AIBU No going back to school I’m furious.

I realise that growstuff but if all the private school kids went back into the state system tomorrow that would be a nightmare.

That's not going to happen. However, my own experience of private tuition is that some parents who could afford private education prefer to send their children to state schools and pay for private tuition in certain subjects at key times - having, of course, gamed the system so that they live in the catchment area of a perceived "good" school. That's very good news for me, of course.

To be honest, there are some private schools which really aren't worth the fees. Parents send their children to private schools for all sorts of reasons, but it's not always because they'll end up with better academic results. They have fantastic sports facilities, which suit some pupils. Sometimes parents end their children to private schools because they think their children just wouldn't cope with the hurly burly of the state system.

Having said that, there's no doubt that private schools were better resourced to cope with this pandemic, which they damned well should be. State schools receive about £5,000 - £6,000 per pupil. Some of the most prestigious independent schools charge £35,000 a year, so there would be something seriously wrong if they couldn't provide more. If all state schools received even double what they currently do per pupil, the UK really could have a truly world class education system.

France returns to school ........
"From today the physical distancing rules have been relaxed and the 4 sqm space requirement per pupil has been scrapped, along with the 15-pupil limit on class sizes (or 10 for nurseries).
Until now sending children back to school has been optional for parents, but from 22nd June the usual rules resume."

The R rate has gone right up again in Germany.

France's schools have already been open for some time. The requirement foe 4.2 sqm is controversial because a number of schools have had to shut within days of opening and dozens of families have gone into quarantine to prevent further spread. Many people think it's too early.

The summer holidays in France start in two weeks, so they won't have very long to see the effects.

The same is happening in Germany. Some areas have had to go back into lockdown and all the schools closed. Both France and German governments are facing the same kind of pressures from the public and business as in the UK

The UK could usefully watch and learn from France and Germany's experience. Both have more effective find, test and isolate policies, which is why they've managed to pick up infections so quickly. I'd be much more confident if the UK had the same systems.

Callistemon Yes, it has and the country is probably about to have another lockdown. In her speech when lockdown measures were eased, Merkel warned the public that this could happen. The Germans don't like it any more than the British do, but they're prepared for it.

Welsh schools will not be staying open for an extra week in July as the unions were not happy about that proposal by the Welsh Government. The proposal was to have a two week half term in October, which could have caused some problems for parents needing childcare.

So each Welsh pupil will get three days in school before the summer holidays.

And as the chicken processing plant (perfect conditions for the virus to thrive) in Anglesey has now 158 testing positive their schools will not be opening in line with the rest of Wales.

I have no idea how far behind France the UK is. My guess is a couple of weeks? I agree we need to watch and learn, but by that reckoning our children could see a brief return before the summer holidays which are that much later in July than in France.

May7

And as the chicken processing plant (perfect conditions for the virus to thrive) in Anglesey has now 158 testing positive their schools will not be opening in line with the rest of Wales.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned elsewhere, and not really to do with schools, just lockdown in general, but there has also been a major outbreak (over 1000 cases) based in an abattoir/meat processing plant In Germany , effectively locking down a large area of Nord-Rhein Westfalen.
Again, the cold conditions in the plant while good for the suppression of bacteria seem to actually encourage the spread of the virus.
A warning for next winter.

I share your concern about the winter months, when people are indoors all the time and in close proximity. By that time the second wave will be upon us and we will have to be into a new lockdown scenario, with no meetings in gardens without eskimo gear on!

I am making hay while the sun shines here and meeting folk in their gardens.

I am making hay while the sun shines here and meeting folk in their garden

Good for you Luckygirl
Do you have one of these or just an ordinary Flymo?

MawB- phew, where do you get those from?!
I have an ordinary lawn mower and fortunately for me, a husband who uses it. But- one of those would be interesting...

That young man will regret not wearing a vest!

Oh it may be ok now Jane10, my grannie always said vest/liberty bodice till the end of May. "'ne'er cast a clout till May is out"

Like everything else Iam - Amazon (or Amazin as I call it!)

It's 'amazin' how this thread has ended up!
Only on Gransnet!

Yes Jane, but won't the teachers get strict if the comments drift off from the topic? Marks get taken off for irrelevancies!

It was MawB's fault. She started it and ran away miss.

MawB 100 lines.

The nice man's coming to scythe my lawns tomorrow.

Our 'nice man' who cuts our lawn somehow doesn't make me want to see him topless!

ee' belong to Bosvena Callistemon?

Jane

Ee's a bit more mature than Maw's toyboy
But very nice even with his top on.

Brilliant Headmaster from Dorchester on TV last night, now has 85% of pupils back at school. The children were a delight showing the cameras round, so relaxed and positive. Explaining all the social distancing measures with clear understanding. Way to go!
Comment from reader of the Dorset Echo .....
"Ihave nothing but admiration and respect for this headteacher. He has addressed both the risks and the needs of the students. I wish other schools would take note rather than moaning about how hard it is. Things are moving forward and it's the likes of schools that hold debate rather than go with the governments advice which will hold the current younger generation's education back."