Do I stay or do I go? The dilemma of returning to overseas schools

'My daughter has a place at ___________ for September but we really can't decide whether to risk going. What should we do?' 

Sound familiar? 

There are no crystal balls here. Schools in the UK are doing everything they can to create safe spaces for the new term. These include one way systems, collecting students from the airport to avoid public transport, providing quarantine accommodation, creating emergency action plans. 

If you are worried, you could consider a few steps: 

1: Does your child have specific health problems which might make him or her vulnerable to infection? 

2: If your child psychologically prepared for departure? Talk to them about any concerns including what might happen to family, who they should approach if they are worried at school and how they can protect themselves. 

3: Speak to your school. Ask them about; how students will be kept in groups, boarding arrangements (including bathrooms!), whether students will be wearing masks, what medical services are available on-site and how these can be accessed. 

This year has been a case of navigating unchartered seas for all of us. The main advice I can give is that the more you speak to your new school (particularly your Houseparent or Matron), the more information you will gather about the easier it will be for you to make a decision. If you feel it is appropriate, include your son or daughter in the discussion. 

This too will pass.