Plans are being made to welcome more pupils back into school across Dorset.
Dorset Council is working with schools as they plan to open for more children from Reception, Year One and Year Six.
The earliest possible start date for these pupils will be 1 June. This will depend on government advice and arrangements at individual schools.
Secondary and upper schools in Dorset are also working on plans to hold some face to face sessions for Year 10 and 12 before the summer holiday.
Dorset schools are following guidance from the Department for Education and Dorset Council. Plans are being made to reduce the risk of infection in schools as much as possible. Risk assessments are being carried out.
Arrangements will vary, as what is needed in a small primary will be very different from a large secondary or upper school. Classes will potentially be very different, as measures will need to be put in place to help keep children and staff as safe as possible.
Special Schools are working with families individually to agree when it is safe for each pupil to return to school. Children and young people who are shielding because they are considered clinically vulnerable should continue to shield and should not return to school.
Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “I would like to thank our schools and all their staff for their work during the Coronavirus pandemic. Our schools have been open throughout for the children of key workers and vulnerable children and I know they are now working hard on plans to welcome more pupils back into the classroom.”
Dorset schools currently remain open for the children of key workers, those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and vulnerable children, which includes children who have a social worker.
Schools will be in touch with parents and carers to discuss arrangements to welcome back more pupils. Schools will update parents and carers again, as soon as plans are finalised and the date from which schools can admit more pupils is confirmed. Each school will keep parents and carers informed.
Latest government guidance for parents and carers is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers”
For the front page of DCC guidance on the reopening of schools wouldn’t it have been better to show children social distancing rather than holding hands?
As responsible and caring Parents concerning our Childs education and more importantly their safety from Covid 19
until we receive 100% assurance from the W.H.O and The Uk Health Organisation that our Children will be totally safe from the Virus and will not be infected ,we will not be placing our Children at any Risk whatsoever by sending them back to School as the Government are recommending. Our Children are too precious to place their young lives and safety in the say so of Politicians who have made so many blunders and mistakes during this dreadful epidemic.
Comment on misguided re opening of primary schools in particular EYFS
The government insist that EYFS is a crucial time for children as education and well being. It’s nice this is finally being acknowledged, usually it’s been ignored until now!
However I am somewhat cynical of the governments stance on what they believe children will be accessing and the reality based on the dfe guidelines.
Children’s safety, mental well being, and education are at the forefront of the argument.
Guidance suggests 16 EYFS children in a room, with social distancing, 3-5 years old in a group size larger than that suggested (15) for Y6 primary school classes who have more understanding of social distancing, where did that magic number come from? Lack of knowledge of EYFS undoubtedly!
Development matters highlights that EYFS guidance is developed on the rights of a child to have a provision that enables them to develop and learn.
So children are now going to flourish being back in their learning provision?!…..
WHAT SAFETY?
Expectation that 3-5 year olds will be able to wash their hands and not touch anything and everything, when we know they learn a lot through their senses.
Carriers of covid 19 who are likely asymptomatic, spreading to their bubble and teachers.
Who will be cleaning everything inbetween uses, teachers won’t have time?
WHAT EDUCATION?
What education will they now be able to access in their once safe learning environment?
At the core of EYFS is learning through play.
DFE guidance is now no soft toys, no toys with intricate parts, no soft furnishings, rugs, no sand play etc.
All toys to be thoroughly cleaned each time they are used.
No outdoor access to play equipment without cleaning thoroughly.
WHAT MENTAL WELL BEING AND SOCIAL INTERACTION?
What 3-5 year old understands how to stay in their bubble when their other friend is in another bubble and playing with the dolls house the game that they usually played together?
Children are going to be constantly going to be told they can’t play with those in other bubbles, they can’t have that toy, they can have it later but not with their friend.
Rooms covered in plastic, areas cornered off, playground segregated.
Sounds more like a prison for children not a learning environment providing continuous provision.
Teacher can’t comfort you when you are crying being dropped off in this scary environment that is either an unfamiliar classroom or unrecognisable room divided up, sticky tape boundaries and plastic sheet covered resources.
EYFS is not going to be accessible, returning is not safe and not in the best interest of the children, it’s going to upset, confuse, and cause barriers in their learning.