Private school parents has your school confirmed what they will be doing yet in September in regards to getting back to school?

[LizzieBlackwell]

Ours still hasn’t and I’m getting concerned now as I really need to get back to work. They are still discussing it apparently.

I’m also worried for my kindergarten age dd because she’s never been before. We had a lovely class meeting on zoom where dd3 met all her class friends and we had a look around the class but I know she is still nervous with having no settling in days.

Dd2 (7) will take it all in her stride.

I spoke to the office this week and they said they are aiming for a full class ( 10 kids) return. Should I just assume this is what they will be doing. If they only go back part time I’ll be toast!

you have no idea, and the school probably has no idea either

I teach in an independent school.

We have communicated to families our plans for September, and given some tasters for blended lessons.

We have been clear about sanitisation and social distancing.

I don't know our full plans as a member of staff yet so they def haven't been sent to parents. It hadn't occurred to me that parents might be worried we won't open full time though. That's non negotiable surely, unless/until the govt closes schools or we have Covid cases. No private school could get away with not being open when state schools are open. What would parents be paying for?!

From what I do know:
Key Stage Bubbles (EYFS, KS1, Lower KS2, Upper KS2 and KS3) - about 60-70 children per bubble.
No social distancing within 'bubbles'
Dedicated class teachers don't need to distance but subject specialist teachers do as we will move between bubbles.
Assemblies/Chapels to be done separately in bubbles.
Clubs to be run for pairs of year groups so bubbles don't mix.
Wraparound care available as normal but children in different bubbles will be looked after in different rooms.
Staggered lunch times for each bubble (we have a different building for EYFS and KS1 so it's no more than 3 sittings per site).
Each bubble has a zone for breaktimes.
All PE to be outside
Question mark over singing, brass and wind lessons. Other peripatetic lessons normal.
Productions to go ahead with modifications (no group singing, no cross bubbling, no live audience (livestream))
Slightly staggered drop offs but not by much. Parents not to come into school except by appointment. Staff to collect children from bubble zones on school driveway.
All residential trips postponed.

Think that's all I know so far. I'm sure there's a lot more nitty gritty to come.

Yes - today, detailed arrangements to follow but unequivocal:

" ^We hope you are having an opportunity to enjoy the summer.

We wanted to confirm that xxxx will, of course, be operating in school from September and that all pupils are expected to attend, as outlined in the Government announcements. We fully appreciate that pupils and parents may be anxious and we will assist with this and discuss any specific cases with you.

We are currently reviewing the Government guidelines (a new version of which was published only at the end of July) and are drawing up plans to ensure that the requirements are fulfilled for everyone’s safety on site. We will be trying to operate as ‘normally’ as possible and providing opportunities for our pupils, whilst maintaining safety as the priority. This will require some changes to the routine and we will provide further detailed information well before the start of next term. We can confirm that, in line with the Government guidance, the pupils will follow their full timetable of lessons, catering will be provided for school meals, and school transport will also run.

We can confirm that School Uniform will be worn, as required by the Government guidelines. Sports for the start of term will be the summer sports of Cricket, Athletics, Rowing and Tennis. Since these sports are likely to run for a limited period, staff will be flexible about sports kit worn so please do not feel that the pupils need full new kit specific to these sports (e.g. whites for Cricket), a School tracksuit will be suitable.

In the event of a local ‘spike’ in COVID-19 cases and we are informed by Public Health England of the requirement for changes then we can adapt to this and our remote learning provision is available straight away if it is needed. We are determined that the pupils’ education is not disrupted and that they continue to get the most from an xxx education.

We are really excited about next term and look forward to welcoming the pupils back in September, as well as welcoming new pupils and parents to the xxx community.^ "

Really pleased and reassured - the school were brilliant last year, full day virtual school and priority years in full-time from June 1st, with all years having time on site by the end of term.

I’ve just gone back and found the Fees letter 🤓

“ However, we now must look to the future as we plan for a full return to school in September. This will bring new challenges in providing the broad curriculum that you are entitled to expect, whilst maintaining social distancing and the safety of all in school while maintaining ‘bubbles’, whatever size they may turn out to be. We must also be prepared for a resurgence of the virus, and in particular, the possibility of strict local lockdowns. In this respect, the experience gained over the past few months places us in a strong position to react swiftly and effectively to whatever COVID- 19 may throw at us”

Would you take that as ‘they will be back full time’? Is it too early to break the fizz out?

Mines done similar. Asked for full fees and a full school return but slipped in recently if there's another lockdown it's back to zoom calls. Hate homeschooling and no way I'll be happy if I don't get a partial refund on fees of it happens!

Nope - nothing yet from either independent schools. More from DS’s state school.

Just got an update on lunches, as they billed everyone for them, but are now giving leave to cancel them. DD will be taking a packed lunch, just too much faffing around, fixed times, fixed venues, fixed/no choice etc etc.

Yep - all back to school.