HT hoping the school will still be open to staff of closed for pupils

[DrMadelineMaxwell]

"As it will be an amazing opportunity to get things done we can't fit in usually."

Not sure whether she was talking about the TAs or all staff but I think she meant all.
At the same time we are setting remote work? Or looking after our own children for those who have small ones who can't?

I'd be continually self isolating

Hahahahaha

That won't be happening. Other than tidying your room, there isn't much you couldn't do from a computer at home.
And yes many staff will be at home with children

Just seen the union advice that says I should, as an asthmatic (and mine is not steroid worthy but is not just controlled by my 2 inhalers alone and I need blue inhaler most days) now withdraw from teaching by Monday for 12 weeks.

Which Union is that, can I ask? Mine hasn't reached that level yet. Sounds sensible though, are you happy with it?

NEU. I've started another thread with the video advice they have issued this evening.

I think there should be an expectation that staff working from home get lots of those kinds of jobs done, meetings by conference call etc.

I know people are trying to gear up to deliver lessons remotely but I don't think that will happen in reality beyond the first week or two.

I do wonder if schools will be asked to offer something different support the "war effort". I don't know what or how but in a national emergency situation, I'm not sure I want to see unions being militant about what their members can/can't do. We're all in it together etc

@DoubleAction What kind of jobs?

We're expected to set work from home and respond to student questions. This will take long enough.

We have also been set curriculum work to do.

Whilst simultaneously looking after a 3yo and under 1.

I expect to be used as childcare for the emergency services at some point too.

I don't know Herc but I think in most schools the responding to student questions will fizzle out after a few weeks, especially once it become clear exams won't be happening. I expect the safeguarding aspect of what we do will become the most important role.

Not all teachers have young children and in an a real "war footing" , all hands on deck situation, I'd expect all public servants to be asked to step up.

If long term closures happen then yes I agree we can be called to assist. However in the short term 4-6 weeks I think we can expect to be setting work.

Exams are a huge unknown. They might still go ahead with different systems. Eg more spread out and teachers allowed to invigilate.

Safeguarding should definitely be SLT priority. Especially for vulnerable primary students.

Our head has told us that she believes closures will be for children only. We have been told teachers and office staff can work from home. TAs will have to attend as we cannot work from home, we will be asked to provide care for children of emergency workers if requested by government otherwise we will be expected to improve the school environment (read displays and tidying). Those of us with primary age and younger children will be able to bring them with us should our usual childcare be unavailable.

I hope if you are tidying and doing displays it is after a period of time has elapsed and a deep clean!

DD is mostly concerned about not being able to do her Gcse’s as she has worked so hard and for so long...

Your HT needs to read the news.