To take my daughter to nursery

[littletikes27]

I'm not a key worker but my DD does have a health care plan due to her SEN. Last week nursery confirmed she can still go but I decided to keep her off, however this last week has been really difficult for her. I've tried so hard to keep her entertained but she can't enjoy things other children her age can. Shes a toddler but cannot walk and I've really noticed a difference in her anger this week she is just so unhappy all the time.

AIBU to send her to nursery a few days a week to break up this boring hell for her?

Ps; I get it is boring for all children I really do!! But with her additional needs I think she really needs it

What is it they're doing at nursery to entertain her? Maybe get some guidance from them and you can recreate at home?

It's also bound to take a week or so to get used to the new routine.

I would keep her at home if you possibly can. For her health, for your health and for everyone else at nursery.

Personally I wouldn't send her because she is safest at home and you are safest having her at home.

What is the spread like in your area? Are you in London or the highlands. I'd keep her at home she will settle into a routine, does she like sensory play.

If not a key worker and yoou can keep her t home then do.

I couldn’t do it - not with everything that’s going on.

Is there anything that could be done differently at home so she's less unhappy e.g. borrow resources or equipment she particularly enjoys when at nursery? It's worth speaking to the nursery staff to discuss how they could support you to meet her needs at home instead because by attending nursery, she will be exposed to more people and so will be at increased risk from Covid-19, as will you and anyone else in your home.

Have you had any contact with the nursery since last week? Things are changing so quickly that schools that were open last week are now joining together in a hub model for the week ahead because people have been following advice to only make use of the childcare if absolutely necessary. It would also be sensible to call the nursery first in case they've recorded her as self-isolating for last week in which case you may find she can't attend this week at all.

It is really hard for everyone at the moment because everything feels so uncertain but you're right, it must be extra hard - and potentially extra lonely - when you're at home with an unhappy toddler who has additional needs. I wonder if some of her unhappiness is because she's picking up on the worry of those around her? I know that's the case for a couple of friends whose slightly older children have had a really tough week.

I think op then you have to weigh up the decision, she has an EHCP and to have one at her age she needs it.

I would send her.

My child has a ehcp. I am a key worker. He loves school and he is so sad about the lock down but I am not sending him at the moment. I am already terrified that my line of work will bring the virus home. I am leaving breakfast, lunch and snacks out for him while I nap after a night shift. It’s boring. It’s not ideal but he is safer this way. I know the teachers really don’t want the kids to come in either because they are so worried. Please don’t send unless you really, really need to.

The advice is to only send if no alternative and you have an alternative.

Risking a child’s health and that of the key workers and other families to break up boredom .....