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Kids back to school

(106 Posts)
Toddy Sun 23-Aug-20 19:50:31

Well, start of term is nearly here and like many grandparents, we will be doing school runs and helping with childcare. Just wondering if people in a similar position have developed anti-covid routines they are happy to share? I'm thinking about things like school pick up - hand sanitizer before kids get in car? Getting changed out of uniform or shower on arrival home? Separate toilets, own towels etc for children at our house? I will have a preschooler and 2 at school for 3 days a week and want to keep us all as safe as possible. Thanks in advance.

Ellianne Wed 26-Aug-20 11:44:22

Yes Franbern, same routine here when I was a child. I loved it when I went to school in France though because I could rush home and go straight out to play in the same clothes. We just wore smock overall things at school, no uniforms there.
Uniform is such a British thing although I digress.

MissAdventure Wed 26-Aug-20 11:49:32

Meantime, I'm in the process of buying a third lot of uniform.

The one before lockdown was grown out of.
3 weeks before the summer holidays uniform had to be worn again (despite the fact that it's impractical for frequent washing)

Now, 6 weeks later, a whole new lot needs to be provided.

Greenfinch Wed 26-Aug-20 12:06:03

I am very glad grandson's school has said uniforms do not need to be washed more frequently than normal. With two aged 13 I would find it very difficult. We had to queue up for half an hour at least yesterday to get inside our local Clark's shop to find his feet had grown one and a half sizes since before lockdown.I am fearful for him going back to school because of his autism. He is going to find things so very different. I am with you MissAdventure

MissAdventure Wed 26-Aug-20 12:11:36

I have had to order the uniform in from the shop which does "his" school kit.
A lot of it isn't in stock, and I've had to guess what size he has grown to.

Had to pay for special delivery, and have to hope I'm home when it comes.

His feet have grown from a 5 to a 9!!!

Third pair of kickers need to be got, still.

Galaxy Wed 26-Aug-20 12:13:16

Green finch I dont know if it helps but I measured my sons feet at home using the Clark's machine and online calculator.

Greenfinch Wed 26-Aug-20 12:15:21

What is that Galaxy?

GrannyGravy13 Wed 26-Aug-20 12:20:35

MissAdventure

I have had to order the uniform in from the shop which does "his" school kit.
A lot of it isn't in stock, and I've had to guess what size he has grown to.

Had to pay for special delivery, and have to hope I'm home when it comes.

His feet have grown from a 5 to a 9!!!

Third pair of kickers need to be got, still.

Miss A if it is the shop near me P---Sport I can always pop in and pick it up for you

MissAdventure Wed 26-Aug-20 12:24:38

It is, grannygravy.
How kind of you! smile

Well, I've paid for delivery now (in for a penny, in for a pound - or several hundred!)

The post here is appalling, though, so I may ask your help, if things don't work out, if that's ok?

I'm blown away by your kindness, though. thanks

GrannyGravy13 Wed 26-Aug-20 12:30:11

Don't be sill Miss A that's what friends are for ?

MissAdventure Wed 26-Aug-20 12:32:03

smile
Ah, you lovely woman.

Gwyneth Wed 26-Aug-20 12:39:50

I am not yet a grandparent but after reading all the posts on this thread it sounds terrifying. I understand about supporting and spending quality time with grandchildren but it really sounds like once they arrive you can forget about your own life completely.
I loved having my own children. However, I don’t think I would want to spend my retirement looking after grandchildren. I just wouldn’t have the energy. Quality time yes but not quantity.

MissAdventure Wed 26-Aug-20 12:41:43

I felt exactly the same, actually, so I understand completely.

growstuff Wed 26-Aug-20 12:52:52

With all this talk of uniform, clothing isn't the main route for transmission. Try to make sure they don't come within 1.5 metres of you and train them not to cough or sneeze in your direction. Make sure rooms are ventilated and spend as much time outside as possible. Primary school pupils in particular could be asymptomatic and have been proven to be vectors for transmission.

Personally, I wouldn't go anywhere near any pupils who's been in a school until October at the earliest, when there's a better picture of what's happening.

I bet not many people would volunteer to stay with 30 other people in a room measuring 8x8 metres for five hours, especially as you will have no idea who they've been in contact with.

MissAdventure Wed 26-Aug-20 12:57:07

I'm only talking about uniform because I'm peeved that it's probably around £800 I've spent up to now.

Gwyneth Wed 26-Aug-20 12:57:15

Thank you MissAdventure but I suspect we’re in the minority!!

MissAdventure Wed 26-Aug-20 12:59:44

There was a thread a while back, Gwyneth, and it's quite surprising (I thought) that there are a good few who are happy to play a supporting role, rather than being in the thick of it all with grandchildren.

Galaxy Wed 26-Aug-20 14:12:41

Green finch if you go on the Clark's website they sell the measuring gauges they are £12, once it arrives there is a video online to show you how you do it. Its very easy. Just thought it might help in the future.

Ellianne Wed 26-Aug-20 14:58:43

Yes, I bought a startrite one because my grandchildren have exceptionally narrow feet.

Greenfinch Wed 26-Aug-20 15:01:53

Thanks Galaxy

Franbern Wed 26-Aug-20 15:02:51

Gwyneth, youare not alone!!!
I now have eight g,children - no more will be coming. They are aged between 9yrs old and 20 yrs old. I was never that keen about becoming a g.parent. Absolutely loved being a Mum to my six, enjoyed it just as much as they grew to adulthood, so had no desire for babies/children to come between us.
Obviously, not my choice, and all my g.children have been planned and are much loved.
Except for one (who lived close to me and was a single parent), I have never been involved with child care for any of them - except on special planned occasions. THEIR children, THEIR responsibility.
I have enjoyed being the spoiling grandma, who they see on occasions, and know they can get treats from. Even the one I helped out with a couple of time a week, I was still able to maintain that role (spoiling g.ma).
My grand children make my children happy -and anything that does that is good for me.
Yes, I know on some of the threads here, grandparents seem to go overboard about their g.children. If that makes them happy so be it. Not for me though. I had the most beautiful and clever babies ever born - none that anyone else (even my children) had could ever be as good as them!!!

Wishes Wed 26-Aug-20 21:10:37

I'm due back at work next Tuesday as a TA at a special school, we stayed open during lockdown with reduced numbers.

Social distancing is not an option due to the nature of our students. Physio and using equipment such as standing frames and class workchairs mean at least two staff are in close contact with each other and each student who requires them.

My husband who is retired is concerned about my returning due to the fact 'experts' still can't agree about transmission between children themselves and adults.

Ellianne Thu 27-Aug-20 09:54:47

With all this talk of uniform, clothing isn't the main route for transmission.
Maybe not, but the poster is missing the point. Particularly at KS1 and KS2 , which the OP is talking about, younger children get slobber and bodily fluids on their clothing. Many schools are recommending a fresh change of uniform everyday. Also on PE days the children are being asked to come to school I their kit and return home in the same. It may not be the main point of transmission, but grandparents with under 11s please don't dismiss it lightly.
Isn't that why NHS staff were removing their work clothes, placing them in pillow cases and doing a high temperature wash?

chrisgrego Sun 06-Sept-20 19:22:55

Are you all sure you can help out with childcare from a "rules" point of view?
1. Are you sure you can social distance (no hugs ect) when they are at your homes?
2. Pre school kids how do you change nappies and comfort without breaking social distance rules?
3. Can you really have them in your car?
4. Can you hold their hand when crossing roads and hug them before they go in school

greengreengrass Sun 06-Sept-20 19:27:56

Totally respect those who feel they can't do child care. Their choice.

As for everyone else, of course hand washing and washing clothes, as far as you feel comfortable.

And that is the best that we can do, aside form following guidelines, our instincts and hoping for the best.

MawB2 Sun 06-Sept-20 19:37:27

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