Conflicting advice for schools

[Ivostas66]

Just spoke to the Deputy Head at work. The very confusing guidance from the DfE, which is contradictory to the PMs statement about students in Year 10 having some time towards the end of term in July to see their teachers, is causing major issues. Year 10s are actually supposed to be in from 1st of June although they refer to it as 'face to face' teaching to 'supplement the remote education... alongside the full time education they are offering to priority groups'. What that looks like, nobody knows! Yesterday the leadership team were in school measuring classrooms and calculating how many students can safely fit/ social distance in a room. It is 7 maximum for one of our bigger rooms which would normally accommodate 32 kids, but 6 for the standard sized rooms, which usually have 30+ at a squeeze. 10 of the schools classrooms will only be able to accommodate 4 kids. If the whole yeargroup is expected in, there are just about enough rooms for them if we utilise the sports hall, library and restaurant. How on earth is that going to be staffed? But then there is the question of PPE for teachers, staggered start and leave times to reduce congregating at gates, staggered breaks and lunches to minimise contact, regular cleaning of rooms between lessons, regular opportunities for teachers and students to wash hands - all of which are supposed to take place as part of social distancing.

One of the biggest concerns now though is the autumn/ winter. When people are in theory returning to schools and workplaces in greater numbers from September, it will coincide with the winter bugs that cause the NHS such problems each year. A lot of medium term planning is now focusing upon how that can be reduced.

 

[trophywench]

One Head on TV asking because they already have X essential workers children in every day and with the available space that means they can only add on another 4 pupils, which ones are they supposed to exclude?

Come to work and teach these pupils - do NOT!!!! contact your grandkids ….

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Come to work and teach these pupils - do NOT!!!! contact your grandkids ….

You can meet a grandchild outdoors, one at a time, keeping 2 metres apart.

There was also talk of encouraging summer schools taught by volunteers such as retired teachers. I'd be astonished if it's not also suggested that schools could consider opening for longer each day and at weekends. (Staffed by who I've no idea.)

(I understand the concerns: this loss of teaching is surely increasing inequality and is a serious problem.)

 

[trophywench]

Some of us are barred from leaving our homes until mid/late June, Bruce (admittedly we're retired but being as many 40yos are grandparents it's not without the realm of possibility!) And I'm talking about CONTACT - not treating them as if they and we were made of ancient Waterford crystal! In the various bits of our family, the difference in personality between the tinies regularly dumped into other willing people's TLC and those who weren't - is immense! - even when they're now over 6ft 6ins with size 12 feet.

 

[Ljc]

I see this has been well thought out, as per usual .

 

[Ivostas66]

Might not need to worry as the latest survey's are suggesting that around 70% of parents are not going to send kids back to schools due to fears about social distancing!