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This account almost exclusively for work but because I am genuinely very angry I can't let the decision on UK lockdown pass without a short comment. Not meant to be political, but just a short example of the experience of school leaders.
I am very proud to be the Chair of Governors of @SchoolRadstock. By no means are we a perfect school but I can honestly say that all the staff I work with have gone above and beyond since March. Ignore the press on this.
To be clear, I agree that the lockdown is a good decision based on clear scientific advice. It doesn't though change the fact that the management and communication of this decision and of schools in general in the last few months has been shocking.
On Sunday, I spent two hours working with my amazing head teacher to decide what our strategy would be for reopening following our INSET day today. Many other governors gave their time to this too as did many school staff and our head (w/ 2 small children) worked all day.
We ended up with a decision that we could partially reopen and we worked hard to do so because @educationgovuk told us repeatedly that is what we should do. This decision and the planning needed to back it up was not easy and there was minimal help to make it.
Almost all of our stakeholders including parents and our colleagues in the @NEUnion were not happy with some aspect this decision, but we felt it was a good compromise based on what the government was asking us to do.
Now it turns out that all of that work and stress was for nought. I simply don't believe that the decision to lockdown was made today and that @educationgovuk did not know this was coming which makes their messaging frankly pathetic.
Instead of our exhausted staff wasting their time yesterday they could have been doing much other important work - not least doing further preparation for the online learning that will be needed.
Our vulnerable children and those on the wrong side of the digital divide need their help. I remain extremely worried about the further impact of an extended period of online learning for these children. Much of what the government has promised to help is not here.
This is not the first time that the chaotic approach to the management of schools has happened through the pandemic. At every major decision point, the same lack of clarity, the same need to revise our thinking because of a government u-turn.
I get it that this is an unprecedented time, but the government seems utterly unable to learn from its own mistakes. Give us clear, well-motivated guidance and give us time to properly implement it at local level - please!
I'm a volunteer and I can step away if it gets too much, but school staff cannot (and I know that given their commitment to their pupils that they won't). The impact on their morale and mental health will be felt for many, many years I'm sure.
So to all of the school staff and teachers in the UK. Thank you from a parent and a governor. I'm sure it feels that your efforts are not appreciated, but they are and by many. Truly lions led by donkeys.
