It's Friday!

[sunnyday]

  On 31/05/2020 at 20:59, Cait said:

Our local infant school has been trashed apparently!!   That just doesn’t happen round here, and you’ve got to wonder if it’s so children can’t go back!  

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How sad Cait - how long will it take for repairs to be carried out?

My parents are being painful re the decision to return or not 30th June, I've only had two with a firm 'yes' have had five firm 'no' and the rest need longer to think about it, I will have to put a limit on the extra thinking time - I really can't be doing with this for much longer....

[finleysmaid]

  On 01/06/2020 at 16:39, sunnyday said:

How sad Cait - how long will it take for repairs to be carried out?

My parents are being painful re the decision to return or not 30th June, I've only had two with a firm 'yes' have had five firm 'no' and the rest need longer to think about it, I will have to put a limit on the extra thinking time - I really can't be doing with this for much longer....

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I gave mine very little time sort of pushed them one way or another! 

[Cait]

  On 01/06/2020 at 17:11, finleysmaid said:

I gave mine very little time sort of pushed them one way or another! 

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Yes I think you need to know if it’s going to be viable, surely?  

[Cait]

  On 01/06/2020 at 16:39, sunnyday said:

How sad Cait - how long will it take for repairs to be carried out?

My parents are being painful re the decision to return or not 30th June, I've only had two with a firm 'yes' have had five firm 'no' and the rest need longer to think about it, I will have to put a limit on the extra thinking time - I really can't be doing with this for much longer....

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I’ve not heard any update, I’m afraid.  Really worrying though. 

[finleysmaid]

  On 02/06/2020 at 13:38, Cait said:

Yes I think you need to know if it’s going to be viable, surely?  

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actually thats not really the issue..i'm getting paid by the LEA whether they return or not. Obviously we have other costs when the children are in but viablility in terms of them returning isn't really in my remit at the moment.

[sunnyday]

  On 02/06/2020 at 16:14, finleysmaid said:

actually thats not really the issue..i'm getting paid by the LEA whether they return or not. Obviously we have other costs when the children are in but viablility in terms of them returning isn't really in my remit at the moment.

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Yes, same here

I have a real dilemma now and would appreciate some words of wisdom please - I only have three wanting to return - I'm so torn - had previously decided that five would be my lower limit - but now I feel mean - they are three little girls who get on like a house on fire - what would you do?

[louby loo]

  On 02/06/2020 at 16:14, finleysmaid said:

actually thats not really the issue..i'm getting paid by the LEA whether they return or not. Obviously we have other costs when the children are in but viablility in terms of them returning isn't really in my remit at the moment.

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  On 02/06/2020 at 16:55, sunnyday said:

Yes, same here

I have a real dilemma now and would appreciate some words of wisdom please - I only have three wanting to return - I'm so torn - had previously decided that five would be my lower limit - but now I feel mean - they are three little girls who get on like a house on fire - what would you do?

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Hmmm, my issue is if we return we will have to pay our full rent, so I would need all my fee payers to return to make it viable. Only one of my fee payers want to return and they only do two mornings.  I didn't furlough any of my staff in the end.

[finleysmaid]

  On 02/06/2020 at 16:55, sunnyday said:

Yes, same here

I have a real dilemma now and would appreciate some words of wisdom please - I only have three wanting to return - I'm so torn - had previously decided that five would be my lower limit - but now I feel mean - they are three little girls who get on like a house on fire - what would you do?

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so as an early years establishment why are you offering places? for my children I was clear that this was an opportunity to build on their social skills and ensure that my vunerable and keyworker children were also catered for. If these 3 are coming back just because they want to play together (and thats not a bad thing) will that make a difference to them, do they need it before they go to school, will they have the resilience to manage school if you don't provide it?

Small groups are quite tricky as they need entertaining too . You would need two staff one of which would need first aid etc. There will be some costs and i would suspect that 3 might not meet the costs of energy bills etc that you may not have if they are not there?

[sunnyday]

  On 02/06/2020 at 18:06, finleysmaid said:

so as an early years establishment why are you offering places? for my children I was clear that this was an opportunity to build on their social skills and ensure that my vunerable and keyworker children were also catered for. If these 3 are coming back just because they want to play together (and thats not a bad thing) will that make a difference to them, do they need it before they go to school, will they have the resilience to manage school if you don't provide it?

Small groups are quite tricky as they need entertaining too . You would need two staff one of which would need first aid etc. There will be some costs and i would suspect that 3 might not meet the costs of energy bills etc that you may not have if they are not there?

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Thanks so much fm for such a well thought out reply. It was made clear to mine that it was for 'socialisation' only, these three don't need that at all each of them come from three children families. Cost wise it would just be rent, I am paying my staff 100% wage anyway. Oh and only one is a 'leaver'

[zigzag]

Oh gosh it’s such a dilemma. As you know I only have three who want to come back two siblings aged 4 and 2 and a 3 year old. The mix of these is not good, none of them will have their peers with them and a know for a fact that the 4 year old will hate it without his friends.  I am still fighting in discussion with the committee about not opening as it is not in the best interests of all concerned.  However the siblings Mum is the chairperson!!🤨  My heart says it’s just not worth reopening for these three, the benefits do not outweigh the risks. 

 

[sunnyday]

  On 02/06/2020 at 18:23, zigzag said:

Oh gosh it’s such a dilemma. As you know I only have three who want to come back two siblings aged 4 and 2 and a 3 year old. The mix of these is not good, none of them will have their peers with them and a know for a fact that the 4 year old will hate it without his friends.  I am still fighting in discussion with the committee about not opening as it is not in the best interests of all concerned.  However the siblings Mum is the chairperson!!🤨  My heart says it’s just not worth reopening for these three, the benefits do not outweigh the risks. 

 

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Thank you so much zigzag such a good point about 'risks' I had sort of put that to the back of my mind and I shouldn't it is such an important consideration

[Mouseketeer]

  On 02/06/2020 at 18:23, zigzag said:

 However the siblings Mum is the chairperson!!🤨  My heart says it’s just not worth reopening for these three, the benefits do not outweigh the risks. 

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So difficult when it’s about someone’s own agenda 🤦‍♀️

[sunnyday]

I have made my decision!

We won't reopen for just three children - so that's it I'm done now until September - I really hope that we are back to some sort of normality by then

[finleysmaid]

  On 03/06/2020 at 12:03, sunnyday said:

I have made my decision!

We won't reopen for just three children - so that's it I'm done now until September - I really hope that we are back to some sort of normality by then

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👍

[Panders]

Try not to think about it too much now Sunnyday - the decision you made a few weeks ago - those issues haven't really changed.   It's easy to think they have, but they haven't  - when we see some return its hard not to want to - you miss it so much, but your reasons haven't changed, you know your own circumstances so well, I am sure you have taken the correct course of action for your group, for all the right reasons.

[sunnyday]

  On 03/06/2020 at 12:40, Panders said:

Try not to think about it too much now Sunnyday - the decision you made a few weeks ago - those issues haven't really changed.   It's easy to think they have, but they haven't  - when we see some return its hard not to want to - you miss it so much, but your reasons haven't changed, you know your own circumstances so well, I am sure you have taken the correct course of action for your group, for all the right reasons.

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Thank you for your support my little black and white furry friend it is much appreciated

[zigzag]

Lucky you Sunnyday.  Have had a very emotive day with my committee today, despite only one of the committee sending their child back to pre-school or school they have voted 6-3 for reopening.  I’m afraid I couldn’t keep quiet and told them what I thought of them making me open against my will whilst they are not prepared to send their children in!  After much conflict/discussion I will be reopening on Monday for three children.

[Cait]

  On 03/06/2020 at 15:44, zigzag said:

Lucky you Sunnyday.  Have had a very emotive day with my committee today, despite only one of the committee sending their child back to pre-school or school they have voted 6-3 for reopening.  I’m afraid I couldn’t keep quiet and told them what I thought of them making me open against my will whilst they are not prepared to send their children in!  After much conflict/discussion I will be reopening on Monday for three children.

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Would it be possible to offer a trial for a week to see how it goes?  Would that even be allowed?   
It is really unfair that your committee are putting you through this.   Just another reason why committees make me angry! 

[sunnyday]

  On 03/06/2020 at 15:44, zigzag said:

Lucky you Sunnyday.  Have had a very emotive day with my committee today, despite only one of the committee sending their child back to pre-school or school they have voted 6-3 for reopening.  I’m afraid I couldn’t keep quiet and told them what I thought of them making me open against my will whilst they are not prepared to send their children in!  After much conflict/discussion I will be reopening on Monday for three children.

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Oh zigzag I am so sorry to read this - your Committee are being completely unreasonable 😡

[enuffsenuf]

well three days in done and dusted and so far we are having lots of fun, day one great excitement from children, Tuesday grumpy tired bunnies worn out from Monday, Wednesday was mostly spent playing ring games (eek touching) and chasing each other around the garden playing "it"....Im not sure what today or tomorrow will bring but so far we are all very happy to be back and feel like we were never away (even though we are operating in the twilight zone!).🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Edited June 4, 2020 by enuffsenuf
spelling

[zigzag]

Just might have a two week reprieve before re-opening. The third child returning has had an accident that will require her to be away for a time, (I have suggested two weeks) So hoping not to open on Monday for the two siblings!

[sunnyday]

  On 05/06/2020 at 09:22, zigzag said:

Just might have a two week reprieve before re-opening. The third child returning has had an accident that will require her to be away for a time, (I have suggested two weeks) So hoping not to open on Monday for the two siblings!

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Feel a bit uneasy for my 'like' for your post zigzag, as obviously, I don't 'like' that a child has had an accident...….but I do 'like' the idea that you have had a reprieve!

The siblings - are they your chairperson's children?

Edited June 5, 2020 by sunnyday

[zigzag]

  On 05/06/2020 at 09:40, sunnyday said:

Feel a bit uneasy for my 'like' for your post zigzag, as obviously, I don't 'like' that a child has had an accident...….but I do 'like' the idea that you have had a reprieve!

The siblings - are they your chairperson's children?

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Yes I know just what you mean, very glad of the reprieve but not at the cost of a child having an accident.  Yes they are her children! 

[sunnyday]

  On 05/06/2020 at 10:54, zigzag said:

Yes I know just what you mean, very glad of the reprieve but not at the cost of a child having an accident.  Yes they are her children! 

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Well I hope she (Chairperson) is not going to think that you should open for just for them!

[Froglet]

Well the first Friday in bubble school has gone well although I am starving! I’ve already had tea and may need to eat serious pudding!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

[Cait]

  On 05/06/2020 at 17:12, Froglet said:

Well the first Friday in bubble school has gone well although I am starving! I’ve already had tea and may need to eat serious pudding!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

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You too! You’ve earned it! 

[sunnyday]

  On 05/06/2020 at 17:12, Froglet said:

Well the first Friday in bubble school has gone well although I am starving! I’ve already had tea and may need to eat serious pudding!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

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🙂 That's such good news young Froglet - go for it with pudding you have earnt it - have a lovely and I hope, restful weekend🙂

[sunnyday]

  On 05/06/2020 at 09:22, zigzag said:

Just might have a two week reprieve before re-opening. The third child returning has had an accident that will require her to be away for a time, (I have suggested two weeks) So hoping not to open on Monday for the two siblings!

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zigzag - did you watch tonight's daily briefing - apparently the R value in the South West has risen to 1 - such bad news, I was sorry to hear this, but thought of you and wondered if you could use this to put your Committee back in their box where they belong

[enuffsenuf]

  On 05/06/2020 at 17:12, Froglet said:

Well the first Friday in bubble school has gone well although I am starving! I’ve already had tea and may need to eat serious pudding!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

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that sounds like a grand plan!

[zigzag]

  On 05/06/2020 at 17:32, sunnyday said:

zigzag - did you watch tonight's daily briefing - apparently the R value in the South West has risen to 1 - such bad news, I was sorry to hear this, but thought of you and wondered if you could use this to put your Committee back in their box where they belong

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It really does not surprise me, we have seen such an increase of visitors during the last few weeks it’s quite intimidating.  God knows where they are staying as holiday let’s, campsites and b&bs are meant to be closed.  It really is a huge concern.  One of my Dads is a community responder and has been warned by the south west ambulance trust that the worst Is yet to come and is a few weeks away for us.