Grandparents providing childcare in Tier 4 Scotland

[RidingOn]

Does anyone know if I (living in Tier 2) can continue to provide childcare for my grandchildren (in Tier 4), under the restrictions coming into force in Scotland tomorrow?

I'd be really grateful if someone could clarify this, as I've already spent nearly an hour trying to find out. I know that we can still form extended households but not whether I and/or grandchildren can actually travel back and forth from one tier to another.

Thank you!

[Ponoka7]

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Tbh, it doesn't make sense that children under 12 don't count, but informal childcare for non essential workers can carry on. I'm in Liverpool and we were told that there shouldn't be movement between the tiers, unless for essential work.

Are their parents essential workers? If so, it can continue. Personally I think you should individually risk assess.

[altforvarmt]

I think the guidance given is more to do with how essential it is for the tier 4 household to get childcare support than the tier of the childcare provider.

I think this site provides the most comprehensive guidance you’re going to find on the subject...

www.parentclub.scot/articles/your-guide-childcare

[Bumble84]

www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-level-4/

On my essential informal childcare to take place in tier 4. To me that would suggest if you are able to wfh then you keep children at home with you.

[RidingOn]

@Ponoka7
It's a single parent family, they are not essential workers but there are mental health issues. I think I am going to have to make the risk assessment myself ...
@altforvarmt
That makes sense - that it depends more on how essential the childcare is than the tier of the carer. I would say I'm pretty essential, but they might not agree !

Thank you very much for your help.

[RidingOn]

@Bumble84
Yes, children are at school during day and at home in evening, but parent (working from home) sometimes needs childcare in the evenings and at weekends.

[Racoonworld]

If she’s working from home why does she need childcare evenings and weekends?

[RidingOn]

Their father doesn't necessarily finish work when the children get home from school, and if he has to work in the evenings or at weekends, it's difficult for him to look after them at the same time. This is the same for most single-parent families, I expect.

[Racoonworld]

@RidingOn just do it then, otherwise how is he supposed to work? Think everyone just needs to use common sense and just do the things necessary.

[RidingOn]

@Racoonworld, yes that is what I am thinking. I'm nervous about it though - don't want to break any laws!

[Racoonworld]

@RidingOn I know, but it's not like you're doing it for socialising, childcare for work is pretty essential. I don't think anyone would complain at you doing that as long as you stick to just childcare.

[RidingOn]

Thank you, @Racoonworld! Hopefully it will only be for 3 weeks anyway.