Kids back to school

I take my 7 year old granddaughter to school in morning and pick her up at night once a week, I am the only adult wearing a mask but I feel safer. At night I take her to my house, hands washed, uniform off,, into swimwear for her swimming lesson, the sports centre is really strict. I drop her off at 7. I'm uneasy about getting the virus but my daughter needs me to help with childcare. I clean door handles after she's gone home and wash all my clothes every day.

Looks like some of us will be home schooling again soon.

Daily Mail Article (and no, I didn't write it myself, because I am not a journalist)

However I do read newspapers because it is a responsiblity I see as a parent to stay informed. Here is the link for all those who might be interested:

www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/two-schools-are-forced-to-close-as-teachers-test-positive-for-covid-19/ar-BB18Mn8W

Post reported. Nasty, abusive, misinformed, unnecesary and attempted bullying.

One of my g.daughters is year 11 (GCSE''s next summer). Her Dad was in the shielding catogories for multiple conditions, and is the stay-at-home parent, he was trying to get all his school aged children (and his wife) now to change clothes, etc as the return home.
The school that one is at sent notices saying that ALL uniform must be put on clean each day, including blazer. My daughter contacted them pointing out that blazers are expensive and they would then need to purchase a second one, just for a few months. The school has now agreed that the blazer and her tie can be left at the school, to be worn -and just taken home for washing at weekends.
Good, helpful solution all around.
However, do think people should look at government figures for hospitalisation and deaths from this virus at present. - extremely low an flattened. Obviously, the graph for positive tests are rising as more people have such tests.

chrisgrego
I will be hugging my grandaughter when I pick her up from school.
I will be holding her hand when we cross the road.
She will be in my car for the half hour journey.
We will not be social distancing in my home.

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

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.

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

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?

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.

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!!!

Thanks Galaxy

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Ah, you lovely woman.

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

It is, grannygravy.
How kind of you!

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.

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

What is that Galaxy?