Availability for opening schools up further - please only people who actually work in schools

[WhyNotMe40]

So the unions Monday said not to engage in discussion about opening schools up further than current provision, but SLT will need a reply, and the situation has changed even since Monday!

What will people be saying when SLT ask about your availability to teach from 1st June when full years return, and then further years after?

I’ll refer them to the advice given by my union

These threads are still coming up on active boards.

Anyone else?

I don't agree with the union stance of not engaging with discussions. It is tough as I'd usually never ignore union action. So, I have said I am willing to discuss how it will work. I know there will be risks but will work to reduce these where possible.

It is difficult as everyone has different circumstances. You have to decide for yourself based on those and what you feel is right. What is right for one person may not be right for someone else.

schoolsweek.co.uk/coronavirus-largest-heads-union-says-it-wasnt-consulted-over-june-1-return-plan/

I think the unions are saying that they were not consulted - they are preparing a response. And by the sounds of it the DfE Scientific Advisor is saying more guidance is coming out as the first release was just a draft

I'll hold off on replying until I know more then, thanks for thay

I'm leadership and had begun to have tentative but constructive discussions with staff on how this could be done, which they have now been advised by their unions not to engage with. I fail to see how this helps the staff.

That's why I was unsure. I think not talking about it doesn't help things. In most situations actually
But also I don't want to be an arse and come out with all the many many concerns I have until someone higher up the food chain has elaborated a bit more than "right, year 10 and 12 are back full time from 1st June - any problems anyone?"

For example - One of my concerns is how we are going to allocate each class its own toilet block as I believe flushing the loo can spread the virus. But if i say that in an email I will look like a twat. And hopefully someone nhas already considered it so I won't have to say any and look like the toilet twat.

Are schools really saying 2 full year groups will be back FT from 1 June?. That's not what we're planning for.

Actually I've reread it. No it is a reduced timetable. Apologies

I am a schools rep for the Neu. My local area union has said their guidance is to engage with discussions about how to safely reopen but to not engage in discussions regarding planning lessons etc when children are back. We are to engage with the safety aspects of returning.
I appreciate that other union regions might have a different approach though.

😂 Toilet twat has proper tickled me!

There's no way we could have enough toilets for each class to have a separate block. How many schools would? I've not seen any guidance on that.

Ah, that's interesting bestthingsinceslicedbread, the letter from our local area reps says staff are advised not to attend any discussions regarding reopening. It doesn't specifically mention safety or lesson planning at all.

I’ve said I can go back on 1st June. Totally get the union’s standpoint but I do really want to get back. I’m just going to see what happens and how sensible the plans seem.

We haven't been asked whether we are 'available' I think its just being assumed that we are!
We have a meeting later in the week where SLT will share their plans. I'm going to decide whether to return based on what they say. I'm long term supply so not obliged to return.

I don't agree with the union stance of not engaging with discussions.

It's not that the unions aren't engaging in discussions. They are asking that staff refer SLT to the union so that national procedures can be agreed.

My impression is they've been banging on the door of the DfE trying to figure out possible scenarios for weeks and had been given the strong impression that no one was going back until September, with some discussion about possibly just Y6 for that last 3-4 weeks.

I'm not convinced anyone in the DfE actually knew about this before Boris said it.

We haven't been asked...but that's cos most are already working on a rota basis

Oh we are already on rota - but I currently only do rota days on days which I am timetabled to work. As a part timer and with child care issues I suppose it's nice that they're asking, but they are also asking if I can change my days...

Echoing others, we haven't been asked. As we're all working currently, it's assumed that will continue whether on site or not. We have been asked if there are any changes of circumstances they should be aware of.
We don't have enough loos to have separate ones for each year. Nor do either of my DC's schools. Where are all the schools with so many loos?

I don't think any schools have enough loos. That's sort of my point about wider opening.
I've not been clear, sorry

I am not a teacher, but I am pleased to see that many of you want to engage in finding a solution. It's an impossible situation for all. Many parents feel let down (for various reasons), which is clearly voiced on nm.
I feel with social distancing, it is impossible to have all kids back FT. My work is planning on getting us back a rota system (small office) with the vulnerable staff member getting tasks for WFH. People reliant on public transport have the choice to stay on furlough an extra 4-6 weeks, which is a drop in the ocean. But all this involves a lot of careful planning and some serious training. We should share our solutions and see which ones could be adaptable to the (primary) school environment...

I have engaged in discussion with SLT, because referring them to the union doesn't allow them to plan and feels like the wrong thing to do.

Sorry, @donquixotedelamancha. I must not have explained myself well. I don't mean to suggest the unions are failing to discuss. I am sure they are teying their best to raise concerns. I disagree with their stance that staff members should refuse to engage in discussions with their schools.

One size will not fit all due to all schools being very different. I want to be involved in discussions in my school to identify potential issues and what can be done to minimise them.

Trying even.