The school have sent detailed instructions on opening arrangements as the pandemic continues. Different years go in through different gates at different times. I am totally across this.
We leave early and walk through the woods. I think of the girls in years to come telling friends in the pub or over coffee at work how lucky they were to have walked through the woods to school every day.
Anna wants a carry. I pick her up, only to tell her that she has to walk. As I put her down, I realise her bottom is bare. “Anna, where are your knickers?!” She laughs and runs off! I jump frantically onto the three what’s app groups for their year group, one for each class; I’ve one girl without knickers, has anyone got a pair they can bring in for her?
Several mums respond that they are already en route. I am impressed at how early everyone is. Rachel lives next door to the school and says to knock as I pass. She hands me knickers and seems to rush us on our way. When I get to the specified gate, it is locked. No one there. I see a teacher in the playground and call out. “You’re not at the Year 1 gate, but anyway, you’re late, you need to go to Gate B.”
Grr. We dash round to the other gate and I hastily put Anna into the borrowed knickers, while making my excuses to a smiling teacher holding a thermometer. Sam is trying to get my attention and I snap at her. “But Mummy, do you have knickers for me?” “Me too,” grins Emily.
Wrong gate, wrong time, no knickers. First day back fail for me.
Triple Trouble Tribe 