Childcare fees if schools close

[Thatsabitwierd]

I have seen this done before re nurseries, however I am in a slightly different position. I am a frontline NHS worker & if schools close I have been advised by email I am expected to be at work and ready to do my duties. All fine, except, my childminder is happy to take my kids while schools close which is lucky.. but of course I am going to need to pay her for full time hours rather than school hours for maybe a month or more. I cannot afford this. What do I do? I understand the need for me to be at work, I want to be at work, but I am a single parent and my own parents are in the at risk group so I cant ask them for help. Of course I am lucky my CM is still willing to take my kids - but she may need to isolate herself & then what do I do? Is anyone else in my position and what are you planning to do?

If you cant pay the fees then you dont go to work

I would open a claim today for universal credit. That way the assessment period will cover you and for the childcare fees.
You will still have to pay upfront but you'd get 85% back.

If you're in tax credits then you'll get upto 75% back.

There is some talk about keeping schools open only for children of key workers. Not sure if it’s true but the TES is pretty reliable usually.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.tes.com/news/coronavirus-schools-close-all-children-key-workers%3famp

Ask your children's friends parents. I would do this is a heartbeat to help a nurse to work.