| School return 10:24 - May 21 with 3013 views | Pablokuqi |
I know we have discussed this a lot but I was wondering how many of you have received your school's back to school plan.
My child's school has said that R, 1 and 6 will return on the 1st of June and attend 3 days over a 10 day cycle. Then after 3 weeks the other classes will return for the final 4 weeks remaining on a 3 day over 10 day cycle. So as he is in the second category he will attend for 6 days before the end of the holidays. Pointless. The thing the government have not grasped is that the each school will do this differently and rather than helping people get back to work it will have the opposite impact. Also that lots of teachers have children. So they are going back full time but their children can't as many aren't providing before and after school care. Another school I have heard are 2 days per week. Another school stopping at 1.30 and closed Wed, another who are half day Wed. I am sure there will be lots of variations. We haven't heard our other child's return to school plan yet.
I would be interested in hearing other examples. |  | | |  |
| School return on 10:27 - May 21 with 2041 views | StokieBlue |
I think a lot of parents are going to disregard any openings and keep their kids off until the after the summer holidays.
For instance, for someone in year 5, what is the real value in going back for a 6 days of schooling before having another 7 weeks off for summer?
SB |  |
| Avatar - IC410 - Tadpoles Nebula |
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| School return on 10:31 - May 21 with 2011 views | Mullet |
I've got a management meeting tomorrow and it sounds like it will be unveiled then.
I've heard some schools round here are doing Year 10 bubbles of 15. Some are closing Fridays. There seems to be no two places the same based on friends and family giving anecdotal evidence.
The other issue is that there is no fine for staying off (which I support) but it also means the mawkish posturing and guilt tripping is utterly hollow. Those kids are often the ones who are sent in because of the financial penalty etc. |  |
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| School return on 10:35 - May 21 with 1989 views | sparks |
| School return on 10:27 - May 21 by StokieBlue |
I think a lot of parents are going to disregard any openings and keep their kids off until the after the summer holidays.
For instance, for someone in year 5, what is the real value in going back for a 6 days of schooling before having another 7 weeks off for summer?
SB |
I remain baffled by the insistence on reception and year 1 being one of the groups prioritised. They have no exams pending, and will not suffer (as demonstrated by many nations who start school later than we do).
Is it on the basis that parents might be more inclined to leave older kids- 8 years olds and such, at home and go to work!??? |  |
| The presence of those seeking the truth is infinitely to be preferred to the presence of those who think they've found it.
(Sir Terry Pratchett) | | Poll: | Is Fred drunk this morning? |
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| School return on 10:38 - May 21 with 1975 views | footers |
| School return on 10:35 - May 21 by sparks |
I remain baffled by the insistence on reception and year 1 being one of the groups prioritised. They have no exams pending, and will not suffer (as demonstrated by many nations who start school later than we do).
Is it on the basis that parents might be more inclined to leave older kids- 8 years olds and such, at home and go to work!??? |
Exactly that. Free babysitters, nothing to do with furthering their education. |  |
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| School return on 10:41 - May 21 with 1970 views | pennyfathersleg |
My daughter is in year 1, so is due to go back on the 1st of June.
The headteacher completed a zoom meeting with all the parents earlier this week, outlining all the schools plans. They have done a good job, in as much as they can, but i still don’t feel comfortable about it and I got the impression that he was just doing as he is told rather than him thinking it’s the right time (he didn’t say that and that was just my thoughts!).
They are completing a full day for 4 days a week and will be in very small classes (maximum 10) with staggered breaks and lunches. They will have their own resources put on the table each day and have to sit 2 metres a part. Every Friday there will be a deep clean (hence the 4 day week).
He gave us 3 options as parents - 1 your child will come back on the 1st of June. 2 your child will return this term but at a later date. 3 your child will return in September. He made it very clear that no child will be forced to return on the 1st of June and their will be no ‘fines’ for non attendance. He did say that if they come back on the 1st, that they should really stick with it though (unless they are poorly)
I went for option 2 as I still feel it’s too early and I would prefer it if the track and trace was in place; I would feel much more confident then.
How do you feel? |  | | |
| School return on 10:42 - May 21 with 1965 views | Swansea_Blue |
Nothing from the schools yet over here in Wales; we're behind - we're still in lockdown for another week. The Welsh Govt have published their preliminary thinking on this saying they'd like year 6 and kids with exams next year to go back before the summer, but I don't think anyone else will be back. They've been highly critical of the English plan. |  |
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| School return on 10:44 - May 21 with 1964 views | StokieBlue |
| School return on 10:35 - May 21 by sparks |
I remain baffled by the insistence on reception and year 1 being one of the groups prioritised. They have no exams pending, and will not suffer (as demonstrated by many nations who start school later than we do).
Is it on the basis that parents might be more inclined to leave older kids- 8 years olds and such, at home and go to work!??? |
Agree that it doesn't seem to make sense.
At primary school, Year 5 would be a priority for some given 11+ exams are due in September but that's obviously not important to many people who won't be taking them.
In reality it's debatable whether any years at primary school at high priority before the next school year. I could see a vague case for Year 6 to ensure they are up to speed to start the secondary school curriculum but even then it's arguably not essential and could be made up or done from home.
I do understand that many people might not be able to continue to WFH for that long though or that they might need to go back to work when furlough finishes. These would seem to be the motivation rather than education.
SB | |
| Avatar - IC410 - Tadpoles Nebula |
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| School return on 10:54 - May 21 with 1944 views | Darth_Koont |
Yes, that's the strangest part for me with the holidays coming up anyway.
Seems a token, political effort at the moment. If the emphasis is on children's social development and/or having some structure in their lives then the focus should be on filling the empty wasteland until school is properly back in September. Whether it's the government or education authorities, there should be some kind of plan rather than leaving it up to millions of parents who aren't actually experts in child development and education, much as they like to think they are. |  |
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| School return on 10:55 - May 21 with 1937 views | sparks |
| School return on 10:41 - May 21 by pennyfathersleg |
My daughter is in year 1, so is due to go back on the 1st of June.
The headteacher completed a zoom meeting with all the parents earlier this week, outlining all the schools plans. They have done a good job, in as much as they can, but i still don’t feel comfortable about it and I got the impression that he was just doing as he is told rather than him thinking it’s the right time (he didn’t say that and that was just my thoughts!).
They are completing a full day for 4 days a week and will be in very small classes (maximum 10) with staggered breaks and lunches. They will have their own resources put on the table each day and have to sit 2 metres a part. Every Friday there will be a deep clean (hence the 4 day week).
He gave us 3 options as parents - 1 your child will come back on the 1st of June. 2 your child will return this term but at a later date. 3 your child will return in September. He made it very clear that no child will be forced to return on the 1st of June and their will be no ‘fines’ for non attendance. He did say that if they come back on the 1st, that they should really stick with it though (unless they are poorly)
I went for option 2 as I still feel it’s too early and I would prefer it if the track and trace was in place; I would feel much more confident then.
How do you feel? |
It is absurd to set this up before track and trace is in place. (which I am sure it will not be, in any effective form, by 1 June)
Neither of mine are in a year group that is expected to go back just yet.
Problem here is that the givernment are not being transparent about the scientific advice being received. We do not know what the advisers actually say about any of this. | |
| The presence of those seeking the truth is infinitely to be preferred to the presence of those who think they've found it.
(Sir Terry Pratchett) | | Poll: | Is Fred drunk this morning? |
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| School return on 11:02 - May 21 with 1932 views | Fixed_It |
Many kids - especially the younger ones - will be traumatised by the experience. This won't be school as they know it. Social distancing is not normal.
I know of a Deputy Head who was all set to send his Year 1 daughter back to school. She was looking forward to it. The school sent pictures of what the classrooms would look like so that parents and children could see what arrangements had been put in place. His daughter burst into tears, and they are now reconsidering.
I fully suspect that numbers attending will drop dramatically when the kids realise that school is not as they remember it. A lot of effort for very little gain. And to target Year 1 and Reception is just bizarre! [Post edited 21 May 2020 11:04]
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| School return on 11:03 - May 21 with 1912 views | Mullet |
| School return on 10:54 - May 21 by Darth_Koont |
Yes, that's the strangest part for me with the holidays coming up anyway.
Seems a token, political effort at the moment. If the emphasis is on children's social development and/or having some structure in their lives then the focus should be on filling the empty wasteland until school is properly back in September. Whether it's the government or education authorities, there should be some kind of plan rather than leaving it up to millions of parents who aren't actually experts in child development and education, much as they like to think they are. |
It sounds dramatic, but it seems to be a clear intention of scapegoating.
Essentially an ideological move to show the public that government aren't stopping you doing XYZ, the bad things happening are out of their hands despite their best efforts.
It is entirely economically motivated, and I have some sympathy that it cannot last, nor should it. But this goes back to the Southend thread and the prevailing attitudes fostered by years of neo-liberalism etc. | |
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| School return on 11:04 - May 21 with 1908 views | ElephantintheRoom |
| School return on 10:55 - May 21 by sparks |
It is absurd to set this up before track and trace is in place. (which I am sure it will not be, in any effective form, by 1 June)
Neither of mine are in a year group that is expected to go back just yet.
Problem here is that the givernment are not being transparent about the scientific advice being received. We do not know what the advisers actually say about any of this. |
I admire your faith in the 'world-leading track and trace' as it might apply to primary school kids | |
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| School return on 11:04 - May 21 with 1909 views | giant_stow |
We haven't heard anything about when our year 2 kid is going back, but imo, it can't come soon enough (mrs disagrees).
Yes there's nothing in particular to be gained academically from going back that can;t wait until september, but then again, we're trying hard to keep him ticking along there. Maybe others can't do this.
My real worry is the social and socialisation side. His behaviour is getting really distressed (violence, swearing and spitting) and as an only child, there's only so much we can play with him as we're both working from home.
I've heard from one friend where both he and his mrs are working for a bank full time from home. They've had occasionas when they both have online meetings at the same time and have had no choice but to shut their kids in the front room for the duration. I'm don;t think I;d do that mysefl but I can see where they're coming from.
I get that physical saefty is important, but so to is mental health and I can testify that in our kid's case, its dipping dangerously. If we have to wait another 3.5 months before he goes back, gawd knows what state he'll be in and I doubt he's alone in that.
This isn;t simple. |  |
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| School return on 11:10 - May 21 with 1872 views | Darth_Koont |
| School return on 11:03 - May 21 by Mullet |
It sounds dramatic, but it seems to be a clear intention of scapegoating.
Essentially an ideological move to show the public that government aren't stopping you doing XYZ, the bad things happening are out of their hands despite their best efforts.
It is entirely economically motivated, and I have some sympathy that it cannot last, nor should it. But this goes back to the Southend thread and the prevailing attitudes fostered by years of neo-liberalism etc. |
With kids there is some science there too. It's not just economic - or at least shouldn't be.
But, as you say, it's still hard to see past the politics of this and the sloping of the shoulders so that responsibility falls onto the general public. It ties fully into the half-@rsed messaging and chaotic easing of the lockdown for the rest of the population too.
There needs to be a clarity of purpose from the government but I suspect it's their purpose that they most need to hide. | |
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| School return on 11:15 - May 21 with 1849 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| School return on 11:02 - May 21 by Fixed_It |
Many kids - especially the younger ones - will be traumatised by the experience. This won't be school as they know it. Social distancing is not normal.
I know of a Deputy Head who was all set to send his Year 1 daughter back to school. She was looking forward to it. The school sent pictures of what the classrooms would look like so that parents and children could see what arrangements had been put in place. His daughter burst into tears, and they are now reconsidering.
I fully suspect that numbers attending will drop dramatically when the kids realise that school is not as they remember it. A lot of effort for very little gain. And to target Year 1 and Reception is just bizarre! [Post edited 21 May 2020 11:04]
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I dont think it will be a traumatic experience.
It wont be like the photos of that school in France. Apparently we will be using a model more like that used in Denmark.
There wont be strict social distancing as such, but they will be restricted to small groups / classes. |  |
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| School return on 11:20 - May 21 with 1823 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| School return on 10:41 - May 21 by pennyfathersleg |
My daughter is in year 1, so is due to go back on the 1st of June.
The headteacher completed a zoom meeting with all the parents earlier this week, outlining all the schools plans. They have done a good job, in as much as they can, but i still don’t feel comfortable about it and I got the impression that he was just doing as he is told rather than him thinking it’s the right time (he didn’t say that and that was just my thoughts!).
They are completing a full day for 4 days a week and will be in very small classes (maximum 10) with staggered breaks and lunches. They will have their own resources put on the table each day and have to sit 2 metres a part. Every Friday there will be a deep clean (hence the 4 day week).
He gave us 3 options as parents - 1 your child will come back on the 1st of June. 2 your child will return this term but at a later date. 3 your child will return in September. He made it very clear that no child will be forced to return on the 1st of June and their will be no ‘fines’ for non attendance. He did say that if they come back on the 1st, that they should really stick with it though (unless they are poorly)
I went for option 2 as I still feel it’s too early and I would prefer it if the track and trace was in place; I would feel much more confident then.
How do you feel? |
Im probably in a similar boat to you. | |
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| School return on 11:22 - May 21 with 1817 views | Fixed_It |
| School return on 11:15 - May 21 by Marshalls_Mullet |
I dont think it will be a traumatic experience.
It wont be like the photos of that school in France. Apparently we will be using a model more like that used in Denmark.
There wont be strict social distancing as such, but they will be restricted to small groups / classes. |
With respect I think I know more about it than you do. One child per desk - which only they can sit on.. Crosses on desks with tape to show where not to sit. Only allowed to use their own equipment. No mixing with other groups. Staggered break times. Seperate entrances and exits. Markers on the floor to show where to sit.
Believe me - this is also breaking teachers' hearts too - as it isn't the way school is meant to be. | |
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| School return on 11:29 - May 21 with 1782 views | Swansea_Blue |
| School return on 11:04 - May 21 by giant_stow |
We haven't heard anything about when our year 2 kid is going back, but imo, it can't come soon enough (mrs disagrees).
Yes there's nothing in particular to be gained academically from going back that can;t wait until september, but then again, we're trying hard to keep him ticking along there. Maybe others can't do this.
My real worry is the social and socialisation side. His behaviour is getting really distressed (violence, swearing and spitting) and as an only child, there's only so much we can play with him as we're both working from home.
I've heard from one friend where both he and his mrs are working for a bank full time from home. They've had occasionas when they both have online meetings at the same time and have had no choice but to shut their kids in the front room for the duration. I'm don;t think I;d do that mysefl but I can see where they're coming from.
I get that physical saefty is important, but so to is mental health and I can testify that in our kid's case, its dipping dangerously. If we have to wait another 3.5 months before he goes back, gawd knows what state he'll be in and I doubt he's alone in that.
This isn;t simple. |
It's not easy, for sure. We're luck that ours are a bit older, but colleagues with younger kids are having a difficult time. And we've got an understanding employer, many don't have that luxury. | |
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| School return on 11:32 - May 21 with 1767 views | giant_stow |
| School return on 11:29 - May 21 by Swansea_Blue |
It's not easy, for sure. We're luck that ours are a bit older, but colleagues with younger kids are having a difficult time. And we've got an understanding employer, many don't have that luxury. |
Yeah, a lot rests on the employer for sure. At least we're lucky there as I'm self-employed and the mrs works for schools, but anyone in a more corporate environment must be struggling at times I guess. | |
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| School return on 11:33 - May 21 with 1767 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| School return on 11:22 - May 21 by Fixed_It |
With respect I think I know more about it than you do. One child per desk - which only they can sit on.. Crosses on desks with tape to show where not to sit. Only allowed to use their own equipment. No mixing with other groups. Staggered break times. Seperate entrances and exits. Markers on the floor to show where to sit.
Believe me - this is also breaking teachers' hearts too - as it isn't the way school is meant to be. |
But kids also aren't supposed to be kept at home for 3 months with no interaction with their friends either.
I say lets try it, and assess it after a week or so.
If your child isnt happy, dont send them back. | |
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| School return on 11:35 - May 21 with 1756 views | giant_stow |
| School return on 11:22 - May 21 by Fixed_It |
With respect I think I know more about it than you do. One child per desk - which only they can sit on.. Crosses on desks with tape to show where not to sit. Only allowed to use their own equipment. No mixing with other groups. Staggered break times. Seperate entrances and exits. Markers on the floor to show where to sit.
Believe me - this is also breaking teachers' hearts too - as it isn't the way school is meant to be. |
It does seem like a pretty bleak picture on their return. But at least they'll be able to talk and interact with each other to some degree. Maybe they'll learn to cope?
Edit: don't forget that status quo is also pretty bleak too btw. [Post edited 21 May 2020 11:38]
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| School return on 11:37 - May 21 with 1752 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| School return on 11:35 - May 21 by giant_stow |
It does seem like a pretty bleak picture on their return. But at least they'll be able to talk and interact with each other to some degree. Maybe they'll learn to cope?
Edit: don't forget that status quo is also pretty bleak too btw. [Post edited 21 May 2020 11:38]
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To be honest, the measures set out above dont sound too traumatic.
Yes, not ideal, but kids adapt, and they are used to going to school to follow rules and to sit where they are told.
I think we should have more faith in our kids' ability to adapt. | |
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| School return on 11:41 - May 21 with 1733 views | giant_stow |
| School return on 11:37 - May 21 by Marshalls_Mullet |
To be honest, the measures set out above dont sound too traumatic.
Yes, not ideal, but kids adapt, and they are used to going to school to follow rules and to sit where they are told.
I think we should have more faith in our kids' ability to adapt. |
I agree, but then maybe I'm desperate. Staying like this is harming our family. Obviously there's deeper pre-existing stuff at the play and we must have made some bad mistakes as parents, but that doesn't mean I should just accept our lot and not try to fix it. Returning to school seems the most obvious fix. | |
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| School return on 11:43 - May 21 with 1722 views | Marshalls_Mullet |
| School return on 11:41 - May 21 by giant_stow |
I agree, but then maybe I'm desperate. Staying like this is harming our family. Obviously there's deeper pre-existing stuff at the play and we must have made some bad mistakes as parents, but that doesn't mean I should just accept our lot and not try to fix it. Returning to school seems the most obvious fix. |
Sorry to hear about it causing your family harm.
Thankfully, that's not the case for us, but my kids do need some interaction with their friends. | |
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| School return on 11:48 - May 21 with 1704 views | Mullet |
| School return on 11:41 - May 21 by giant_stow |
I agree, but then maybe I'm desperate. Staying like this is harming our family. Obviously there's deeper pre-existing stuff at the play and we must have made some bad mistakes as parents, but that doesn't mean I should just accept our lot and not try to fix it. Returning to school seems the most obvious fix. |
I don't think you've done anything wrong as parents, certainly not where you can point to it and say it's this flaw which has caused this behaviour. This is a totally abnormal situation where adults aren't coping. To be at a developmental stage where all the normal routines and stimulus is taken away is going to cause problems.
There have been days where our 2 year old has really struggled and me too as a result. Let alone the pressures of work and other factors.
Being able to top cope with a once in a 100 year event like this isn't a test of parenting but circumstances.
We won't be "going back to school" we'll be going back to the building and operating in a totally alien way, at best. That won't be a fix, it'll be something else in the mix is all. It might go well or it might go worse. | |
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