Worried

I am teaching online, Growstuff. Awful, it is too. I didn’t realise how much of a ‘hands on’ teacher I was before. Being reduced to a voice and a screen is SO hard. Planning for it is taking me ages. We have only been authorised to use one specific system, so can’t use any of the other great software that’s out there.

I think Switzerland will be out of lockdown before us, which is when they’ll want me back. Online lessons are only in place while the school is closed.

I’m trying to ‘wait and see’.

We might still be in Lockdown, so the choice might be out of your hands, as it’s a preliminary opening date, that too might change.
If the opening date firms up maybe a chat with your Head might give you more options? If you have been so successful working from home maybe you will be allowed to do it for longer.
Best to try not to stress about it yet.

Gagajo under the circumstances I feel you should follow your heart not your head, if something feels wrong it usually turns out to be so.

Gagajo Why can't you teach exam classes online? I belong to a number of teaching groups (UK and international) and it seems many teachers are still teaching exam classes online. The problem is how to conduct the assessments, but that's not your problem.

I think if I don't go back, they won't pay me for May or June. Plus all my stuff is there and I have a school Mac (for work). I'm not furloughed. I'm working, from home, far longer hours than usual. Till 10.30 last night.

Is it possible the school would quarantine you after you arrive there? This would as near as possible ensure you were not carrying the virus into the school.

Another good post there MawB.

I have family and friends who are self employed and so unable to work but not eligible for benefits.

I think there could be an awful lot of people in that group,(people suffering from anxiety about travel to work) grannynannywanny and TBH I think it unlikely that that would constitute a reason to be “signed off” - but who am I to say? If gagajo has been furloughed or is indeed on full pay while the school remains closed, she is luckier than many and if term ends in June that is only a month later.
I would say cut your losses frankly, although whether benefits would be payable remains to be seen.

Gagajo as you’ve stated that the situation is making you very anxious would it be worthwhile having a phone chat with your GP? Doctor might provide note certifying you are unfit to currently resume work

On previous posts, you have said how you are self isolating and being very careful not to put yourself at any sort of risk, if I remember correctly.

I wouldn’t go back. It’s not worth it, even if you need the money.

Where are you going in August gaga ?
It sounds as if you might be safer over there I think SueDonin has a good idea could anyone meet you ? But I also totally understand you’re reluctance to go on a plane even with seats not occupied planes are notorious for giving you flu and other viruses
I think it’s a real big worry for you have you approached the school to explain how bad it is here and how you don’t know how you can travel safely

Are you able to claim for benefits GagaJo? I appreciate they take time to come through but it might be worth enquiring?

I'd like it to be out of my hands. We had an Italian teacher who could get back after Italy's lockdown started and she did online teaching. But she taught middle school, whereas I have exam classes. And since my contract ends in June, I don't think they'd allow me to do that. I think they'd just stop paying me.

EasyJet have flights on sale for May. To be honest, I was hoping I wouldn't go back. I would like to remain in isolation more or less until I leave for my new job in August.

But no, I can't afford to be without my salary.

Just had a look online
COVID-19 Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice

As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available. Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving

The decision may be taken out of your hands..

Is it actually less safe - or any more unsafe- than when you left in mid-March? Everyone will be aware of the risks and presumably practising social distancing. I understand cheap airlines such as EasyJet are talking about taking out the middle seat in each row of three for instance.
If Switzerland is lifting the restrictions and if travel is possible I fear you may be on very shaky ground if you fail to return and break contract.
Can you afford to be without a job?

Could anyone from the school meet you at the other end? Or could you hire a car? Uber, wearing masks?

Are there passenger flights actually leaving the UK at the moment?
I thought all planes were grounded apart from freight and military flights.