Today it has rained.? Not exactly a phenomenon in England but it has been a while since I didn’t need to water the potted plants on the patio.? It is a grey, miserable day and I’m not looking forward to the walk round to our local greengrocer, but there are others worse off than I am.

Those living in Virginia, for example, who I know are having a hard time with the floods.? A friend’s son can’t go to school because of what the school describes as ‘inclement weather’.? Tough, those Virginians.? Rain is also forecast pretty much everywhere in the UK and we can only hope that the most vulnerable areas escape severe flooding.

There will be fewer barbecues, visits to the beach, cocktails on the lawn (unless you have a marquee or gazebo) and walks in the park for the sake of it.

However, there is one group that I pity more than any other.? Not the farmers, waiting to see if their crops survive until next harvest without being beaten to a pulp by the rain – watch out for higher prices.? Not the people planning outdoor events, who hope that the sun will shine on the one day that they need it to.? Not the allotment owners, gazing out of the window for that break in the clouds that will allow them to dig/plant/weed the precious produce they are growing for the table.? No.

Teachers.? They have the roughest deal on days such as this.? Firstly, the kids come in wet.? If they have ignored everything their accompanying adult has said to them and jumped in the inviting puddles (not necessarily with wellie boots on) they may have to change into something else, often the P.E. kit.? This leaves items of clothing – frequently socks – draped over the classroom radiators (very attractive) – with the vain hope that the owners will remember to take them at the end of the day, no matter how many times they are reminded.

Most school have two or three breaktimes a day.? If the rain is light, staff will take the kids out, as they need a run round during the day to refresh them.? I was always willing to take them out until it became uncomfortable – see fifth paragraph on Wet Socks.? If not, it is generally a case of march them into the hall or their own classrooms, where they play games, draw, argue and generally do not get any exercise.? One day can be coped with but, if days pass and there is no let up, the general tone of lessons slides down a slippery slope until it’s almost pointless trying.? Add wind to the equation and everything happens a lot faster.

There is a fine line to be drawn between being soft and being harsh and it is one of those questions always left hanging.? Are we going out?? It is generally up to the member of staff on duty, who must weigh the Wet Sock against the Fidgety Child.? I have no answers.? Good luck.