Your Community Needs You!

The past few weeks have, for teachers all over the world, been a test of character, both professional and personal. We kept things going as normally as we possibly could for our pupils for several weeks while around us, others were retreating to the relative safety of home-working. We tried our best to give reassurance in response to anxious questions whilst being honest that we, nor anyone else, could actually answer many of them. All the time, we had to put to one side any anxiety of our own.

And then things came to what felt like a harsh and abrupt end. 

Now we find ourselves physically cut off from our classes and colleagues, trying to ensure that some kind of learning can go on at a distance; hoping that parents and carers at home will be able to support that; struggling to hold on to the relationships we had spent half a year or more nurturing. 

Some of us are also involved in providing much-needed childcare for key workers' families, either in our individual schools or in local 'hubs'. This too has brought into sharp focus the decisions we make personally and professionally and how the two can sometimes conflict. 

From www.ewc.wales

For me, the list of health and other factors that would excuse teachers from volunteering do not apply but more than that, I believe this is a time when anyone who can, should do all they can, to help others. So on Wednesday afternoon  I found myself at our local childcare hub for my first 'shift'. I was incredibly nervous and had had several sleepless nights wondering whether I was in fact making a very foolish decision, putting my 'principles' before common sense. I talked it through with my long-suffering other half and decided I had volunteered and therefore I would attend at least that one shift. 

I need to pay tribute to the Local Authority staff and the co-ordinators of the hubs who did an incredible job to set them up so quickly, so well and with everyone's safety as paramount. Our local families deserve huge praise too for listening to advice and not taking a place in a hub if there was any other option for childcare. As a result, I had the privilege of working with the most amazing group of staff, most of whom I had not met before, and incredible children who showed such resilience, adaptability and character. It was actually the most uplifting experience. 

Today, I contributed to a conversation on Twitter about how hubs were working. The questioner was anxious that a hub arrangement would pose more risks than keeping children in individual schools. I am not sure that there is a 'safer' option - there are undoubtedly risks everywhere - but the reassuring video posted by Dr Andy Knox gives helpful advice for those of us who are looking after key workers' children. 

This is a situation most of us have never come anywhere close to before and now, more than ever, we need to support one another and our communities in whatever way we can. Stay safe.

*UPDATE 10.04.20*

I have now completed 5 shifts at the hub. I am grateful to be part of a rota of volunteers that means I don't need to be there every day (which may well have been the case had every school been required to open). My experience remains positive but I would be lying if I said I didn't still feel a bit anxious too. The constant presence of cleaning staff helps a great deal and the senior leaders who are co-ordinating deserve medals for their commitment and calm efficiency. This is not like anything we have experienced before and while the very best measures are in place to keep everyone safe, there is still a risk. Those of us who have stepped up are fully aware of this but feel it is our duty, as those who are able, to help. The biggest motivation though, comes from the children we are caring for and their families, many of whom are on the frontline tackling the virus head on. They are all truly amazing and I feel privileged to be able to help them in this way.