My three went back to school for one day each this week (key worker places had been offered since the start). Reflecting on what they benefited from this week (v short and probs obvious thread).

1. Making friends : in one of the key worker classes, one of my children wasn’t friends with any of them. He made a new one (sibling reported his gradual chat and laughing through different play times she spotted through the day through the fence).

2. Talking about feelings to a trusted, qualified adult: another of them had an issue with a PHSE task. One of the TAs he has known for a long time talked it through with him then she talked to me at the end of the day.

3. Games/team work: An hour of rounders for another child! Joy and achey legs made both of us smile. It was a difficult games session for all of them but she slept well and loved that her team had two friends on.

4. I believe that opening schools and the risk to teachers and families is not something to be taken lightly, but I just wanted to add observations about what children are missing out on, beyond the obvious academic challenges.

We are very fortunate; my three have each other, talk to us about their feelings, have a garden/nice neighbourhood outdoor space and have zooms with their best friends. But this was different and am very grateful to the school for helping us.

... and I hope that when they do open up, schools are allowed to support children as they see fit and the focus is not just on “catching up”.