Hi
Tonight I’m having to face sending my child into school when I know another household has tested positive and is sending their remaining (currently!) non-positive child into class with mine.
Is anyone else totally shocked that things have moved so far that this is now seen as the ‘done thing’ and that there seems to be a lot of parental support for this move. I don’t know anyone else in our school that is worried like me? I feel like I’m losing my mind!
Hi @lousyT. Your definitely not alone.
I’m coming at it from both angles, as a parent sending their children back to school tomorrow and as a teacher who returned to work last week.
I went back to work last week and spent a day in training with a member of staff who was waiting on her test results because her daughter had tested positive. I just don’t understand it! Today the children return and I’m very anxious about teaching in a class where the same as last week could potentially happen, as well as happening in my children’s school. I have no words to explain my complete lack of understanding around this move!
I completely understand that children need to get back to normal - I really do. However, I don’t understand why staff can’t stay off for a couple of days and wait for their result, instead of potentially spreading it whilst waiting.
Social distancing in in a primary school is more or less impossible. I have asked to be informed when people are waiting on a result but I’m not sure where I stand on that with regards to confidentiality?
So no, you’re definitely not alone, hence my ramble as I’m sitting preparing myself to go into work! X
I’m exactly the same… I live alone so my mind isn’t as conflicted but I totally agree… I’m all in saying if you test neg return but if you’re waiting you shouldn’t be at work/school. They are just justifying to the general public why to have the jab. Crazy…
Hopefully will discuss this in my risk assessment (when it eventually happens)
We shall keep each other updated on how it goes!
Hi @Nichola75 I’m so sorry that you had to spend a day training with someone in a covid positive household. Like you say, it makes no sense. I think I’d taken my eye off the ball with developments and didn’t realise, till towards the end of the holidays, that they were saying that members of a covid positive household could still go to school. That feels like a long way from being ‘pinged’ because you sat next to someone outside for 15 minutes who later tested positive!! I have asked to be informed if they know of a case, but they won’t say ‘because of GDPR’. I have only found out about the child in the covid positive household because her parent said - yet they were advised to send her in. I kept my daughter off today but am now in trouble as they say that this will keep happening, so I can’t keep removing her. I don’t want to either, but I want safety mitigations! I hope that you managed to get through your day ok, take care x
Challenging but got through it. Have you asked for a meeting to discuss your concerns with the school. They should be being supportive and taking the time to talk through it with you?
Thanks @Nichola75. I’m glad that you managed to get through your first day, albeit with stress. School have asked for a meeting - unfortunately last time that happened it was very stressful. We have a new headteacher and although she has abandoned all mitigations (except some windows being open), we hope that she will be a bit nicer than the last one. I don’t really see that there will be a good solution as there really isn’t one though! It is interesting that The Good Law Project have taken on the case of CEV people and schools, so I am following that. I am sure they are including CEV teachers in this. Take care x
Ooh, I’ll have to have a look at that. Have you got any links?
Please keep me updated on how you get on. I really hope things get a little easier for us both X
Hi @Nichola75. The Good Law project produced this firstly (not sure if this is ok to post on here?) Back to school petition - Good Law Project which is a petition and mentions teachers. They have also commissioned a document (discussed here in Schoolsweek) and the link to the document is in the article. It mainly discusses CEV families (I don’t think a lot of mention about teachers specifically) although I know you are also a CEV parent as well as teacher. https://schoolsweek.co.uk/dfe-threatened-with-legal-action-over-unlawful-covid-attendance-rules/?fbclid=IwAR17KLl9k9gzkFbkR6pcYKBLd6M9PYcDZK1YEAL1hlQybhKjWt2USkw08Ik . I hope I haven’t contravened any rules for the Forum, however, I don’t know how else to send this to you! x
That’s so useful - I’m going to have a read now X
@Nichola75 @Rammie18 how helpful did you find your risk assessment? We are finding it rather formulaic obviously a uni is bigger than a single school but some strange anomalies are appearing in the preparation stage.
Yes to some extent.They do their best to put things in place. In the past I’ve worried about what they think of my anxieties and that’s bothered me a lot and I’ve probably not been as open. This time around I laying it all on the table. What I think and feel is the most important and it’s important to have it in writing in case I have concerns about things that are not happening 
I’m always dubious on disclosing personal information as I know it hinders me going forward…
But as there is zero chance of progression or promotion at my current school I’m taking my health my priority number one. I hate that attitude as I always put my students first and aimed to be the best teacher they ever had.
I have a feeling school and its staff want to return to as normal as possible but I’m like a thorn. So I’ll assume they will just keep me on a very very limited timetable with little interaction with anyone.
A good priority! I like being a thorn at the moment 
I have my review tomorrow so busily writing down questions and concerns. Will keep you updated!
Hi thanks for raising this! I feel exactly the same, we’ve worked so hard to keep Covid out of our home for the last year and a half and now it seems that could all be a waste as it’s very likely to come into our home now that everything and everyone else is back to normal with no restrictions… my husband is a teacher and my 2 sons are back at school, 3 different schools too! My youngest son (year 5) has a girl in his class whose brother is at home with Covid, she hasn’t tested positive (yet!) and so is in school with him. Not a lot I can do. Such a massive jump from before isn’t it?! I am frankly terrified. It’s great to hear I’m not the only one in this situation though, as I feel quite alone with it all at the moment, most people are so happy to be returning to real life. I think this might be the most challenging part of Covid so far for me.
Sending everyone love and good wishes x
I’m finding it the most challenging as well. You’re definitely not on your own there x
Thanks @Nichola75. At least we are in it together x
So, had my risk assessment today and I don’t think they can do anymore than they have. I will be kept away from anybody awaiting a test result and will not be expected to teach whole classes - just small groups in a large area. We will review in six weeks unless any major changes.
My break and lunch duties allow for social distancing so I won’t be expected to be in places like the dining hall etc.
I’m really pleased. It has not made me any less anxious but that’s a work in progress. I was proud of myself for saying everything I wanted to and they listened
Well done for saying what you need, that takes courage! Thank goodness they listened. Progress!
Good on you @Nichola75 your strength will undoubtedly give me strength for mine on Friday.
I know I’m not there for me to make everyone better and safe,. It’s the opposite.
I wont infiltrate myself to make things easier for them and harder for me.