after mild illness and back to work.

Hope that’s reassuring.

(have your booster, though)

Threetulips · 21/04/2022 09:11

I think most kids have had it now! We have had it in waves and they’ve tailed off. Not surprising as they aren’t jabbed (yet)

Now the younger ones are being vaccinated I think you’re as safe as you can be from viral overload.

JanglyBeads · 21/04/2022 09:14

(Possible confusion here between first booster (delivered mid autumn to end January for the majority of adults, my teen DD's just had hers) and second poster, which is only for vulnerable and over 75s at present?)

BobbinHood · 21/04/2022 09:17

I think this post would have been much more understandable a year ago, but it’s unusual now. If the schools want you to come back in they must feel it’s not working as well remotely as in-person would. If you want to continue this work you need to start working in the schools again. If you don’t then don’t, but how long do you plan to live this way for?

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