Tier 4 Primary Schools

[Moomin8]

Just thought I'd share this with those of us working in primary schools.

This is the list of schools which will have a delay in opening.

news.sky.com/story/covid-19...

[Bookworm55]

Interesting that a few London boroughs are still opening their schools next week. Not sure what the criteria was as to which should stay shut? It seems to be those areas, including mine, that went into Tier 4 before Christmas, but that doesn’t explain the boroughs not included! May be just me but I do wonder if local politics have something to do with it.

[bubblyalex in reply to Bookworm55]

It could be that they have a covid testing system all organised and ready to hit the ground running.

[Bookworm55 in reply to bubblyalex]

Or it could be this.......

huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/...

[jimmx]

Thanks for that Moomin8.. I work part time at a primary in Tier 4 E Sussex, and I am terrified of going back on Mon, I was hoping it might be delayed... I

feel like our luck will run out with this new strain -the reality is there is no social distancing, and no masks cos the kids are too young and no ventilation cos the kids feel the cold..hot classroom with everyone real close. Just take your chances with everyone else. I been crying at the thought of having to risk it again..

[Moomin8 in reply to jimmx]

I'm so sorry that you are feeling this way - it's quite understandable. Could you talk to your head? Our windows and doors are open all of the time - it's part of our protocol! We just wear more layers xx

[jimmx in reply to Moomin8]

Thanks Moomin.. well our head's policy is to keep the classrooms ventilated, but in practice, the teachers in my bubble shut the windows and so do the kids - we've only got a couple of windows at the back of the room - I've tried leaving the doors open in the corridor, but they are quickly closed again, as spec needs groups work there. No one can bear a bit of cold fresh air, it's so frustrating!!!! and so worrying .. I wear a mask in the hope it protects me, but no one else does, and you have to get so close to everyone xx

[Moomin8 in reply to jimmx]

To be honest, I would take it to the head if that was me! You have a right to be safe. I'd find the policy and show them exactly what you mean and if they don't follow it, take it to the health and safety governor. It's not the children's place to be shutting windows or closing doors! We have extra lessons going on in every crevice in the school - including the corridors. The noise level in the classroom just has to be quieter.

[jimmx in reply to Moomin8]

You're absolutely right -You've given me the confidence to do something about it - I'm just an Mdsa, but I'm entitled to feel safe.. I might even try asking to move to Y2 along the corridor - it's always nice and breezy with an open door there! x

[Moomin8 in reply to jimmx]

There's no - only an MDSA - about it! Everyone at school has that right! I always find if I go to our head with a solution with a reason why, he is more likely to back me. Your school needs to adapt it's practices to protect any vulnerable staff or children. As you have been at home for a couple of weeks, you should be absolutely fine switching bubbles (we call them pods at our place) but you'll need to have that conversation before it's too late to organise. Tell them that you don't feel safe with closed windows and doors and how you are more vulnerable due to your condition. Explain that working in year 2, you would feel safer as windows and doors are left open as in your school Covid-19 policy. Let me know how you get on 🙂I have emails for all of the staff, so I always email any queries - I would be doing that today.

[jimmx in reply to Moomin8]

Good idea..now is the time to email about doing it.. they do know I'm older and vulnerable and they tell me that strict rules are in place - but the reality is different.. I don't want to go back Monday, but I need to have a talk with them about this.. you have given me confidence to do something about it, thank you! .. Everyone at school is very easy to talk to, just need to email to get an appointment to talk...