Schools might not go back after the holiday - yippee!

[Chrysanthemums]

I just heard this on Sky news, which I don't normally watch but the dc's had it on somehow by mistake.

They said that in order to prevent it spreading further they might not open schools again in September. I wondered if this was being reported anywhere else and what people think about it.

I'm pleased as anything that makes it less likely people who are compromised or pregnant etc will catch it, is great.

I know most of us don't need to panic but those people are more at risk and therefore it merits a measure of effort to control it as far as possible, IMO.

Katymac - link to pandemic plan A national framework for responding to an influenza pandemic

OhYouBadBadKitten I just found that one by googling

It doesn't really help. If I am shut down to prevent the spread of infection; what happens? I guess I go bust

I know that is self-centred & selfish but it's easier to worry about that than to worry about DH getting it

Cos you are a private business I'm not sure that you would be shut down.
In fact, if schools are closed for an extended period, would this be a business opportunity?

We have been told if 'our' school closes we have too

I wonder if you can question the authority of that?

On what grounds?

I'm sure if I opened after being told not to by the HPA my insurance would be invalid

Also there is a moral issue; If the children are safer if I close, how can I stay open?

My finances are very low down the list of priorities

I wonder what would happen regarding private nurseries. I have to pay regardless of whether my child is there or not - through sickness and holidays. I wonder if we would continue to have to pay. Also what would happen with tax credits for childcare...would tax credits have to rework the whole system ...and how would they do that without any staf...

The knock on effect of this is huge....

Katymac certainly the moral issue does come first.

It depends on who tells you to close I suppose. I don't know whether the hpa will be telling schools to close, or whether it would be local health authorities, local education authorities or head teachers. It depends who has jurisdiction over you.

I simply cannot imagine schools being closed but private nurseries being open - it would be illogical. Presumably any instruction would have to be enforced legally. I don't know whether local plans include compensation for businesses 'told' to close in some capacity.

I'd ask my local Children's Services dept if I were in your position.

Even if working form home became an option for (some) parents I can't see how internet and phone companies would cope with increased volumes. And what of those working in customer facing roles such as retail, health care, security, policing, fire services, transport etc

DC came out of school today with a letter, giving one day's notice that the school will close a day early for the summer.
Playground was in chaos as all the working parents were frantically arranging with the SAHM's to look after their DC on Wednesday. Hope it is not a taste of things to come.

Apparently 25% of pupils were absent today