Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Scotsnet

Welcome to Scotsnet - discuss all aspects of life in Scotland, including relocating, schools and local areas.

Educated guesses when schools will reopen

475 replies

frasersmummy · 06/01/2021 21:19

Just that really

What do you think might be a realistic re-opening date.
Am I being optimistic thinking after the February break
I know no one has a crystal ball just looking for people's thoughts

OP posts:
Lofthouse · 13/01/2021 19:57

All the epidemiology points to after Easter.

If you factor in the vaccinations to the vulnerable, time taken for them to take effect, fact that hospital admissions and death rate take a while to come down after interventions (vaccine and lockdown) and fact that this lockdown isn't so strict (nurseries, number of vulnerable/ key workers in school), this all points to an April date.

I would love to think that classes might reopen for reception and early years in primary prior to this, becauce selfishly in am failing at my job, at being a mum and being a teacher. Having to do this until later April (when term starts again) seems totally unsustainable for the next three months

Lockdownbear · 13/01/2021 19:59

I listened to John Swinney today, and he asked teachers to concentrate for now on teaching and learning the course content rather than assessing.

That makes lots of sense especially for the Nat 4/5 kids who are likely to go on to do Highers, get the education into them and move on. Not quiet so easy for the Higher and Ad Higher years going on to Uni.

shouldistop · 13/01/2021 20:16

@Lofthouse nurseries are closed in Scotland (except vulnerable and keyworkers)

Suzi888 · 13/01/2021 20:18

Easter and I say that with a heavy heart!

Lofthouse · 13/01/2021 21:13

@shouldistop and ?

shouldistop · 14/01/2021 04:17

@Lofthouse you mentioned lockdown not being as strict and nurseries etc. This is Scotsnet.

iquitelikenormalityafterall · 14/01/2021 07:58

Did anybody see John Swinney speaking, I never watched it but read highlights. My heart dropped when I read £45 million funds for remote learning, that seems like an awful lot of money for just the next few weeks?! Is this part of the education recovery or just for aiding home learning. If it’s the latter then I’m concerned it will be a very long time with kids at home.

Lockdownbear · 14/01/2021 08:05

I'm kind of hoping that the £45m for remote learning will be typical SG waste of money too little, too late.
But I feel the same as you it's an indication that this is going to be at least April.

RaraRachael · 14/01/2021 09:11

Sadly I don't think it will be until Easter now after JS announcing the £45 million for equipment.

WouldBeGood · 14/01/2021 09:15

Surely they can go back when the elderly are vaccinated though? Which should be before Easter

shouldistop · 14/01/2021 09:18

@WouldBeGood hopefully!
I suspect early years might actually go back in February, p1-3 after Feb holidays maybe, then blended learning for older children until the summer - hence spending the money.

WouldBeGood · 14/01/2021 09:23

@shouldistop our school had a plan for half days every day for “blended learning” and I could live with that. I just worry so much about my boy not seeing another child for so long.

WouldBeGood · 14/01/2021 09:24

And that would be great for the younger ones. It must be a massive struggle all round with toddlers/early years.

SerenadeOfTheSchoolRun · 14/01/2021 09:32

Optimistically I think primary schools and exam years will go back in March for a few weeks, everyone else after Easter. The numbers are coming down and the vaccines are being done so hospitals will be in a very different position at the end of February.

iquitelikenormalityafterall · 14/01/2021 09:53

I love the optimism. I’m really trying to stay positive but finding it harder and harder.

RaraRachael · 14/01/2021 10:56

I'm trying to stay positive too, but if I think of the worst case scenario (after Easter) and it ends up being earlier than that, I'll be happy. I'd rather do that than think it's going to be after Feb long weekend and be disappointed IYSWIM.
Online teaching isn't too bad for me as I have loads of resources and only me, OH and cat in the house but it must be SO hard for staff with young children of their own at home.

Dinnafashyersel · 14/01/2021 11:20

£45m sounds like a lot of money but at over 50k pupils per year group it works out at less than £90 per pupil.

anon444877 · 14/01/2021 11:51

Not to mention the lack of IT staff to support the new equipment too.

Lockdownbear · 14/01/2021 11:54

Rara - and just think how hard at the other end for parents trying to work and educate and entertain preschoolers.

Home school just doesn't work for the majority of families.

RaraRachael · 14/01/2021 12:01

I agree Lockdownvbear. Homeschooling is so difficult at both ends. The only time it might work is in a family with a SAHP and one child.

WouldBeGood · 14/01/2021 12:02

That’s me @RaraRachael but ds doesn’t listen to me, I’m a poor teacher, and him having to be with just me 24/7 is not healthy

WouldBeGood · 14/01/2021 12:17

Still easier though, just really depressing

iquitelikenormalityafterall · 14/01/2021 13:17

I’ve tried looking on his Twitter but no indication of what the money is for. Only stuff about fishing and brexit, he’s not seeming too bothered about the schools!

WouldBeGood · 15/01/2021 08:54

He’s been on the radio apparently saying schools back start February would be “a tall order.”

Hopeless

MarshaBradyo · 15/01/2021 08:55

@WouldBeGood

He’s been on the radio apparently saying schools back start February would be “a tall order.”

Hopeless

When they shut they shut. So depressing.

For those not in