The Fifty-first republic - twice weekly tests and wear masks at all time till Easter

[StaffRepFeistyClub]

You are most welcome to this school staff support thread to get us through stressful times. It is meant for school staff only – a sort of room of requirement. Baiters, haters, goaders, and bashers can jog on somewhere else.

If you are NOT staff and just have a general education query please start your own thread.

Do not give the staffroom password to others just in case it attracts the wrong sort

Other requirements for staff room entry include the ability to find the staff room, the ability to find a clean mug in the staff room, knowledge of the photocopier codes, and the ability to sniff out where the booze is stashed - Thirsty Tuesdays, Fizz Fridays now in operation. Do not sit on the chairs and wear a mask.

Fab question, Jan. 👍

Will be really interesting to see if she answers anything other than a politician's 'we'll review the data carefully'.

They had to do something about schools, Jan to show willing, given that they actually had to close them. They're bigging up testing, but not masking. I suspect they got forced into the masking by Whitty/union pressure/public pressure (most seem in support) but gave themselves an early get-out clause to keep UFT etc off their backs. The nod that it'll only be for 3 weeks then binned.

His relationship with Baaaad Daaad was interesting. He's done some good chatting about it on his podcast.

Weve had a letter via child's school about masks 'to be worn in all areas' of secondary schools - for all. Came from County.

I actually want to know whether it's worth buying lots more fabric masks for my kids, but hey ho...

think I'm going to start using disposables, but not dispose of them - put them in a bag for 3 days then reuse. I have made cotton masks, which are fine, but they get really wet what with 4 flights of stairs constantly going on.

I'm making extra cloth masks. I have a few in house colours (as in school house, not the house I live in), but am bored of those so have raided dd1's my fabric stash and now have about 20 in production (some for me and dd2 (with adjustable elastic to fit both our faces) and some for dh (in manly black, because he doesn't like patterns). I don't think dd2 will have to wear them very often as she's still at primary school, and unless they're told to wear them she won't bother. I'll send her with some in her bag though. I'll be changing mine a couple of times a day, so will need plenty. Mine don't get wet though, as I rarely move around the school, and my classroom is freezing so no chance of getting even mildly sweaty. I'm quite pleased to be wearing a mask in the classroom now as it'll keep my lower face warm.

Covid: React study finds virus decline slowing in England www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-56271627

The React study also found some workers were more likely to be infected than others. They included healthcare workers, care home workers and those working in education, nursery or childcare.

What's with the constant back and forth lying? One min we don't catch it, next we do.

Our Lea has asked the local phe to reconsider our staff for jabs.

I've been using disposables. They do wash too, though not as crisp as they were.

I think I'm going to have to get a test today. Definitely a chest bug. Doubt it's cv as not much else wrong but I can't cough over everyone all day.

Lft negative but with symptoms you're supposed to aren't you?

Warrior Yes you are going to have to test. Hope you're feeling better soon.

I feel so guilty! Barely a cold like feeling in my head. It's so annoying as normally id pop a paracetamol and take my inhaler and crack on.

Vaccinating teachers would have massively cut staff absences.

New Fridge Freezer arriving today. Just pondering how difficult it normally is to get things delivered to a teacher.

Cursing myself that I haven't got my toilet flush fixed.

You've nothing to feel guilty about!

Vicky Ford was mega scripted last time she was on. I can't think of a question to ask her which she might answer, as she is not after all schools' minister.

She's offered to answer questions on exams...

I'm not sure how she's going to be able to answer that considering schools barely know!

Is there any additional government support for the mental health of children returning to school, does anyone know? I'd ask about staff mental health but I'm in too much of a bad mood to hear the answer for that one. Could ask her about the children.

All I see is "catch up assessments" everywhere

Yes I don't know whether she'll just hide behind "the DfE will clarify that shortly" on anything non-general.

On FB this morning...

I would be interest to know which countries have prioritised vaccinating teachers.

I don't see how she will know anything about exams.

She will just keep telling us they are 'fair'.

I was told by someone that there's a huge amount of funding about at the mo for child mental health. Eg grants for schools to fund something that would benefit mh.

Just stress eaten 10 mini eggs.

@WarriorN

I was told by someone that there's a huge amount of funding about at the mo for child mental health. Eg grants for schools to fund something that would benefit mh.

Warrior remember to breath (between mouthfuls!) .

Then tell us, do you mean someone knowledgeable or someone ignorant (I think you probably mean the latter).

Lol no, someone at work who's trying to improve an area of our school. She's applying for grants as it's definitely for improving cmh. She mentioned the funding seems to be being directed at supporting cmh.

Obviously this is charity grants, lottery etc.

Some yoga teachers I know have teamed up and got funding from the lottery to run online yoga and therapy/ meditation sessions; I suppose another example of how there might be increased funding for mh support for adults at the mo.

But thanks.

I'm not anxious about cv. I'm annoyed I have to take the day to stick sticks up my nose to prove I'm not infectious.