Is the world and their dog key workers!!!

[anxiouscrazymum]

So I am not a key worker, I work 3 days a week and have 2 KS1 children.
I am having to adapt my hours around my children's school work and will just have to run myself ragged over the next few months like many others!
AIBU to think that some parents are taking the P@@s and using Key worker benefits to be bloody lazy.
Why are the allowed to send children 5 days if they only work 2/3?
Why are they allowed to send in if their partner is furloughed or working from home?
Why are they allowed to send children in of the just work weekends in a supermarket normally?
We have 14 out of 30 children in my DS class at school, they have the class teacher with them and also have each other.
I feel my children are being penalised and will miss out on school and social interaction all because I am not a key worker:
If there were less children in, the teacher would be able to undertake zoom classes and online interactions. Because of the number of children in we just get set daily tasks!
Sorry for my rant AIBU x

@Oblomov20 some accountants will be doing end of year returns for HMRC which has a deadline etc but I agree not all accountants are critical. Payroll probably are though?

It's not a small number of piss takers. You have only to look at the difference in numbers compared to last time. I am sure that SOME people have changed jobs or whatever the fuck, but that much of a difference, consistent across more or less the whole country, is not a coincidence.

I WAS in favour of closing schools, despite the obvious stress, because the alternative seemed worse. But if most children are in school, then I'm struggling to see what material difference it will make, except to disadvantage a very significant minority of children for no benefit.

If the government had announced this and let plans take place before Christmas, when they most assuredly knew this was a possibility (what, they didn't have the information on Sunday but they did on Monday evening?), schools might have had an opportunity to gather information such as who had a non working parent and who REALLY is a key worker, and at least be able to allocate fairly. The government has absolutely failed on this. But knowing that, it is hard to excuse the parents who do not need these places: who are not actually key workers, who have a furloughed or stay at home parent, flexible jobs, or whatever, who are abusing the system.

I've been told I don't know other people's situations, by people who don't know mine. Contrary to MN feeling, I don't mind associating with local mums and I have got to know them and their family set ups over the last few years. Fuck, I know what some of them were posting on WhatsApp and social media three days ago. I really, really DO know that a sizeable number of families are taking the absolute piss and I don't think I'm a terrible human for finding it galling and thinking less of them for it, even while I shake my fist at No. 10 for its rank incompetence. I also don't think it's an isolated phenomenon to my area, especially given the numbers all over.

If you really, really do need your place then we are not talking about you. We pulled together relatively well last time, shit as it was, because there was a sense of community and understanding that it really was only those crucial workers, or those with no other option, who were using schools, and we were reducing the spread while doing it. If you're not going to act in that spirit this time simply because the incompetence of our great leader has enabled it, do not expect us to think well of you for it or stay quiet about it. We know the man's not fit to run a lemonade stand, so we need to do a little thinking with regard to his idiocy.

Our school is 2 critical workers both working outside the home only get a place.

My husband and I are both critical; 1 of us out the house but the other WFH in the field of national security on sensitive calls all day- we are managing homeschooling early morning/evening and juggling it!

Lots of people are really taking the piss with taking places!

There will always be some people who take the piss. It’s just the way of the world. I can’t be bothered being bothered about it.

It's not a small number of piss takers. You have only to look at the difference in numbers compared to last time. I am sure that SOME people have changed jobs or whatever the fuck, but that much of a difference, consistent across more or less the whole country, is not a coincidence.

The list has changed. There are more jobs included.

We weren't classed as critical workers last time but we are now as the nature of our jobs is different at this time of year.

Also, lots of employers just aren't offering the same flexibility as they did back in March.

It's quite obvious why there are more children in school this time.

I think a big difference this time is employers are forcing employees to apply for a school space and people can't afford to lose their income. I manage a care home, dp is a paramedic, ds's dad and partner are nurses so we're clearly eligible. However there is no afterschool club and my employer has bollocked me so much for it even though I make up the hours and more when the children are in bed. It's horrendous for many people at the minute.

@GeordieGreigsButtButtZoom

It's not a small number of piss takers. You have only to look at the difference in numbers compared to last time. I am sure that SOME people have changed jobs or whatever the fuck, but that much of a difference, consistent across more or less the whole country, is not a coincidence.

I WAS in favour of closing schools, despite the obvious stress, because the alternative seemed worse. But if most children are in school, then I'm struggling to see what material difference it will make, except to disadvantage a very significant minority of children for no benefit.

If the government had announced this and let plans take place before Christmas, when they most assuredly knew this was a possibility (what, they didn't have the information on Sunday but they did on Monday evening?), schools might have had an opportunity to gather information such as who had a non working parent and who REALLY is a key worker, and at least be able to allocate fairly. The government has absolutely failed on this. But knowing that, it is hard to excuse the parents who do not need these places: who are not actually key workers, who have a furloughed or stay at home parent, flexible jobs, or whatever, who are abusing the system.

I've been told I don't know other people's situations, by people who don't know mine. Contrary to MN feeling, I don't mind associating with local mums and I have got to know them and their family set ups over the last few years. Fuck, I know what some of them were posting on WhatsApp and social media three days ago. I really, really DO know that a sizeable number of families are taking the absolute piss and I don't think I'm a terrible human for finding it galling and thinking less of them for it, even while I shake my fist at No. 10 for its rank incompetence. I also don't think it's an isolated phenomenon to my area, especially given the numbers all over.

If you really, really do need your place then we are not talking about you. We pulled together relatively well last time, shit as it was, because there was a sense of community and understanding that it really was only those crucial workers, or those with no other option, who were using schools, and we were reducing the spread while doing it. If you're not going to act in that spirit this time simply because the incompetence of our great leader has enabled it, do not expect us to think well of you for it or stay quiet about it. We know the man's not fit to run a lemonade stand, so we need to do a little thinking with regard to his idiocy.

Well said.

I'm a teacher and my husband works in the construction industry. Our primary school policy is no school places unless both parents are key workers. My husband earns more than me and has his own business so he cannot just stop working. I'm teaching online with my primary school child and a preschooler floating about. It's a fucking nightmare. If I was allowed to pre record my lessons I would do them during the night, but I am not. My head has been understanding and not put me down for key worker cover in school, but if they need me back on site I have no idea how it will work.

[quote blackwych]@DailyScribbles

It IS possible to wfh and look after kids even if your job is 'key'. Thousands upon thousands of us are doing it. Our employers still expect us to deliver. It's crap and the kids get a raw deal and you work til late and before they wake up. But you can literally do it. Even if you are a 'big job' dad who has to make zoom calls. The KW places are for people to go out to work.

This

@SueEllenMishke
we shouldn't be castigating parents for trying to do what's best for their family

If everyone only does what is best for their family with regard to school places we will never get out of this pandemic. It's actually best for my family if I don't go and teach all the newly-minted keyworker children tomorrow, and actually that is what I am considering. Why should I risk my children losing a parent in order to babysit children who don't really NEED to be in school?[/quote]
I'm sorry you're in this position. Are the unions concerned about teachers going into 70% capacity classrooms or are they happy that schools are 'closed'. Teachers don't seem any safer at all to me.

Well we can argue the rights and wrongs of it but the fact is if we've got some schools that are 50-75% full and teachers in classrooms still with 20 children then transmission isn't going to come down as much as we'd like

@GeordieGreigsButtButtZoom you’ve written my exact feelings 👏🏻

@WaterOffADucksCrack

I think a big difference this time is employers are forcing employees to apply for a school space and people can't afford to lose their income. I manage a care home, dp is a paramedic, ds's dad and partner are nurses so we're clearly eligible. However there is no afterschool club and my employer has bollocked me so much for it even though I make up the hours and more when the children are in bed. It's horrendous for many people at the minute.

I agree. The first time around, there was "slack" in the system so some things usually done were postponed, deadlines were pushed back, etc. But, now, 10 months on, customer services levels are pretty grim across the board. Anyone who's had to call the likes of a bank, HMRC, local council, utilities/telecoms providers, will know of the long delays in calls being answered, and even when you get through, there are often problems and delays. Things which were initially delayed have caused knock on effects, even longer queues and waiting times, etc. Generally, many things were only just about getting done due to staff shortages etc., having a cumulative effect, and the new restrictions are going to make all that even worse, hence, organisations not being keen on staff having to take time off again when things were creaking anyway.

I have taken up a place that I didn't last time. DH works in medical research and I am an English teacher. Last time I had mainly Year 11 and so had little work to do after exams were cancelled. This time I have mainly Year 10. I do feel a bit guilty, but, equally, according to the criteria DS is entitled to his place.

The key worker list is expansive I believe

I dont think there are that many piss takers. I think that loads of people who could have had a place due to key work or vulnerability chose not to take it up last time. They wanted to try their best at homeschooling and didn't realise how hard it would be. Plus maybe they had a partner on furlough or their place of work shut its doors? Life is different now, people are taking up places they were scared to use before or didn't feel they needed. I got absolutely decimated on here last April for sending my child to school "to catch covid" when I could have tried juggle it all like others did. It didn't take long for the people who tore me apart to realise that maybe I was onto a good thing and perhaps they realised that they struggled on unnecessarily last time.

The government and I suspect the unions are getting wise to this, such a broad classification as well as clear abuse. SAHPs and not a vulnerability on sight.

They're going to slash it so those parents taking the piss better get those iPads charged up.

@Girlyracer

The government and I suspect the unions are getting wise to this, such a broad classification as well as clear abuse. SAHPs and not a vulnerability on sight.

They're going to slash it so those parents taking the piss better get those iPads charged up.

I do hope so. If figures of 70% are true for some schools, then something needs to be done. The whole point is to avoid overwhelming the NHS and if closing schools really is key to stemming the spread of infection then we’re going to see the NHS meltdown sooner rather than later. I don’t think that’s what anyone wants. I really feel for teachers as they are clearly being put under ridiculous pressure.

People are taking the piss no doubt about it. Surely they will be at increased risk of getting it/passing on to vunerable loved ones so don't think they are really winning. The schools were closed to slow the spread but 50% full is not going to stop the spread much. Might aswell just re open them. At least these way those who didn't want to send their kids can keep them home.

@Girlyracer

The government and I suspect the unions are getting wise to this, such a broad classification as well as clear abuse. SAHPs and not a vulnerability on sight.

They're going to slash it so those parents taking the piss better get those iPads charged up.

Unions are telling heads to do a risk assessment to determine capacity. They can then set additional criteria.

It isn't possible to have 230 children in and do a meaningful home learning offer for the other 190 in practice for many schools. With so many pupils in and 100% of staff in then the risk CV19 is not significantly reduced.

My DH and I are classed as Critical Workers. We can't work from home. We didn't get a space for our Primary age DC.
Back in March my company put me on furlough, no such luck this time round - for many reasons that can't be changed.

The school gave preference to children that had a place back in March, and then to (obviously) to children with parent(s?) working for the NHS.

I know of 3 children who have one Critical Worker parent and one being at home... all 3 where offered a place simply because they had one last time round.

We have to leave our 10y old DC 7+ hours at home alone. Really no choice in the matter, unless we don't eat or live in on a bench in the park...
I have written to my MP (i doubt he does anything), just to highlight our struggles.

I was on the side of MYOB/sympathy with people sending their kids in on a thread yesterday, but then during a conversation at work yesterday about how we are no longer classified as keyworkers and our employer would go to lengths to support us all with childcare challenges, someone openly stated their intention to apply for a place anyway as they were already struggling with their kids’ behaviour (only one of whom is school age). I was quite shocked! We’re all WFH. I know having kids at home all the time is so relentless and tough, but our employer really would be flexible for people that need it so I think asking for a school place (I would hope they wouldn’t get one) is inexcusable.

The list has changed. There are more jobs included.

I'm aware of this. That is one reason why the government is so incompetent. I blame them too. Shitheads.

But we all know that even with this in mind, there is a not insignificant number of households with a furloughed or stay at home parent who are abusing the system. We also know that a lot of the jobs now covered by the definition are really not critical by any reasonable definition in times of a pandemic that we are told could flatten the NHS in under a month. If you (generic you) were happy to bend rules around household mixing and so on because you felt you could make the judgement, you can most certainly make the same call around the number of jobs now included that we all know are really not integral to sustaining the nation and could be done to an acceptable level in this crisis from home, while home schooling, like last time. As shit as I know that is.

Come on. The figures are all over the national press. This is unreasonable. This is a piss take. And if schools are going to be open to more pupils than not, as is the case in my area, it's not going to curb the spread.

We didn't mind last time, much as we hated it, because we knew the schools were open only for those workers without whom the country could not run, or who really, really had no other option. Check my post history, you'll see me telling someone the other day to send her kids in because in her circumstances, she needed to. We are angry this time because the government are incompetent and people are opportunistic and exploitative piss takers. And when their powers combine, we lose all public health benefit to closing schools, and serve only to disadvantage a significant number of children's development.

Oh, and it has crossed my mind that that toilet brush in No 10 has done this deliberately to turn us against each other and deflect blame from himself. That's possible. But frankly, I don't think he and his goon army are that clever. If they were, they'd have sorted this all out before Christmas, when we could all see it coming, and tightened up the definitions and criteria and given schools a chance to assess households and see who really really couldn't homeschool.

I think it is just rank incompetence, and just because a piss taker can exploit that doesn't mean they should.

Agree with you completely OP. The level of piss taking at our school is unbelievable. I’m self employed and having to take my 7 year old to site visits with me because I’m not furloughed and not a key worker. Meanwhile my friend works 2 days a week at her mums shop (which is closed) yet her husband works in “IT infrastructure” so is a key worker. Plus loads of SAHMs with medic husbands at school putting the kids in 2 days to give themselves “a break”. It’s boiling my piss to be honest. I wish the Daily Fail would pick up on this thread. Schools don’t seem to be aware of the level of piss taking going on and it’s just extending the risk for the staff.

Yes I have also had to take my dc to work with me the odd day last lockdown due to childcare issues and low staff so no holiday day . Have to physically be at work but not a key worker