When will the schools open again?

I’m. Still astonished that she can say her wealth big house etc makes no difference. Her children are not disabled, don’t have learning difficulties and she only has two ! She goes on to talk about how much schoolwork there is to do blah blah and if there weren’t enough I’m sure she’d moan about that !

I am very concerned about these long school closures. Seems to be our young people are paying a very high price to defend the older generation.

Obviously, it would not be right just to open schools. Not fair to anyone that way. Needs to be a planned and slow approach - a strategy - unfortunately our current government knows nothing about.

1. All staff in schools should be on the next priority list for vaccine

2. Phased opening - firstly of Years 11 and 13 (exam years) in Secondary schools and Year 6 in Primary schools.

3. As other years are brought back, I think they could all be brought in just for half a day. So, that all classrooms will only have half the number in them, and teachers could repeat their lesson plans morning and afternoon.

We have to accept that full social distancing with infant aged children is not possible. So, with just half in at any one time, it would help, and all staff need to be eligible for both shots of the vaccine as priority.

Lucca ???
The increase in domestic abuse, serious non accidental injuries to children, alongside increase in care proceedings shine a light on the growing gaps. I often feel we are living in the society Dickens wrote about.

Sorry to sidetrack but I read a thing in The Times that made me gasp at the sheer entitled arrogance of the first paragraph

Iam64
I agree, I think prolonged school closures are very damaging to our children.
To add to the problem, all their clubs have closed, they can’t see each other out of school, and the weather has made it impossible to go to the park, or skate park.
I’ve got grandchildren between 21 and 2, one is in GCSE year, and is finding it hard to motivate himself at home, a year six, who is becoming very withdrawn, all of them have been affected.
I tell myself we’re lucky, and many children are in far worse situations, but it’s still a big concern.
I absolutely do not want schools to open before it’s safe to do so, especially if it means they’ll have to close again, but I think it will be a massive relief to all, when we’re given an indication of when that might be.

You are right it is impossible to predict.
However I’m sorry but as far as schools go surely the fiasco at the end of last term and start of this one takes the absolute first prize for muddled thinking. First of all threatening legal action against schools closing a few days early before Christmas then letting them go back for one day (and no not every school had an inset day by any means ). How gavin Williamson is still in post is astonishing.

We also need information about the spread given the number of children back in school. Our local primary looks to have large numbers back. Where is the balance of risk

I agree Maw. The BBC are like a dog with a bone when they decide on a certain approach.

I agree, it’s impossible to have concrete plans in these times. School is so important for children, in so many ways. I don’t see it as unreasonable to ask for a sign this government is attempting to work out a road map on how schools can be opened to all children.
Paediatricians, GP’s. social workers , teachers and parents all point to the pressures on children and families of the lockdown.
I’m not certain how much the opening of primary schools contributed to the spread of the virus. What is certain is that low mood amongst children is increasing. I wish I had more faith in this government’s ability to have a plan, rather than reactive decisions

Kalu

Reminds me of children on a road trip...Are we almost there?

Or like this?

Yes and when I hear of the Tories badgering Boris to reopen the schools after Easter, I want to say to them, YOU get in to those schools and work then.

I don't like Boris BUT keeping schools closed is the right thing to do. I hope he is able to withstand the pressure and push back at them.

I think its being ramped up by the media ,the same as its been them who constantly "report" on the situation with hospitality .Surely people are smart enough to understand that no government especially a Tory one will willingly pay anyone for not working if its not an absolute necessity .Think about it,they wont pay for a spare bedroom or a third child so why would they spend any cash on folk who have to stay home?

I agree with MawB. They can’t open schools till it’s safe to do so and there is no sign of that being in the near future. It’s a waste of a question as it’s impossible to give an answer, especially with the new variants. Infection rates increased dramatically when schools and unis reopened and any progress we’ve made over the past few weeks will be ruined by opening up anything too soon. And they’re now saying that teachers have been infected more than other occupations eg shop workers, something that was denied at first.

Reminds me of children on a road trip...Are we almost there?

Galaxy
I agree, I don’t want them to go back before it’s safe, but my daughter and I were just discussing it, and saying how much easier it would be if the children had some idea.
Her year six daughter is getting quiet and moody, I long to pick her up from school, and hear her lovely laugh, and get a running commentary on the day.
I know Boris can’t tell us, I wouldn’t expect him to, but I’m so looking forward to the day he can.

I know quite a few parents on their knees so I dont mind them asking at all.

Yes, I’m with you. It drives me mad. When are we coming out of lockdown? What is the road map? When will schools open! When can we meet up?

As they say on QI - nobody knows?