Schools and social distancing

[LMcD]

I think school staff are expendable in the important "fight"

[ardcarp]

ALL schools, state and private

Does it definitely apply to independents schools? One such, not far from us, declared itself closed for the entire Summer Term.

[MrGongGong]

Does it definitely apply to independents schools? One such, not far from us, declared itself closed for the entire Summer Term.

I would assume that they can choose to close if they like
in the same way that they are allowed to choose to employ unqualified teachers

Freedom innit

[oddoneout]

Does it definitely apply to independents schools? One such, not far from us, declared itself closed for the entire Summer Term.

Presumably it's a business rather than DFE policy decision for them?

[LMcD]

Presumably it's a business rather than DFE policy decision for them?

Perhaps the DFE believes that decisions regarding the re-opening of state schools are the responsibility of head teachers, governors or local authorities alone, rather than a matter for the Department. Rather than commit themselves to a definite view, they could set up a dedicated telephone helpline - manned by volunteers, of course - to deal with any queries or problems.

[DracoM]

I would assume that they can choose to close if they like
in the same way that they are allowed to choose to employ unqualified teachers

Freedom innit

BUT many of such schools are in smallish market towns where the likelihood of these 'outsiders' bringing in all manner of infections is well-known already.
Which is why i sad that boarding schools actually present far more of a local problem - and that's just to the people in the towns where they are situated, let alone the teachers and of necessity bigger admin teams.

[MrGongGong]

BUT many of such schools are in smallish market towns where the likelihood of these 'outsiders' bringing in all manner of infections is well-known already.
Which is why i sad that boarding schools actually present far more of a local problem - and that's just to the people in the towns where they are situated, let alone the teachers and of necessity bigger admin teams.

Absolutely
At the start, they were more likely to be places where the virus would occur. But, probably not anymore.

A total mess which was predicted and expected.

[ardcarp]

I pity primary school teachers who will be coping with Reception, Years 1 & 6, PLUS kids of any age up to 11 (a) whose parents are essential workers, or (b) come from difficult backgrounds.

[DracoM]

Yep, dead right. Chaos and worry for all.

[Pulcinella]

The Year 5 teacher I work with as a volunteer sent his message to the class from school this morning, rather than home. Understandably, he said that he would not be available as much to help them.
I suspect that the staff are taking turns to help out at the school itself.

I fear that my volunteering days there may well be over, which will be a great shame.

[teamsaint]

I pity primary school teachers who will be coping with Reception, Years 1 & 6, PLUS kids of any age up to 11 (a) whose parents are essential workers, or (b) come from difficult backgrounds.

This is either very poorly thought through, or just plain reckless.
The unions have it spot on, there should be no further kids in school until a proven contact tracing system is in place, as well as appropriate PPE, distancing, etc.
I wonder where unions stand legally if they instruct their members not to work ?

[MrGongGong]

This is either very poorly thought through, or just plain reckless.
The unions have it spot on, there should be no further kids in school until a proven contact tracing system is in place, as well as appropriate PPE, distancing, etc.
I wonder where unions stand legally if they instruct their members not to work ?

"Social distancing" for reception and year 1



yeah right

FFS, come on Boris, time you did a Gummer and waved one of your sprogs at the "herd"

[Serial_Apologist]

Presumably the same situation as other "essential workers". I imagine that health workers who are in the most danger of spreading the virus are given proper advice. In my experience (I work for Royal Mail, a nephew works as a baker for a supermarket) no advice is given

Incidentally, staff at Royal Mail who are under retirement age but have non shield-able (haven't got "the letter") underlying health issues are not being paid if they stay at home. Unpaid leave is available. This despite being a heavily unionised company. This is because the Gov't only "strongly advise" this group to stay home

That's since privatisation - presumably the unions either had to cave in or accede to the new conditions of employment. This can show what happens when you concede the first step along the road to selling your soul (perdition).

[DracoM]

Yes, I agree - concerning.