1st June for primary sounds like a reasonable plan to me. Though I wonder if it might also have a regional element to it too - those hotspot areas with a higher R number don't return.
We were working on a 75% reduction in all non distanced social interaction, maybe there is now a new figure we can go to. Primary kids least able to make progress at home and their education is the most burden on the parents. More parents able to get back to work even if it means being more efficiently working from home. A good number of secondary students could be left home alone if needed.
I just hope when they go back its to as close to normal an experience as possible and without attempting to social distance them within the school. As someone said weeks ago - we might have put a man on the moon but no one has ever been able to get a crowd of 8yr olds to not play together.
I think people need to realise absolute social distancing of everybody all the time is a pipe dream. We haven't had it from day one in the UK. Shops are trying their best but many customers are just clueless (and staff aren't consistently practicing it amongst themselves or with customers from what I've seen). Cant imagine many factories are rigorously enforcing it either. As lockdown is eased it will get worse. At best we can hope that major risk events like football matches don't restart for a long time and bars, restaurants and cinemas stay closed. Social interaction will be reduced but it'll be far from complete.
The aim all the way along has been to limit transmission rates, not to stop infections. We're all going to be potentially exposed, that will be the new normal. The only way to avoid it will be personal isolation but for many without underlying issues that will be hard to justify and for those that can justify it on risk grounds it's going to be mentally tough and practically difficult.
For most of us we risk death everyday when we get in a car or for us more so on a bike. Doesn't stop us doing it and it's probably as risky for most of us as Covid-19 is for the under 65s.
The Telegraph headline/story looks to me like the usual Cummings 'leak something just to test out public opinion before we actually make a decision' play.
Wasn't going to sign up to the Torygraph so haven't read the full article. What does it say about secondaries?
1st June for primary sounds like a reasonable plan to me. Though I wonder if it might also have a regional element to it too – those hotspot areas with a higher R number don’t return
Whilst on paper it looks good, we dont actually know what infection rates will be like then. Surely the best way would be to put a plan out to schools and tell them to be able to implement it with 2 weeks notice, obviously it would need a longer initial run in I would think. Then check the data and initiate when ready rather than set an arbitary date. Note schools have not yet been told how to implement.
On the second point about different areas doing things differently, this wont happen, that would require planning and thought from gov.
For most of us we risk death everyday when we get in a car or for us more so on a bike. Doesn’t stop us doing it and it’s probably as risky for most of us as Covid-19 is for the under 65s.
I suspect that the stats won't back this up, and it ignores transmission risks, but at some point we are all going to have pull up our big boy/girl pants and get on with a modified lifestyle factoring in just one more thing that can kill us.
Whilst on paper it looks good, we dont actually know what infection rates will be like then. Surely the best way would be to put a plan out to schools and tell them to be able to implement it with 2 weeks notice, obviously it would need a longer initial run in I would think. Then check the data and initiate when ready rather than set an arbitary date. Note schools have not yet been told how to implement.
Agreed. I suspect that's where this is an oversimplification for the benefit of a headline. I suspect the reality is that there will be a missive to all schools with primary aged children (note - independent schools and some counties also have middle/prep schools covering years 5-8 so they might find only certain year group to return) to be ready for a possible return from the 1st June on. That has been translated to schools will return on 1st June. Which is quite different.
On the second point about different areas doing things differently, this wont happen, that would require planning and thought from gov.
Sad but I suspect true.
at some point we are all going to have pull up our big boy/girl pants and get on with a modified lifestyle factoring in just one more thing that can kill us.
This. I suspect Covid will be around for a long time to come, but the current state of lockdown can’t continue indefinitely.
At some point we have to return to work, to school and to the pub, and as I’ve said before, that time will be too late for some and too early for others.
June sounds about right for schools as if it doesn’t work you’ve only got 6 weeks until the summer holidays.
And I also say again, when they return it has to be compulsory and it has to be enforced, you can’t have people picking and choosing which kids go and which don’t.
For those saying not to go back until September; what exactly do you think will be different between now, June or September?
We will likely still not have a released vaccine that has been given to the majority of the population; the schools won't have doubled their available space to allow for 2m separation; there won't be twice as many teachers to allow for existing classrooms to have half the number of pupils in them.
So, if you are not willing to send the kids back until the above can be addressed when do you suggest they go back? If we wait until there is a vaccine and the schools can fully enforce the 2m separation then it could be years which is not acceptable to anyone but the unhinged, those who do not have to work or those who don't give a monkeys about their children's education.
Trouble is, if you make it fully enforced with no exceptions that will put a number of high risk people in a bad situation.
My view isn't from a high risk place, but I simply don't see the benefit against the risk.
but those kids with parents undergoing chemo or other treatments (my cousin has lupus and her husband is a severe asthmatic) this could be incredibly dangerous for them.
Infection rates are dropping and we can't predict yet, but if they make it mandatory then there are going to be a lot of angry people, just look at the current survey rates <20% think schools should go back soon. Hardly a recipe for compliance.
1st June for primary sounds like a reasonable plan to me.
Thats the problem though isn't it; the decisions are being based, not on science or at least models scrutinised by people who have experience in this sort of thing - but on the gut feel of the population for what feels right.
Though I wonder if it might also have a regional element to it too – those hotspot areas with a higher R number don’t return.
I suspect it is almost inevitable that there will be some indirect effect, not every school could be ready to return on the same day, some councils will be more prepared than others, some schools will be more cramped than others etc.
Primary kids least able to make progress at home and their education is the most burden on the parents.
I'm not totally convinced by this. If I has child doing A-level history, or GCSE German - then I've no ability to help them, and I think we might be overestimating the motivation of the "average" 15 year old, or the digital communication skills of some teachers to be able to support them. We are also assuming that all kids have good access to the internet (a suitable device - for themselves, reasonable broadband possibly with multiple people trying to share it). And thats without thinking about practical subjects.
A good number of secondary students could be left home alone if needed.
Indeed although I worry about the mental health of teenagers left alone for hours on end with no human interaction day after day for weeks. And sadly I'm sure some will come to physical harm if left alone.
I just hope when they go back its to as close to normal an experience as possible and without attempting to social distance them within the school.
Would you rather go back in 2021 or 2020 with social distancing?
As someone said weeks ago – we might have put a man on the moon but no one has ever been able to get a crowd of 8yr olds to not play together.
Has anyone actually tried? The aim isn't that they don't play - its that they don't get physically close to each other. If you'd asked me if the Great British Public would comply with a lockdown I'd have said no - but most seem to. We just need to brainwash the children the same way...
Trouble is, if you make it fully enforced with no exceptions that will put a number of high risk people in a bad situation.
Im not against exceptions, but they have to be clearly outlined and easy qualified, it can’t be just because Mom and Dad don’t want them to go. Sadly, as we know, the population can’t be trusted to make good decisions so any thoughts of “use common sense” won’t work, it has to be clear guidance and there has to be a consequence if you don’t follow it.
At some point we have to return to work, to school and to the pub
I would suggest this point is when our death rate has dropped to something like Germany or Denmark, not just an arbitrary point 1 month from now.
Graham's point is a sound one. If the child is returning to a household with a parent/guardian who is at high risk there is a problem. Similarly teachers who are at high risk won't be able to return. But......I'm not convinced the parent should be free to make that decision - too many parents suffering from anxiety who nause up their kids education already with made up issues. Not saying it is their fault, they are ill, but it is all too common. And that's before with get to the negligent and the abusers. It has to be done with GP approval. To work like a family fit note if you will. That way the genuine people with concern get the decision they need to be safe but the other get a firm steer to do the right thing.
Those not able to return whilst the others do will without question suffer a long term consequence. Remote teaching when the teacher is flat out with those in school will be less good again than the current offering. Hard family choices will have to be made where possible to make the least worst option. Granddad moved to live with another relative or parents living apart so the one with the medical condition is not in contact with the child.
Lunge i agree, i guess my concern is also i don't trust the general population to not send kids into school even if someone like a parent or carer actually is ill from covid. You can almost imagine the thinking, they feel like crap so to get an easier life they send the kids to school and the infection spreads. I'm afraid I am just cynical like that
I suspect that the stats won’t back this up, and it ignores transmission risks, but at some point we are all going to have pull up our big boy/girl pants and get on with a modified lifestyle factoring in just one more thing that can kill us.
Probably true but it's not order of magnitude different, 1800 deaths and 25000 serious casualties on the roads in 2018 according to Brake, less than 2000 deaths in the under 65s so far (England and Wales). I know exactly apples with apples. I'm assuming the death toll continues to go down and the relaxing of lock down doesn't result in a big second wave.
The second bit was really what I was getting at, you just put it a lot more succinctly.
it has to be compulsory and it has to be enforced
Absolutely or we'll end up with another vaccination type debacle where some kids are disadvantaged because their parents are risk adverse.
what exactly do you think will be different between now, June or September?
Another good point, I think most kids would benefit from a few weeks back in school otherwise they will have been away for 5 months. Will make restarting in September difficult.
current survey rates <20% think schools should go back soon.
Source? I think that figure, assuming it's right will change very rapidly if lock down is eased and people have to go back to work. If you're in a vulnerable household there could be exemptions but the flip side is why keep all kids at home.
AA, I think you've made two important points, first schools should be getting more of a heads up on what is likely to be expected so they can plan with some sort of deadline to work to. However your second point that the date should not be arbitrary is also fair, June the 1st does feel right but it's got to be caveated that it could be delayed if the improvement targets in the stats aren't met. Trouble this government is particularly bad at anything resembling concrete guidance.
I’m not totally convinced by this. If I has child doing A-level history, or GCSE German – then I’ve no ability to help them, and I think we might be overestimating the motivation of the “average” 15 year old, or the digital communication skills of some teachers to be able to support them. We are also assuming that all kids have good access to the internet (a suitable device – for themselves, reasonable broadband possibly with multiple people trying to share it). And thats without thinking about practical subjects.
Poly - I am a teacher of a subject with a practical element, teaching at A level - A level Product Design. I have rapidly worked out how to do this and it is possible to make some pretty impressive progress. I expect nothing of the parent in terms of knowledge of the subject. The other part of my role is the pastoral lead for 100 sixth form students. I hear the issues parents are having daily. Yes - the difficult aspects are there - the teacher having good skills and the facilities to do the job, the kids likewise and finally everyone having the motivation to make the best of it. But - I would far rather be doing what I am doing remotely than be trying to support 5/6yrs old and their parents taking the first steps in the 3Rs.
I would suggest this point is when our death rate has dropped to something like Germany or Denmark, not just an arbitrary point 1 month from now.
Isn’t that just another arbitrary point though? It’s not like at that stage infection is zero, it’s just lower than us.
It isn’t going to be 100% perfect whenever they go back. I do think we have to not just consider Covid, but also the wider damage being done by kids not being at school. It’s a balancing act, yes we need to reduce infection, but we also have to educate our kids and give a hot meal and a safe place to those that need it most.
Fearful Britons remain strongly opposed to lifting coronavirus lockdown
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/02/fearful-britons-oppose-lifting-lockdown-schools-pubs-restaurants-opinium-poll?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard
There you go on the source for resistance to reopening schools, I don't know how or when it will change, but looking at the numbers a huge amount of the population is not confident about even taking steps to returning to normal
That survey is based on what people think we should do today, not what we should be considering in a month. 10 weeks into lock down and many people will be more willing for normality, lock down is already crumbling, B & Q was a good example of that yesterday, loads of old people shopping for garden plants.
For those saying not to go back until September; what exactly do you think will be different between now, June or September?
OK let assume that we have R<1 so the total number of infectious people in society is falling. Lets say it halves every two weeks, and we have 1M people who are infectious today. We go back in 4 weeks and we have 250K infectious people. You go back at the start of Sept and its more like 4 people (in the whole country)! Of course we don't know (a) the total number today (b) accurately the 1/2 life (c) what impact other things we might do will have on R / 1/2 life etc. There's probably a point in between when you can be confident about test and trace etc working.
Here's a radical suggestion. Why not stop teaching at the end of June (or even sooner) and go back in early August - like Scotland normally does? Obviously that would need some clear messaging around summer travel as otherwise those still expecting to fly to Majorca in August will be irate. I dare say that there would be some unhappy teachers in that situation too - but there will be unhappy teachers no matter what.
I dont think Scotland will go back
I think you are right, it doesn't really make sense for the last 4 weeks especially when they are usually the least productive weeks of the year! However there's another more subtle political angle. Scot Gov (of any flavour) will not want to risk being the part of the UK that took a risk with its population, when there is an easily measurable "control group" across the border; and if there is an opportunity to show that "we" took a safer option that resonates well in the part of the UK that trusts Boris, Gove and the like the least.
For those saying not to go back until September; what exactly do you think will be different between now, June or September
The infection rate will hopefully have dropped meaning the chances of infection and spread are vastly reduced and so thousands wont die.
I would suggest this point is when our death rate has dropped to something like Germany or Denmark, not just an arbitrary point 1 month from now.
Isn’t that just another arbitrary point though?
It was an arbitrary point chosen by me as an illustration, hopefully the actual point would be chosen by people who have modelled whats going on in other countries. It just served to highlight that we are actually better served by looking at what Spain and Italy are doing as they are closer to us.
The infection rate will hopefully have dropped meaning the chances of infection and spread are vastly reduced and so thousands wont die.
But we don't know what the infection rate is. And we won't know until they test every person in the country. This could already have swept through the majority of the population or it might only have hit a very small percentage. We just don't know and likely will never know exactly how many people have had this. Similarly we don't know about the R<1 assumption Poly makes above and unless we test the entire population that is just speculation and testing everyone is realistically just not going to happen.
The point is we cannot be certain of the safety of the population until a vaccine is produced, tested and issued (and even then there will be some for which it is not effective) so do we have to wait for that because I doubt it will be ready by September.
If, as people are saying, this virus is so infectious that just breathing at someone will spread it and when lockdown ends there will be a resurgence of infections then again, what is the difference betweennow, June and waiting until September to get school back as all we are doing is pushing back the date at which that happens.
For anyone interested:
https://neu.org.uk/press-releases/5-tests-government-before-schools-can-re-open
Please sign the petition at the bottom.
Subject: Take Action: Open schools when it is safe
Dear friend,
I just signed the National Education Union petition: Open schools when it is safe.
To The Prime Minister: We, the undersigned, oppose any re-opening of schools before it is safe to do so. As a matter of urgency and certainly well before any proposal to re-open schools is published, please can you share with teachers and parents: Your modelling of the increased number of cases and mortalities amongst children, their parents, carers and extended families, and their teachers and support staff as a result of the re-opening of schools. Whether such modelling is based on some notion that social distancing could be implemented in schools (we ask this because many teachers think this would be a foolhardy assumption)? Would your modelling be based on concrete plans to have regular testing of children and staff, availability of appropriate PPE and enhanced levels of cleaning - with all of which we are currently experiencing severe difficulties? Whether your modelling would include plans for children and staff in vulnerable health categories, or living with people in vulnerable health categories not to be in school or college? Your latest evidence on which people are most vulnerable to permanent consequences or death from the virus, for example the evidence of the impact on those who live in crowded accommodation, those with different comorbidities, those from different ethnic groups and of different ages and both sexes. Are you developing plans for extensive testing, contact tracing and quarantine in society as a whole? Teachers see that countries successfully implementing such strategies have many fewer cases and many many fewer mortalities than we do in the UK. Would you intend these plans be in place well before schools are re-opened, which seems essential to us? If you are not developing such plans what is your overall approach and is it dependent on an assumption that those who have had the virus are then immune?
Can you join me and sign too? Click here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/open-schools-when-it-is-safe?source=email&
But we don’t know what the infection rate is.
No but we do know the death rate and if you think its currently acceptable thats fine we can agree to differ.
This could already have swept through the majority of the population or it might only have hit a very small percentage
Its easy to say it hasnt given the rate of testing and positive test results especially when we consider that only those with symptoms are being tested.
Similarly we don’t know about the R<
But we can assume a lot by looking at hospital admission rates and extrapolating backwards.
The point is we cannot be certain of the safety of the population
We cannot be certain of anything in life.
what is the difference betweennow, June and waiting until September
The number of infected people will have reduced and so the chances of being able to track and trace have increased to control the levels of disease hospital admissions and deaths.
Here’s a radical suggestion. Why not stop teaching at the end of June (or even sooner) and go back in early August – like Scotland normally does? Obviously that would need some clear messaging around summer travel as otherwise those still expecting to fly to Majorca in August will be irate. I dare say that there would be some unhappy teachers in that situation too – but there will be unhappy teachers no matter what.
Have you ever tried to motivate and manage teenagers when they perceive something is not fair? They will still see the summer holidays as exactly that. Any that do come (if it were to happen) there could be significant motivation/behaviour issues, and lots would refuse. How would schools manage attendance? How would you manage the progress of the significant minority (at least) who wouldn't attend?
Then what about teaching staff/support staff terms and conditions? Teachers are not averse to hard work; schools are open currently and have been staffed throughout Easter holidays for children of key workers and vulnerable students. Teachers not in school on rota are working bloody hard preparing, running and marking online lessons.
Staff will rise to the challenge, but please don't be derogatory towards school staff when you clearly don't understand the whole situation.
I teach post 16 and the recent weeks have actually done a lot of good to my students with their coursework. It will vary depending in the course but its helped mine become more independent and motivated. Some that don't usually communicate well have been improving significantly and becoming more self aware of their own progress. Sure there are some who have done no work, but they will learn that they wont be spoon fed everything.
Can you imagine how hard it will be to motivate the students around the 15th Dec if they go back at the start of August!
Simon that petition is a load of rubbish.
1. It doesn't define what safe looks like, people's definitions will vary wildly.
2. Sharing the government's modelling, most people won't have the skills to interpret it properly.
3. It's more complicated than preventing covid 19 deaths, there is a tipping point where extending the lock down causes more harm and deaths from other causes, abuse, poverty, reduce funding for the NHS due to the economy tanking, mental health.
4. It's Boris Johnson's administration so.......squirrel.
5. What MoreCashThanDash said about big boy pants.
I guess the other bit I am wondering is what will they do with wrap around child care that a lot rely on, plus it will be 6 weeks to the summer holidays so are the kids clubs going to be available as if not then why bother sending them back for 6 weeks risk when by Sept the infection level should be substantially lower
what MoreCashThanDash said about big boy pants.
16 years on the forum and this could be my legacy.....🤦
Thanks guys.
Just checked my analytics and it looks like we have received 125 new petition signatures from this site alone!
Apologies to those who could not get through. (Looks like the linky was not working for everyone.)
Find a new link below..... Hopefully this one will be even more effective!
Thanks again.
Can you join me and sign too? Click here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/open-schools-when-it-is-safe?source=email&
Have you ever tried to motivate and manage teenagers when they perceive something is not fair?
I have, I’m not sure why you thing they’d perceive starting their holidays three weeks earlier and then going back three weeks earlier as inherently unfair.
How would schools manage attendance? How would you manage the progress of the significant minority (at least) who wouldn’t attend?
Probably the same way as if you send schools back before summer and some parents or pupils decide “it’s too high risk”...
Then what about teaching staff/support staff terms and conditions? Teachers are not averse to hard work;
Like I said some would be unhappy. Some would be pragmatic. Some will be more unhappy teaching pupils f2f in June/July. Some will be more concerned that the education is suffering, and next year will be worse...
Staff will rise to the challenge, but please don’t be derogatory towards school staff when you clearly don’t understand the whole situation.
i haven’t been derogatory - you need to be less tetchy. Lots of people in both private and public sector are doing things which were unimaginable 8 weeks ago, and all sorts of employees facing unpleasant choices - all take two weeks holiday during lockdown (with nowhere to go) or we have to furlough 50% of the staff being one I know quite well;
Can you imagine how hard it will be to motivate the students around the 15th Dec if they go back at the start of August!
If only there was a country with similar demographics but a different school calendar you could consult to see how it works?
Can you imagine how hard it will be to motivate the students around the 15th Dec if they go back at the start of August!
That term is a killer at the best of times!!
That term is a killer at the best of times!!
Kids here usually start back around 18th ish August, and get a long weekend 5 weeks later, and then 10 days in October too, canny be that bad?.
There is something about it. Where you typically are in the course. The fact maybe that the nights are drawing in as the term goes on. Maybe it's that the end of the course is not in sight. For older students its full of ucas applications too. Whatever, it always feel like the toughest term.
However - knocking this term on the head early and going back early and maybe extending half term on inventing a bank holiday would not be the worst idea in the world. There maybe a nice time in with the autumn A levels in England - bring the old yr13 students back to do their exams whilst the rest of the kids are on extended half term.
There maybe a nice time in with the autumn A levels in England – bring the old yr13 students back to do their exams
Wont they be at Uni?
Have you ever tried to motivate and manage teenagers when they perceive something is not fair?
I have, I’m not sure why you thing they’d perceive starting their holidays three weeks earlier and then going back three weeks earlier as inherently unfair.
How would schools manage attendance? How would you manage the progress of the significant minority (at least) who wouldn’t attend?
Probably the same way as if you send schools back before summer and some parents or pupils decide “it’s too high risk”…
Then what about teaching staff/support staff terms and conditions? Teachers are not averse to hard work;
Like I said some would be unhappy. Some would be pragmatic. Some will be more unhappy teaching pupils f2f in June/July. Some will be more concerned that the education is suffering, and next year will be worse…
Staff will rise to the challenge, but please don’t be derogatory towards school staff when you clearly don’t understand the whole situation.
i haven’t been derogatory – you need to be less tetchy. Lots of people in both private and public sector are doing things which were unimaginable 8 weeks ago, and all sorts of employees facing unpleasant choices – all take two weeks holiday during lockdown (with nowhere to go) or we have to furlough 50% of the staff being one I know quite well;
Some fair points. Interestingly our school was asked to possibly prepare for working during summer break about 4 weeks ago.
The issue that concerns me most is the students that don't attend, if we go back at a different time. Our county support for attendance was non-existent before the crisis; whatever happens need to be clearly communicated by Gov (if they are capable of that) and some system put in place of for those that refuse to attend.
Wont they be at Uni?
It's looking very messy.
Firstly it is a buyers market - I'm sure you've seen Manchester predicted figures. Plenty will be getting in on significant dropped grades. Those students who were reliant on some pretty impressive last minute leg work (this would have been me) and for whom the schools have some pretty shonky evidence to predict grades have seen their chance to lastminute.com their way out of a hole evaporate will still miss out. I just hope the ones that do get in on dropped grade don't get shelled out with £Ks of debt after the first year because they were not degree material all along.
Government has promised A level exams in the autumn for those that don't get the school generated grades they need. Best guess at the moment is they happen in late October.
Some unis are saying they will allow students to start without the grade and allowed to continue if they get the grades in the autumn.
Some are saying they will allow a delayed Jan start for those who need to get grades in the autumn. A few of those are saying they will be offering online 'study along at home' courses for those not yet accepted.
Others are saying a student who needs to use those exams will have to start their degree courses in 2021
Students applying need to be ringing their offer unis and checking as each is different.
UCAS decision date is pushed back to June 18th rather than last week as it would have been normally.
No one has yet published what happens for A levels with coursework components that were not formally submitted as they would have been in the next few days when it comes to pupils using the autumn exams.
The Scottish term is organised differently and therefore comparible over the year. The Scotish autum/ winter term is around 17 weeks with a 2 week break where as in England it is 15/16 weeks with a 1 week break. It is being implied (not necssarily on here) that studenst would go back in August making a 19/20 week term with 1 week break.
that makes it harder because unlike in Scotland it will be completely new for studnest in England which will play on their sense of injustice making the job of motivation harder not impossible. this will impact on the quality of education whether the public agree or not.
signed simon,
bit of a rant now (2/10 no caps no swearing etc)
Mrs G in 50s as are many staff in secondary, Working from home spending as much time setting online work as 'normal ' lessons, so was fuming when heard some tool on any answers say stay off for now then teach through summer hols cos they are all on a holiday atm FFS Like most teachers never knows when to call a stop, had bad chest etc back in jan/ feb finally went to docs...a virus! go home and rest ... dont think cv19 but who knows? rambling a bit now, but not happy with her going back any time soon. ( colleague had been on exchange teaching visit to China end of last year, some kids been on ski trip at feb half term.. TO N italy (none were quarantined).
Cheers Jag61....
Yes... Bloody nightmare setting work on-line.
Stay safe.
My lads 6th form college have suggested they are trying to figure out the logistics of having the Year 12s in for one lesson per subject per week, if they are able to reopen after May half term
1200 kids going in for 3x one and a half hour lessons over 5 days. Coming in from towns and villages in a 20 mile radius, and home again.
That's going to take some planning
Thread bump.
Scotland is fully back.
To be joined by England, Wales and NI over the next three weeks.
I'm placing a bet, having an insider's view of Education, that we are a month off various classes being sent home for a fortnight, or rolling closures of whole schools through lack of staff or infection concerns.
By the end of October we may well be back at home schooling...
Sorry to be the pessimist.
