Absolutely agree with most of that. Our concern is the lack of scientific evidence that's been presented on the impact reopening may have on infection rates. Nada. Every day we hear gov. officials saying the number one way of reducing infection is social distancing. Then tell us they accept children may not be able to socially distance. The message they've given is littered with contradictions and it shouldn't be that way. There's been zero dialogue with teachers and that's evident in the guidance we've been given. No explanation why they deem it necessary to wear a mask when in a shop with social distancing but not necessary when in a classroom of 15 children who can't or won't socially distance.
They should have slowed the reopening so that we have Yr6 back first. Allow schools to practise Covid measures. In very, very small numbers. Take stock, whilst keeping an eye on national statistics, see if there's a spike, see how practical it is and what's achievable. But no, their advice is: make the youngest priority. Hence the pushback from schools, parents and LAs. I would love my school to get the children back in - but only when we have the science to back it and then we have the means to deliver it. And that includes PPE, track and trace (both for Covid and antibody) and a national strategy for reopening, not "we'll let you work out what's best".
I do think (and hope) HSE regs will kill the reopening as currently requested by the DfE but that we'll see most schools begin with Yr6, that's certainly the case with most schools in our "cluster".
Manchester LA are due to release a statement today. On verra...