Allowing pupils to return to school.

Older year groups must be priority when schools return i.e. years S4 to S6. as they will have less time to catch up with no guarantee that SQA will take the effect of the virus in to account for those sitting exams next year. Phased return with same year groups on set days with much more varied online resources given including classes taught online is needed. A longer school day may be required for face to face or even opening a school on a Saturday to allow catchup. What about shortening the summer school holidays as it looks like we are not going to be able to get away this summer?

Why the contribution is important

I have a son in S3 who is losing motivation with the online learning provided by his school. I am really concerned about the effect of this lockdown on his education going forward.

by SAlexander on May 11, 2020 at 07:40PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.0
Based on: 3 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Landrover May 11, 2020 at 19:55

    I agree. S4/5/6 need prioritised. The younger years will be fine and have years to catch up.

  • Posted by MrsPPaterson May 11, 2020 at 20:49

    I think a great deal of thought needs to be given to the phased return of pupils to school. Before the children set foot in school it must be thoroughly deep cleaned and suitable hand washing/sanitising stations installed. A system for cleaning the school when the pupils are attending must be in place and agreed with all stakeholders. The reality of social distancing amongst children must be given great consideration. Younger pupils will undoubtedly find this extremely hard given their very nature of wanting to play with others. Would it not make more sense to begin with older children who are more able to maintain social distancing measures? However, this will cause problems for families who have more than one child attending school as it might mean one or two children at school whilst another has to stay at home. How many pupils could safely be accommodated in an average sized classroom? What PPE/ safety procedures can be installed to protect pupils and staff, e.g. masks, desk shields, etc? How do we manage break time and lunchtime? How would we manage/staff staggered break times? What happens if there is an accident in the playground? How would you be able to administer first aid and offer comfort to the child? There is also the crowding of parents/carers at the school gates at the start/finish of school day. How could social distancing be in place at these times? There is also the staffing of schools to consider. There could be staff who are still shielding or indeed absent through illness so how would classes be managed? Would supply teachers be willing to attend schools with the risk of catching the virus? If a child or member of staff contracts the virus what would happen then? Would the track/trace/isolate system mean that many pupils and staff members would have to self isolate? What would happen to those children who still do not return to school because they are shielding or live with someone who is shielding? Teachers cannot be expected to teach in class and manage online learning too! It is obviously important to have pupils return to school as soon as it is safe to do for educational, physical and mental health reasons and to allow the workforce to return to work but it must not be at the expense of lives.

  • Posted by practitionerparent May 11, 2020 at 21:58

    Extending the day or school at weekend will put undue pressure on children, its unrealistic and unfair to expect children to cram in extra hours and will have adverse effects overall. Important to remember schools is not just about the accumulation of knowledge but a holistic experience. Well-being must be a priority to avoid a mental health crisis. Schools will need sufficient time to prepare for managing infection control and reduced classess seems inevitable, however this presents a problem for working parents, especially those who work in schools/nurseries - how can they be at home with their children and in their school/setting at the same time.
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