Schools Reopening

This will spread the virus like wild fire it’s a crazy strategy as no households can meet up ( other than 1 from 2 metres away) but this will counter that in a week.
 
Hi Petrio what is your professional opinion on the capability of social distancing and controlling the virus in a school setting especially at the age groups mentioned.
 
Some schools will open next week, a lot more on the 8th and 15th. Not many will take Reception, Y1 and Y6 back straight away as the government wants them to but a trickle back to normality will start. It is a very difficult choice for parents as to whether they send their kids back to school. Most kids are desperate to go back to see their friends and for some see the light at the end of the tunnel by doing the most consistent and normal thing they have in their lives, going to school. Parents will nervously agree and hope the arrangements keep them safe. Many other parents however will see it as too big a risk and continue to keep their kids close to home. Neither is right or wrong, this is a complex issue with positives and negatives on both sides and what people shouldn’t do is judge or criticise parents for making their own personal decision - we have no idea of the circumstances of each case.
 
Hi Petrio what is your professional opinion on the capability of social distancing and controlling the virus in a school setting especially at the age groups mentioned.

Social distancing won't really happen. We'll try but it's impossible to do properly, especially without scaring the youngest children senseless. This is being carefully managed buy using 'bubbles' of people. My own situation is that I am having roughly eleven (could rise to fifteen) children and one teaching assistant with me. We are the only people who will be in contact with each other. Play areas are segregated and start of day, end of day, playtimes and lunchtimes are staggered throughout the school.

Anyone who displays Covid 19 symptoms is to be sent home immediately and tested. If they test positive, the entire bubble of people go home and isolate (14 days).

By using these 'bubbles' the risk is, apparently, very, very low. I have a few doubts but honestly, think it is manageable. The real problems will arise when and if we are asked to bring the rest of the children back. It will turn a logistical nightmare into an impossible situation.
 
I think the risk is more for staff who are either are vulnerable due to health conditions, or for some family members associated with the staff or school kids who are vulnerable. The talk of personal safety is generally overplayed, although still present, when it comes to the kids and many of the staff (those not in at risk groups). It's more a case of whether it is the right thing for the protection of society as a whole and keeping the spread down. Probably not, but then neither is sending people back to work or opening shops etc.
 
The main issue for me is that the very young children aren't going back to a familiar school environment. They will not like it, they won't even recognise it.

It is another poor strategy by the government.
 
The main issue for me is that the very young children aren't going back to a familiar school environment. They will not like it, they won't even recognise it.

It is another poor strategy by the government.

I agree with that, that's my main concern. The school my young daughter is used to is all about friendly interaction and play, as you'd want in year 1.
 
The main issue for me is that the very young children aren't going back to a familiar school environment. They will not like it, they won't even recognise it.

It is another poor strategy by the government.

Not sure this helps but Child psychologist on the beeb this morning being very reassuring that kids are remarkably quick to adapt and will do so.
Tough decision tho - if mine were that young I wouldn’t be letting them back.
As far as I’m aware it is a guideline not an instruction.
 
Not sticking up for government but what would be a good strategy?
Would what be a good strategy? The kids interacting? No. The point was about potentially not sending kids as it isn't a good environment for them, not that the measures in place are wrong.
 
The government has already conceded in guidance to schools that social distancing for the youngest year groups isn’t possible. Planning for the youngest is around hand washing and sanitising everything they come into touch with which won’t be much as all soft play, books etc won’t be available. Everyone knows you can’t socially distance 4 and 5 year olds as psychologically in the long run it does far more harm than good.
 
The government has already conceded in guidance to schools that social distancing for the youngest year groups isn’t possible. Planning for the youngest is around hand washing and sanitising everything they come into touch with which won’t be much as all soft play, books etc won’t be available. Everyone knows you can’t socially distance 4 and 5 year olds as psychologically in the long run it does far more harm than good.
Yes. The letter we had received from our nursery also confirmed that the government had told all early years settings that social distancing wasn't manageable.
Quick update though, the nursery we use isn't opening until June 15th now.
 
We have Y10's in school from 8th June and also vulnerable and key workers children. The Y10's are all suppose to remain in one area and the other students on the lower floor.

I have to go into a staff meeting next week to discuss exactly what is happening.
 
Surprised they are bringing Y10 back. The general view is get them in for 1 to 1 with Tutor and subject teachers to review gaps in learning and agree a study package from now till September. Very few schools I know taking any secondary students back before September as providing school transport is currently seen as a problem without a solution. DFE helpfully saying it is a Department of Transport issue. You can guess what the DoT said when I approached them!
 
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