Day 44/183: In which I digest the news that UK schools will close indefinitely on Friday

[nanila]

As we all expected, UK schools are now officially set to close on Friday for an indefinite period, though rumour has it the closure will last until September.

This is a rather monumental shakeup for everyone, and presents a logistical nightmare for working parents who rely on steady provision of school and wraparound services in order to keep to a 9 to 5 schedule. The bloke and I are both full-time employees and although we are doctors, we are of the PhD rather than the MD flavour, and thus don't qualify as "key workers".

We will be spending our weekend planning how we will teach our children, get enough exercise without any of the usual classes or playground usage, and still work the requisite number of hours per day. I suspect this is an experiment whose parameters will take some time to optimise.

Comments

[rmc28]

Oh yeah. *tired parent solidarity fistbump*

[nanila]

*fistbump* This is going to be one of those landmark events in our childrens' lives. I mean, it is for us in an immediate sense, but it will be a focal point when they remember their childhoods as adults.

[cmcmck]

I'm less that sure about this decision, I have to admit!

[nanila]

It's very worrisome with respect to vulnerable children, especially those who rely on the free school meal scheme in order to eat.

[rmc28]

There is mention of provision for "children with EHCPs, those deemed as ‘vulnerable’ and children of key workers" but not details as yet.

Although we fall into the first group, I am not sure I want to take it up even if provided; let's see how I feel in another two weeks :-/

[cmcmck]

I worked a career with seriously disabled and terminally ill kids in mainstream schools and my kids were all 'vulnerable' so this really worries me. :o(

And then as to abused kids being left to the tender mercies of their abusers for weeks on end.......

I know- being a specialist teacher never leaves you.

[rmc28]

I got a call today from the school SENCO, to say they've been asked to stay open for the children with EHCPs and would I be taking it up - the answer is no for now, I am happier with us all at home than C commuting even to a reduced-population school.

[cmcmck]

My kids were all vulnerable as you know, but I don't think this takes that sort of vulnerability on board!

[redbird]

Good luck.

I get a lot of my exercise using resistance bands (elastic), but those are analogous to free weights or resistance machines at the gym, not to running around, climbing, etc. Like the resistance machines, they don't have much inherent interest.

[annofowlshire]

Yeah, Rowan’s nursery/preschool is closing as well ;_;

I know it was the right thing to pull him out this week what with my fever, but my inner irresponsible self sort of wishes I hadn’t with this happening now :P He’s a social kiddo and going to be really lonely without other kids around. And I’m going to be a bit harassed being his only playmate.

[falena]

Have been in this predicament for 3 weeks I feel like I should have some wise advice to dispense... And yet I don't. Make of that what you will. So I'll just offer sympathies and hugs. You're such a hyperefficient person, I'm sure you'll figure out a system that works for you pretty soon. But one thing I can say is that the new norm will be exhausting, if my experience is any indication.

[kotturinn]

Hugs and love, and purrs from the cats.

[antisoppist]

I worked from home with primary and preschool aged children and my husband in the house and first I got an office and then I got a divorce.

Wishing all of you out there well!

Working from home with an 18 year-old (back from university until September), 15 year-old (no GCSEs) and 12 year-old in the house will be harder than normal but they are mostly self-entertaining and can cook.

[ironed_orchid]

Good luck!

Are the kids old enough yet that they can do stuff together that doesn't need too much active help or supervision from the nearby adult? I'm thinking about things like lego.

[st_aurafina]

It's going to be very rough for a lot of people, kids and adults both. I wish you all the luck.

[brainwane]

Seconding this.

[marymac]

While nurseries here are technically still open, H's has had a case already and given my ability to get hideous chest infections when everyone else gets a cold, we're keeping him home. TL2 and I are going to have to work in shifts. Luckily his work don't mind when he works and for logistical reasons a lot of his work is out of hours to begin with, but my boss is expecting 9-5 and his blithe "Just take dependent leave" is going to cause me to break social distancing to shake him. I still have to pay for nursery, and dependent leave is only paid for two weeks!

His wife is on maternity at the minute, WFH has zero effect on him. Ugh.

[silveradept]

I have much sympathy for you and your young ones in navigating this. If there is a thing that I can help with on this, despite distance, let me know?