How will schools be able to go back in September?

Boggles · 24-04-2020 9:33am

Zahir Bitter Cellist wrote: »

China reopening schools have implemented some new measures: temperature checks, hand sanitiser, staggering of classes/lunches, smaller classes (down to average of 30 students per class from 50 usually) distancing at break times, disinfecting schools every day.

Mandatory masks, aggressive rapid testing, a highly sophisticated instant tracing system, a populous that will do exactly what they are told.

We have none of those things.

Wuhan are opening up final year students next month, schools remain closed.

kandr10 · 24-04-2020 9:33am

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

That is the way it is with every virus.

The comments I read seem to be implying that the virus will be as ... well ... virulent as it is now though. Is there anything to back that up I’m wondering? Obviously it’s not going to be obliterated but would exist in the population at manageable levels. The debate going on here appears to be on one side, people who believe as stringent restrictions that currently exist need to be overcome to get kids back to school and on the other hand, those who want general restrictions to be eased before schools are re opened. The first cohort of people seem to think it’s unlikely that we will get to the level the second cohort are discussing any time soon. I’m wondering the basis for this.

khalessi · 27-04-2020 12:14pm

I am just popping this up here as it could be an important development re the reopening of schools and something to watch out for:

Most children if they get Covid19 cope well and recover but there is a rise over the last few weeks in UK of children presenting with a multi-system inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK.'

They are saying it is Covid19 related and looks similar to toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease which, combined, cause harmful internal swelling, fever and breathing problems - all hallmark signs of COVID-19

https://www.hsj.co.uk/acute-care/exc...027496.article

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-children.html

If so this virus is mental in how it is affecting people and constantly changes and develops

starbaby2003 · 27-04-2020 12:28pm

khalessi wrote: »

I am just popping this up here as it could be an important development re the reopening of schools and something to watch out for:

Most children if they get Covid19 cope well and recover but there is a rise over the last few weeks in UK of children presenting with a multi-system inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK.'

They are saying it is Covid19 related and looks similar to toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease which, combined, cause harmful internal swelling, fever and breathing problems - all hallmark signs of COVID-19

https://www.hsj.co.uk/acute-care/exc...027496.article

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-children.html

If so this virus is mental in how it is affecting people and constantly changes and develops

Neither of those links work. Irrespective, using the daily mail as a source to promote fear among parents to further your own agenda is downright dangerous behaviour.

Link added to reiterate why it is not a reliable source. Fact checking being the first issue with their stories https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/feb/08/wikipedia-bans-daily-mail-as-unreliable-source-for-website

khalessi · 27-04-2020 12:32pm

starbaby2003 wrote: »

Neither of those links work. Irrespective, using the daily mail as a source to promote fear among parents to further your own agenda is downright dangerous behaviour.

Hence also quoted link to Health Service Journal buts thanks for your concern and I do not have agenda, I believe in being informed.

https://www.hsj.co.uk/

Scroll down it is the headline

trapp · 27-04-2020 12:40pm

khalessi wrote: »

Hence also quoted link to Health Service Journal buts thanks for your concern and I do not have agenda, I believe in being informed.

https://www.hsj.co.uk/

Scroll down it is the headline

I would have serious doubts over the reliability of either the daily mail or the 'health service journal'

Having read the article there doesn't seem to be much connection to coronavirus other than the headline.

Clickbait??

khalessi · 27-04-2020 12:42pm

trapp wrote: »

I would have serious doubts over the reliability of either the daily mail or the 'health service journal'

Having read the article there doesn't seem to be much connection to coronavirus other than the headline.

Clickbait??

Look it is the doctors and gps talking about it would you prefer the guardian it is there too.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/nhs-warns-of-rise-in-children-with-new-illness-that-may-be-linked-to-coronavirus

It is something the medical community are highlighting

A few weeks ago we didnt know about loss of smell or pink eyes in relation to Covid19, so I just highlighted here as it is good to be aware

starbaby2003 · 27-04-2020 12:51pm

khalessi wrote: »

Look it is the doctors and gps talking about it would you prefer the guardian it is there too.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/nhs-warns-of-rise-in-children-with-new-illness-that-may-be-linked-to-coronavirus

It is something the medical community are highlighting

A few weeks ago we didnt know about loss of smell or pink eyes in relation to Covid19, so I just highlighted here as it is good to be aware

Neither have said it is related. They both indicated it might be, there is also a big chance it might not be. The reason I think you are pushing an agenda is you are not stating facts. You are misrepresenting them to fit with what you believe they are. This is not how to ‘just share information’

khalessi · 27-04-2020 12:56pm

starbaby2003 wrote: »

Neither have said it is related. They both indicated it might be, there is also a big chance it might not be. The reason I think you are pushing an agenda is you are not stating facts. You are misrepresenting them to fit with what you believe they are. This is not how to ‘just share information’

Look I dont have an agenda so get a grip. I am not misprepresenting anything, as I said in previous children who get Covid recover well from it. It is good to be aware so I quoted the guardian for you since you can use it as a source.

Hopefully it amounts to nothing but good to know considering that a version of the warning has also been sent to all specialist doctors working in paediatric intensive care units in UK hospitals by the Paediatric Intensive Care Society in UK. THey are highlighting it and they are medical professionals.

Or is it not worth highlighting until there are 16 studies on it?

starbaby2003 · 27-04-2020 1:03pm

khalessi wrote: »

Look I dont have an agenda so get a grip. I am not misprepresenting anything, as I said in previous children who get Covid recover well from it. It is good to be aware so I quoted the guardian for you since you can use it as a source.

Hopefully it amounts to nothing but good to know considering that a version of the warning has also been sent to all specialist doctors working in paediatric intensive care units in UK hospitals by the Paediatric Intensive Care Society in UK. THey are highlighting it and they are medical professionals.

Or is it not worth highlighting until there are 16 studies on it?

Can you point out your source for this ? Who are they? Specifically the ones saying IT IS COVID

‘They are saying it is Covid19 related and looks similar to toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease which, combined, cause harmful internal swelling, fever and breathing problems - all hallmark signs of COVID-19’

Again, all I am saying is there is enough misinformation doing the rounds. Verify your sources, verify your facts.

No I don’t think 16 studies are needed but stating something is something when there is absolutely no proof it is, is irresponsible. It may very well be the case, there is a link but let’s wait for the science and not misquote articles to back up theories.

Princess Calla · 27-04-2020 1:07pm

There was a tweet from the paediatric journal posted in the main covid thread relating to this.

From the tweet it looks like they are unsure of cause whether covid 19 or another serious inflammatory pathogen.

Either way if its your kid sick in intensive care I doubt the intricacies of identification are going to be your priority.

I honestly don't know what's better news... Another side affect of Covid 19 or another pathogen infecting children, both are pretty grim to be fair.

s1ippy · 27-04-2020 1:13pm

khalessi wrote: »

I am just popping this up here as it could be an important development re the reopening of schools and something to watch out for:

Most children if they get Covid19 cope well and recover but there is a rise over the last few weeks in UK of children presenting with a multi-system inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK.'

They are saying it is Covid19 related and looks similar to toxic shock syndrome and Kawasaki disease which, combined, cause harmful internal swelling, fever and breathing problems - all hallmark signs of COVID-19

https://www.hsj.co.uk/acute-care/exc...027496.article

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-children.html

If so this virus is mental in how it is affecting people and constantly changes and develops

Do you have a good link for that first article? It would be concerning if they removed it.

khalessi · 27-04-2020 1:28pm

Star baby I am sorry I'd the Paediatric Intensive Care Society is not a good enough source

starbaby2003 · 27-04-2020 1:29pm

khalessi wrote: »

Star baby I am sorry I'd the Paediatric Intensive Care Society is not a good enough source

I didn’t say that. I see your picking out parts of text isn’t confined to articles.

Smegging hell · 28-04-2020 12:16am

RTÉ are reporting on the possible link between Covid-19 and Kawasaki disease: https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0427/1135185-doctors-explore-reports-of-inflammatory-disease-in-kids/

Scoondal · 29-04-2020 2:40am

Schools should be back in June.
The anti vax Kawasakis can keep their children at home.

khalessi · 29-04-2020 2:43am

Scoondal wrote: »

Schools should be back in June.
The anti vax Kawasakis can keep their children at home.

Explain how they are anti vax?

Scoondal · 29-04-2020 2:50am

gnf_ireland wrote: »

You do realise you don’t have to be on video during a zoom call ? It can be voice and slides only ?

If it’s not practical to work from home, you could suggest to the school that it’s opened for a short while each day to allow you work from your classroom. I am sure social isolation is possible in a classroom.

Everyone has to deal with challenges during this time. Long before this I have taken many a work call with a sick child sleeping on my shoulder. People are very understanding of people’s circumstances

But what people struggle with is radio silence from teachers or a weekly email and this constitutes going their best !!

khalessi wrote: »

Explain how they are anti vax?

What are you asking ? The multi quotes are random.

khalessi · 29-04-2020 2:53am

Scoondal wrote: »

What are you asking ? The multi quotes are random.

curious didnt see other quote when posting no idea why there.

Anyway in your comment you said anti vax Kawasakis

WHat do you mean by anti vax?

Scoondal · 29-04-2020 2:56am

I think that I have found your point of view.
I think that primary schools should be back in four weeks. If parents have concerns about any diseases, they should home school their children.

khalessi · 29-04-2020 2:57am

Scoondal wrote: »

I think that I have found your point of view.
I think that primary schools should be back in four weeks. If parents have concerns about any diseases, they should home school their children.

How does your anti vax Kawasaki remark fit in there?

Scoondal · 29-04-2020 3:05am

khalessi wrote: »

How does your anti vax Kawasaki remark fit in there?

When the schools reopen ... any parent can freely/without question from school keep their child at home. No " sorry " attendance notes.
If I consider that there is a risk of any disease ( Covid19, Anti vax children, Kawaski symptoms) I will home school.

khalessi · 29-04-2020 3:07am

Scoondal wrote: »

When the schools reopen ... any parent can freely/without question from school keep their child at home. No " sorry " attendance notes.
If I consider that there is a risk of any disease ( Covid19, Anti vax children, Kawaski symptoms) I will home school.

fine just anti vax Kawasaki incorrect terminology as there is no vaccine for Kawasaki, your terminology implies there is

Scoondal · 29-04-2020 3:20am

khalessi wrote: »

fine just anti vax Kawasaki incorrect terminology as there is no vaccine for Kawasaki, your terminology implies there is

There is no vaccine for Kawasaki, HIV, MERs, SARs or Covid19. Should we treat these diseases medicinally to bring down the death rate ?
I do not think any of these viruses have a vaccine yet.

khalessi · 29-04-2020 4:22am

Scoondal wrote: »

There is no vaccine for Kawasaki, HIV, MERs, SARs or Covid19. Should we treat these diseases medicinally to bring down the death rate ?
I do not think any of these viruses have a vaccine yet.

Cant ansswer a statement when it is inorrect as HIV is not contagious

jrosen · 29-04-2020 11:03am

Did anyone watch Prime Time last night. They had a principal from a school in Ballymun. It was good for them to show the classroom and show the reality of trying to maintain social distancing in schools. Its not possible on corridors/bathrooms certainly in some of the older schools. Then the need to reduce the class size to 10 students. Assuming the classroom size is decent. Its not going to be easy to figure out.

Is it even possible for some age groups to be taught this way? I couldnt see the younger classes being managed at all?
Would one day a week work for 3 groups of 10 and then home/remote learning for the remaining 2 days? This is where teacher feedback is crucial.

khalessi · 29-04-2020 11:08am

jrosen wrote: »

Did anyone watch Prime Time last night. They had a principal from a school in Ballymun. It was good for them to show the classroom and show the reality of trying to maintain social distancing in schools. Its not possible on corridors/bathrooms certainly in some of the older schools. Then the need to reduce the class size to 10 students. Assuming the classroom size is decent. Its not going to be easy to figure out.

Is it even possible for some age groups to be taught this way? I couldnt see the younger classes being managed at all?
Would one day a week work for 3 groups of 10 and then home/remote learning for the remaining 2 days? This is where teacher feedback is crucial.

I missed it but we (teachers) have been saying it in various posts here, so it is good to have the visual on primetime. The general response was that we didnt want the school open but when you see the actuall space and realise that a lot of 5th and 6th class are as tall as the teachers and in some cases taller, the difficulties emerge.

Also take into account you are dealing with an age group where hygiende isn't foremost in their minds, cleaning tables at the best of times can be horrendous especially underneath them. Must have a look at Primetime later. Cough etuquette and other basic hygiene goes ovelooked unless reminded or you are teaching maths or Irish

then they spend coniderable time handwashing lol

Cheeseplant · 29-04-2020 11:16am

Scoondal wrote: »

I think that I have found your point of view.
I think that primary schools should be back in four weeks. If parents have concerns about any diseases, they should home school their children.

What are you basing that on? I struggle to see how they will be back in September TBH. Maybe, maybe secondary school kids that can understand the need to stay apart and who could be given self directed learning but certainly no kids under 8-10 years. It would be impossible to keep them apart.

SusanC10 · 29-04-2020 11:17am

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/revealed-phased-plan-to-exit-coronavirus-lockdown-in-ireland-may-see-cafes-reopen-by-mid-summer-1.4240404?mode=amp

In this Article, they are saying September for schools.

The HorsesMouth · 29-04-2020 11:23am

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/swiss-elderly-told-they-can-hug-children-who-are-under-10-as-theyre-not-spreaders-39166432.html

This could change things in the medium term. If this is proven to be somewhat the case it could open up primary schools quicker than secondary.

kowloonkev · 29-04-2020 11:30am

If schools don't reopen in September it's going to start to have a real detrimental and long term impact on kids' social development.

SusanC10 · 29-04-2020 11:32am

kowloonkev wrote: »

If schools don't reopen in September it's going to start to have a real detrimental and long term impact on kids' social development.

Agreed. I am happy enough to wait until September but am hoping for some kind of workable plan for then or not too far away from then.

Cheeseplant · 29-04-2020 11:34am

kowloonkev wrote: »

If schools don't reopen in September it's going to start to have a real detrimental and long term impact on kids' social development.

I agree. We are already noticing changes in our young child. More meltdowns, crying easier etc. Obviously bored as too young for school and no siblings.
We are racked with guilt that we are WFH and not engaging him as much as we should. I don't think what we are doing now is sustainable.

jrosen · 29-04-2020 11:36am

khalessi wrote: »

I missed it but we (teachers) have been saying it in various posts here, so it is good to have the visual on primetime. The general response was that we didnt want the school open but when you see the actuall space and realise that a lot of 5th and 6th class are as tall as the teachers and in some cases taller, the difficulties emerge.

Also take into account you are dealing with an age group where hygiende isn't foremost in their minds, cleaning tables at the best of times can be horrendous especially underneath them. Must have a look at Primetime later. Cough etuquette and other basic hygiene goes ovelooked unless reminded or you are teaching maths or Irish then they spend coniderable time handwashing lol

Im in the group of wanting the kids back. Im concerned we will see huge numbers of kids slipping behind and never being able to gain that time back again. But practically I dont know how it can be done safely. Taking away the number of teachers who have underlying health issues and would be deemed at risk, then those who are parents who may not have anyone to take their own kids. Teacher numbers will fall.

But if schools and childcare do not go back we cant go back to work.

jrosen · 29-04-2020 11:37am

Cheeseplant wrote: »

I agree. We are already noticing changes in our young child. More meltdowns, crying easier etc. Obviously bored as too young for school and no siblings.
We are racked with guilt that we are WFH and not engaging him as much as we should. I don't think what we are doing now is sustainable.

Try not to feel guilty. I know easier said than done. But you have been given an impossible task. I dont know how anyone working is managing and its not sustainable long term.

byhookorbycrook · 29-04-2020 11:49am

Cheeseplant wrote: »

I agree. We are already noticing changes in our young child. More meltdowns, crying easier etc. Obviously bored as too young for school and no siblings.
We are racked with guilt that we are WFH and not engaging him as much as we should. I don't think what we are doing now is sustainable.

Primary teacher here, please, please don't be feeling anxious or guilty, you can only do so much. It may be that he is thinking that because you are home, that you are available 24/7. Even very young children can understand that you can't be with him all the time. Set up an activity with him ,give him some time at the start and tell him that you are looking forward to seeing how he gets on, but you must do some work now, in the same way as you would be cooking dinner/hoovering etc.

Princess Calla · 29-04-2020 11:51am

Cheeseplant wrote: »

I agree. We are already noticing changes in our young child. More meltdowns, crying easier etc. Obviously bored as too young for school and no siblings.
We are racked with guilt that we are WFH and not engaging him as much as we should. I don't think what we are doing now is sustainable.

If they had a sibling you'd spend your whole time telling them to leave each other alone.

It's tough, everyone with kids are struggling. The children are also picking up on our stressed vibes.

Also don't know how old your child is but if they didn't turn into a monster at two they will at three. So there could be that at play too.

I've no real advice, maybe bring them out for a walk before work, maybe the other parent can bring them for one at lunch.... If nothing else it will take the edge off their energy.... I try and teach them the name of flowers we see and get them to count the flowers.

Another idea is if you can get your hands on a bird feeder.... Mine loved sitting in a highchair looking out at the birds

jimmytwotimes 2013 · 29-04-2020 11:59am

Secondary timetables will probably have to be redrawn over the summer to allow for smaller groups.

Don't think any year group will do a 5-day week in the school building and learning will be a mixture of online support and reduced face-to-face time.

At least the prospect of seeing their teacher might shake a few of the students not engaging into life

khalessi · 29-04-2020 4:15pm

jrosen wrote: »

Did anyone watch Prime Time last night. They had a principal from a school in Ballymun. It was good for them to show the classroom and show the reality of trying to maintain social distancing in schools. Its not possible on corridors/bathrooms certainly in some of the older schools. Then the need to reduce the class size to 10 students. Assuming the classroom size is decent. Its not going to be easy to figure out.

Is it even possible for some age groups to be taught this way? I couldnt see the younger classes being managed at all?
Would one day a week work for 3 groups of 10 and then home/remote learning for the remaining 2 days? This is where teacher feedback is crucial.

I just watched Prime Time, interesting viewing and the class they showed was at most a first class but more then likely a junior or senior infant class. How few of the senior students would they fit considering the furniture and the cihildren are bigger?

Also found the bit about masks interesting

TheValeyard · 29-04-2020 4:43pm

trapp wrote: »

Seem to be repeating the same thing in this thread all the time.

This pandemic is here to stay in some form for the next year or two.

Two choices for schools, open in some form or stay shut for two years.

Presuming we want to open schools the group, including some teachers, that are constantly coming up with obstacles need to change their mindset.

It's not about why we cant open schools but instead how we can open them.

Instead of pointing out the reasons why not, instead think of ways to make the impossible become possible.

Any teachers who can't come in or feel they can't can receive a reduced payment while they are waiting.

And that previous line is not a dig at teachers its just the reality the country is in at the moment.

Harsh as it sounds education for the children of the country can't just be put off for a few years because a teacher is vulnerable or at risk. These teachers might just have to wait until the virus danger is completely gone.

What are your practical solutions so?

trapp · 29-04-2020 4:47pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

What are your practical solutions so?

Smaller class sizes

Children come in one or two days a week to allow for reduced numbers

staggered starting and finishing times

staggered break times

constant reminders of hygeine

regular handwashing

Alternative shut up shop for a few years and the teachers join the dole queue and we raise an uneducated generation

Over to you my friend

TheValeyard · 29-04-2020 4:54pm

trapp wrote: »

Smaller class sizes

Possible, may need to hire many more teachers to teach the other kids, as teachers are already on contracted class contact hours.

trapp wrote: »

Children come in one or two days a week to allow for reduced numbers

Probably will happen.

trapp wrote: »

staggered starting and finishing times

Dept of Education would need to square this with bus companies who transport many children to school. Various times may not work.

trapp wrote: »

staggered break times

No need if you just operate a morning or afternoon school

trapp wrote: »

constant reminders of hygeine

Teenagers and hygiene.....

trapp wrote: »

regular handwashing

Once again, teenagers and hygiene

trapp wrote: »

Alternative shut up shop for a few years and the teachers join the dole queue and we raise an uneducated generation

That's never an option, and teachers are already teaching online, it could continue if needs be.

trapp wrote: »

Over to you my friend

Not a job for. Me, that's a job for senior management and high level public servants on 100K. Maybe they could finally earn their income.

trapp · 29-04-2020 4:59pm

TheValeyard wrote: »

Possible, may need to hire many more teachers to teach the other kids, as teachers are already on contracted class contact hours.

Probably will happen.

Dept of Education would need to square this with bus companies who transport many children to school. Various times may not work.

No need if you just operate a morning or afternoon school

Teenagers and hygiene.....

Once again, teenagers and hygiene

That's never an option, and teachers are already teaching online, it could continue if needs be.

Not a job for. Me, that's a job for senior management and high level public servants on 100K. Maybe they could finally earn their income.

Again another teacher putting obstacles in the way.

And some laughable ones too, cant open schools because the teenagers wont wash their hands. Cant open schools because it wont suit the bus driver.

Laughable attitude.

Online teaching is fine short term but is not a solution for a few years.

Most deis level schools are having little engagement in any case.

Teenagers are taught maths aren't they? Spend a class or two teaching them how to wash their hands.

Obstacles, obstacles and more obstacles instead of thinking of solutions.

Of course schools should not open until safe but find ways of making them safer places.

Alex86Eire · 29-04-2020 4:59pm

trapp wrote: »

regular handwashing

We have 700 kids with one bathroom for them containing 2 sinks. It'll be interesting..

TheValeyard · 29-04-2020 5:01pm

trapp wrote: »

Again another teacher putting obstacles in the way.

And some laughable ones too, cant open schools because the teenagers wont wash their hands. Cant open schools because it wont suit the bus driver.

Laughable attitude.

Online teaching is fine short term but is not a solution for a few years.

Most deis level schools are having little engagement in any case.

Teenagers are taught maths aren't they? Spend a class or two teaching them how to wash their hands.

Obstacles, obstacles and more obstacles instead of thinking of solutions.

Of course schools should not open until safe but find ways of making them safer places.

The mental gymnastics is strong with this one.

Alex86Eire · 29-04-2020 5:01pm

trapp wrote: »

Obstacles, obstacles and more obstacles instead of thinking of solutions.

Of course schools should not open until safe but find ways of making them safer places.

Sorry but why are you expecting the people on this forum to solve this?

lulublue22 · 29-04-2020 5:02pm

trapp wrote: »

Smaller class sizes

Children come in one or two days a week to allow for reduced numbers

staggered starting and finishing times

staggered break times

constant reminders of hygeine

regular handwashing

Alternative shut up shop for a few years and the teachers join the dole queue and we raise an uneducated generation

Over to you my friend

smaller classes sizes - how small ?

how to ensure children stay 2 m apart during the day ?

staggered start times - to allow 2 different groups to be taught ? if so who deep cleans in between groups ? staggered start times to prevent too many arriving at once ? - how would that work in an 800 pupil school ? Our local primary is in and around 750 ish children. Even having 150 children in a day thats a lot of time allocated to allow children to arrive safely and leave safely.

staggered breaks - possible in smaller schools difficult to manage in a larger school.

depending on school size children could be in once a week - who teaches them the rest of the week given that teachers are in school teaching the next batch of children ?

We do need to put procedures in place to facilitate schools reopening but it is a difficult process and not as straight forward as some would like to suggest.

ETA

as a school we have had discussions re practical steps we can take in relation to our own circumstances - such as staggering breaks , use of various entrances , no team teaching etc rules around pe equipment hand washing cleaning tables etc. I presume other schools have too. Obviously an application of what we have discussed will be based on guidance and input from Dep ie our employers.

kandr10 · 29-04-2020 5:02pm

trapp wrote: »

Seem to be repeating the same thing in this thread all the time.

This pandemic is here to stay in some form for the next year or two.

Two choices for schools, open in some form or stay shut for two years.

Presuming we want to open schools the group, including some teachers, that are constantly coming up with obstacles need to change their mindset.

It's not about why we cant open schools but instead how we can open them.

Instead of pointing out the reasons why not, instead think of ways to make the impossible become possible.

Any teachers who can't come in or feel they can't can receive a reduced payment while they are waiting.

And that previous line is not a dig at teachers its just the reality the country is in at the moment.

Harsh as it sounds education for the children of the country can't just be put off for a few years because a teacher is vulnerable or at risk. These teachers might just have to wait until the virus danger is completely gone.

I do get where you’re coming from. However, a lot of these obstacles are things we have zero control over. For example, very small classrooms with large numbers of kids, no corridors between some classes, corridors that are less than 2m in width in other cases. We can’t change the buildings physically- we have to work with what we’ve got. So to trouble shoot some of these issues - I’d say max 5-6 kids per class in at once to allow appropriate distancing between kids. That would take the week to get through a class of 30. Is that something parents would agree to? How do you balance going back to work and childcare on the other days if a reduced timetable is indeed necessary? How does the teacher do distance learning with the portion of the class that aren’t in If they are teaching small groups? I’m not trying to put obstacles in the way - these are genuine questions that would require direction at a higher level.

History Queen · 29-04-2020 5:06pm

trapp wrote: »

Seem to be repeating the same thing in this thread all the time.

This pandemic is here to stay in some form for the next year or two.

Two choices for schools, open in some form or stay shut for two years.

Presuming we want to open schools the group, including some teachers, that are constantly coming up with obstacles need to change their mindset.

It's not about why we cant open schools but instead how we can open them.

Instead of pointing out the reasons why not, instead think of ways to make the impossible become possible.

Any teachers who can't come in or feel they can't can receive a reduced payment while they are waiting.

And that previous line is not a dig at teachers its just the reality the country is in at the moment.

Harsh as it sounds education for the children of the country can't just be put off for a few years because a teacher is vulnerable or at risk. These teachers might just have to wait until the virus danger is completely gone.

I agree with much of what you said, and I'm not being obstructionist, merely thinking out loud so to speak, smaller class sizes makes absolute sense to me in terms of social distancing but I am wondering how the obstacles to it (namely 1. enough classrooms 2.enough teachers) can be solved in the short term.

My school is already at capacity give or take (approx 3 free classrooms per class period) and using prefabs (some prefabs are institu 20 years!). We also have had issues recruiting teachers for maternity leave positions in in-demand subjects. The teachers aren't there in some cases.

I have put some thought in to this and aside from prefabs/using halls etc. to increase capacity I don't know how teacher shortage can be addressed?

vid36 · 29-04-2020 5:57pm

I have another suggestion, preparing to alter the school calendar. Many leading experts predict a second wave of Covid in the autumn/winter. In preparation for the inevitable shutdown during this period, schools should open in early August this year and be prepared to run though the summer in 2021 if necessary.

How will schools be able to go back in September?

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