AIBU to want to look after my own kids first?

[nicoleferrari91]

Hi, so I have been named as a key worker. I am a dinner lady at a High School, my partner works for the cleansing department ( also been told he is a 'frontline worker'). I have two small children - 4 & 7.

As all schools are now closed except for key workers children I am being expected to put my children in school and be at work Monday. This isn't actually an option for me as my younger son's private is completely closed.

We have been told we are getting 5 days special leave then who knows after that. My work has 6 staff members (all have children but over the age of 12) and we only have 10 confirmed children attending out of 1400 pupils.

I have been in contact with the union and they advised me to make a courtesy call Monday morning so say I wont be in but AIBU to want to look after my own children first? I was also told I could take my youngest to work with me but then I'm putting him at risk?

I personally don't see myself as a key worker.

Yanbu to want to look after them but we do need keyworkers to work.

I am a primary teacher, DH is a keworker too. I have to expose DD2 to school, and leave DD1 at home. I don't want to but I have to.

I understand there is other key workers with children but I'm actually quite embarrassed saying as a dinner lady that I'm a key worker. We are no where near as important as drs, nurses and teachers.

I don’t see why a dinner lady is a key worker. Especially when the school is all but closed.

Well because those children and staff need feeding? And the school has a duty to provide food to free school meal students. Most schools seem to be working on a rota basis. Can you suggest that?

With only 10 kids there’s definitely an option to tell them to bring packed lunches! Yanbu - I’m a key worker not front line though and I feel awkward about sending them but work says I have to. If school will take them they won’t give me any flexibility.

This was what was supposed to happen. It's changed everyday. Last Friday we were told we were getting put in the critical care unit to help the elderly. Then by Monday it was voluntary, Tuesday is was sick pay, Wednesday full pay. Now we are fully open and it's mandatory to work all shifts. I genuinely don't have childcare for my younger son and have 5 days to find something.

The point is those children are the vulnerable ones who at the very least will get free school meals. They can’t bring packed lunches.

Missss it sounds like you are now a key worker so phone dc school-they should
Provide childcare.

Can't grab bags be available instead?

My younger son is at private nursery which is closed and older ds school is only taking pupils who attend.