Should we get FSM help if school says my child has to self isolate?

[Staycalmandscream]

Got told late last night from DD1 school that she has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid19, and must now self isolate.

My AIBU is, can I claim anything for the FSM she would have got had she been at school? Who do I ask? School didn't mention it, but they are more of the approach that you have to ask for anything in lieu of pupil premium etc even if they know your situation. But maybe in this case there's not a facility to contribute ad hoc to the meals at home I was expecting her to get from school. Does anyone know?

Not AIBU now but a vent. What sh*te timing this is. Dd2 currently on half term, Dd1 on half term next week. Both their hols plans now effectively cancelled as we are all home based, as I am a lone parent and they are too young to leave home alone. They were so upset when told of this, it's the absolute worst this pandemic has impacted them. I'm so sad for them as this half term break was desperately needed & the first time in their living memory they had to spend any proper time with just me without sharing their sister. Both were so looking forward to it. It's the worst time this could've fallen. I'm so so sad for them & wracking my thoughts what I can do now to save the situ & still give them the break they deserve. Any suggestions appreciated on that. FWIW we have no family support to help spread the load or take out non-isolating Dd2 etc.

Thanks.

I work at a school in a high area of deprivation. If we have families who need to self isolate we are delivering a basic food parcel (loaf of bread, long life milk, cereal, bag of pasta, jar of pasta sauce etc).

The government guidance says schools have to provide the equivalent of fsm. Ask them.

Our school have emailed everyone saying to call them and the parent will be able to go and collect a packed lunch each day. Not sure how realistic that is when you can't leave an isolating child home alone though

The school I work in will either deliver food packs or leave them at reception for those who can get someone to collect them.

Please ask the school -none of us want a family to struggle with food because they have to isolate (or for any other reason).

I can't help on the first point unfortunately, sorry but on the second I completely hear you. The mass self isolation due to one case in a large bubble is really harsh over a holiday period. I have researched this recently for personal reasons and there is an area whose schools have moved away from this mass isolation and will contact trace close connections instead. We are potentially facing the same issue over a 2 week half term so I can absolutely sympathise @Staycalmandscream

Tesco vouchers from our school

My school has done food parcels for pupils self isolating. Someone has to come and collect them in afraid (we're a lot of staff down too atm!) but we've done them for all that want them (that get fsm!)
Speak to the office and see what they can do

So sorry for your situation. Definitely contact the school regarding FSM.

Self isolating over half term here too with children too young to be left alone: completely crap.

Our council provides weekly food parcels for isolating families in receipt of fsm. Contact school.

Thanks all. I've emailed school to ask how the lunches are covered when self isolating.

Wondered about Disney+ or Netflix for a month as something different for them at home. We only watch TV through iplayer & streaming via smart TV as not hot an aerial, so I think they'd see this as a bonus. Any thoughts which is better content for ages 10 & 12..?

I don't think they'd let me collect lunches as their reception is shut. They've been very strict about contact since an admin tested positive a few weeks back.

We allow the person collecting to come to the door to the kitchens. Then transfer is done on a table, so that there's distancing, and it's outside in fresh air. A friend or relative can collect, obviously, not parents or pupil if SI.

We have no one i could ask to collect haskell

She'll eat if we don't get something in lieu on fsm, but cuts will have to be made elsewhere iyswim (eg potential netflix / disbey+). Which isn't right when she'd get fed at school. I'll call them if I don't hear back soon.

My son is13 and likes Netflix ,it's about £7.99 a month and you can have a couple of accounts on it ,

Only the Op said her Dd isn't on half term untill next week @CallmeMrsScavo ,half terms can be staggered even in the same LEA my oldest is on half term this week and next and Ds2 is on half term next week and the week after .

Callme what a judgement assumptious creature you are.

FYI my child accesses a full timetable while off via online teaching from 8:30am until 4pm. She doesnt miss out academically. Whereas she will miss out mentally & emotionally not being able to see friends she is already in a school bubble with etc. so no increased risks before you accuse of that next.

I think more to the point you've demonstrated your own priorities, to educate a child above & beyond all else, at the expense of their mental wellbeing. Pity your kids.

Also FYI my child is academically above average despite the fsm label & social barriers. How dare you presume my priorities.

To everyone else, thanks 😁

Can you not still take dd2 out for short periods if dd1 is 12. What plans did she have? Dd2 and you are only required to si if dd1 is symptomatic or have a positive test

LIZS me & dd2 went out locally on foot / bike for some exercise this morn during a 1 hour lesson for dd1, but hard to go longer as lesson changes involve zoom mtg changes, finding the individual teacher links in emails sent weeks ago which isn't easy yet for dd1. And they get marked absent if not in the lessons quickly so dd1 would stress (she's only just started at secondary school in Sept so still on a steep learning curve in terms of her new school & ways of doing things). But I'll do what I can fit in when possible.

Today we'd planned the jog / bike further afield, picnic & explore then jog / bike back to take most of the school day. We'd also earmarked early bowling (£1 for kids) possibly with a school friend of hers, mcd after and a stately place with lots of outdoor space & trees to climb about 20-30 mins from here. Some Christmas shopping too for her sister as usually they are both there when I shop outside school hours which makes choosing things for each other tricky.