In the event of school and nursery closures

[Richtea15]

Can we support one another with childcare?

If schools and nurseries shut, surely there will be an abundance of qualified practitioners not working. Myself being one of them. Rather than pawn off children to grandparents for childcare, people like me could offer it to working parents.

I’d be more than happy to provide a “nanny” service to parents who need it.

Just an idea - I think in times like this we must try to support one another as best as we can. Especially when our government are sitting on their backsides doing bugger all.

Fine in principle but I don't think I want extra kids around me and my family. I don't know for sure whether they or their families have encountered the virus.

That’s my main concern, too @Knocksomesense

People with symptoms are being asked to isolate, so that may mean more parents are off work with their children anyway. But for those with no symptoms, they’ll have to continue working until further notice. But unfortunately without childcare!

France is closing its schools, but they are still open for keyworkers’ children, I think. No child is turned away. Most children should not go to grandparents - that’s the worst thing that could happen, because it spreads the disease to the vulnerable. But in effect you would be running a mini nursery if you did what you are suggesting, so it wouldn’t help, and could be part of the problem.

I am a teaching assistant. We have been told by the local authority
we still have to go in to closed schools. We will also be looking for childcare although we have been given the option to bring our children with us.
I don't think people realise that schools are going to be closed to children only if it happens.

@daisypond I was thinking more of a nanny situation, whereby I would go to the child’s house to mind them. I agree that a mini nursery set-up would defeat the object.

@LooseGoose29 I’m a teaching assistant as well and haven’t been told that. What would staff be expected to do in a closed school?! That just makes it harder for people like you who have children of your own.

I work in a school but have been told that if we close I'll be expected to work from home. So not sure how I'm going to combine that with looking after my own DC let alone anyone else's!

I'm thinking of offering to have some of the other nursery kids if their parents don't have any other options, I know at least one mum works for the nhs and I'll be at home with one toddler if my school closes so a couple more will help entertain her.

@Frlrlrubert Yes, exactly that. We can offer care within our local communities as much as possible/sensible!

What’s the point of sending teachers in to closed schools?

@Richtea15
I know it seems ridiculous. I have no idea what we will be expected to do. We can't support children who aren't there.