Non key worker childcare

[Chocolategirl19791]

Frustration levels rising here as two working parents wfh with 6 and 4 yr old. In Scotland so no school or nursery for foreseeable future and part time when they do go back.

Seems to me no consideration is being given to working parents who aren't key workers. Here it's full days in school, full care on holiday and full time in August for key workers (even when they're working at home/days off going by some people around here!). But what about non key worker the only answer seems to be get your employer to be flexible- for us that means working early mornings and late nights and kids watching far too much screen time. It can't go on as we're at breaking point. When furlough ends this is going even worse for people but if you're not a key worker no one seems to care.

[AhGoGo]

Our private nursery is waiting on further announcements from the Scottish government regarding reopening. They think more guidelines and info will be revealed on the 15th. Hopefully this helps various childcare set ups with reopening.

[palacegirl77]

Have nothing against "childcare" being provided for keyworker children - its a pandemic. But I do find it frustrating that they now have access to their teacher, friends etc and mine have a few worksheets via email. Genuinely wouldnt mind if they were just being looked after but now theyre being taught seems unfair - plus when you know many of them can work from home (and some even on maternity leave sending in theirs!) it cant help but erk you a little!

[Concerned7777]

Contact your school I have managed to get my dc in school this week as they had spaces, me and DH are both working full time but neither is in key worker roles. It's worth asking, the worst that happens Is they say no you haven't lost anything.

[Concerned7777]

@palacegirl77 the only work my dc did today was the same work that had been the same work that had been set for those at home.... a maths worksheet and an English worksheet the rest was play it was hardly a day full of education

[Jellycatspyjamas]

I’m crying with frustration at what’s being offered in Scotland tbh. Our local authority has decided they can provide 40% of school provision which works out at 10 hours a week, so 2 days 9-2 with no breakfast club or after school care. I work 18 hours a week and my employer has been very good at accepting a patchwork of hours from me - I actually can’t bear the thought of telling my boss I still won’t be able to work properly come August. Both my children have additional needs so while I’m technically a key worker, the provision for key worker children isn’t appropriate for them and will continue to be inappropriate for them after summer - and I’ll still need to try and educate them at home for 3/5 of them week. I’ve no idea what single parents who work are meant to do, given my DH and I can’t make it work between us despite negotiating reduced and flexible hours with our employers.

I’m so fucking sick of it all.

[Scottishgirl85]

Agreed, we're both working full-time from home in stressful roles with 2 and 5 year old. It's relentless. Many seem to think non-key workers aren't working! My husband is a senior cancer research scientist and I'm a scientist in big pharma securing continued clinical research and drug availability - so still important roles for society.

[palacegirl77]

@Concerned7777 The difference is that the teacher will have been there to help/advise/actually tell them what to do. Are you saying that the teachers role isnt any more than a mum with google getting them through the sheets? Because I beg to differ. I have never appreciated teachers more - especially when everything they send through I have to google to find out what is going on (Year 6) - and I have a degree and run a successful business!

[MeadowHay]

Scottish, aren't you and your DH both keyworkers? I thought scientists and anyone working in pharma were keyworkers? If not that has really shocked me to be honest! My DF works in pharma and has said he is classed as a keyworker (he is WFH too). DBIL and his wife both work in pharma on site and both classes as keyworkers.

[Chocolategirl19791]

@MeadowHay we're in Pharma too but not counted as key workers. Our council is pretty limited on what counts-NHS, social care, emergency services, utilities and food distribution only. Obviously madly busy with the current situation too.

[Concerned7777]

@palacegirl77 my point was dont think that they are getting an education or lessons as such because they aren't. Your dc teachers should be contact able for you during this time by it be email or whatever contact platform your school use for help. I messaged my youngests teacher because the work they set was way beyond my ds capabilities the teacher then sent me different things to do and look up. You can still ask for help from the teachers that's what they're there for although granted you may not get a response straight away, it should be within 24hrs

[Concerned7777]

@palacegirl77 oh and I agree teachers are worth their weight in gold I'm with you all the way on that point

[Spinakker]

@Chocolategirl19791 just contact your school and explain the situation and maybe they will give you a place. They can use their discretion as well I believe. Or maybe even say you are key workers because my DH is but we didn't have to provide evidence.

[CallmeAngelina]

Our KW children are not being taught with anything remotely resembling proper lessons. It's esentially childcare, with supervision for their Home Learning tasks.
Some of the children have SN, so they have the support they need if the tasks are too challenging, so they can switch down a gear if necessary.