Schools closed - can anyone answer this question about key worker

[Imknackeredzzz]

I have heard today the schools are closing except for those with children who are “key worker” my husband is a lift engineer in all environments from apartments/ supermarkets/ hospitals

Is he likely to be classed as one would you say?

He will not be classed as a key worker. But do the Government think key workers only work between 08.50 and 15.10 monday to friday? What about key workers on duty outside of those hours. Where grandparents might provide care outside school hours the Govt have advised grandparents should no longer be providing care.

@Joans3rddaughter the government presumes that grandparents are over 70, children don't fall in the medical vulnerable categories and that no-one lives in a multi-generational household.

OP if your husband does work for supermarkets and hospitals then he may get an exemption for emergency call-outs e.g. on a case by case basis.

Boris has been deliberately vague so anyone who needs to work can still have the "childcare".

It is very vague isn’t it

I think it will depend on individual schools and councils. Are you a key worker OP? Schools may well argue they only need to provide childcare if both parents are key workers (if two parents are at home).

They said they were going to release written guidance specifying what a key worker is for these purposes.

It won't be lift engineers though

Lets hope the lifts don't break down then!

The list of key workers will be released tomorrow.

I think If there going to class supermarket delivery drivers as key workers according to Boris who knows

Will teachers be classed as key workers in order to provide this child care ? Many teachers are also parents - we're a two teacher household.

It will only kick in if both parents are key workers though. And it is expected to simply be a babysitting type of service, not school as we know it. I am aware of one school where they have assessed who it is likely to cover (secondary school so mainly children in lower year groups who are vulnerable) and they will have one teacher doing the cover. They are taking it in turns but it only requires working one day every few weeks.

But until the guidance is released who knows for sure.

@Musicalmistress

I have the same question, ratios mean my one child being in nursery means I can supervise 30 or more key workers' children.

Hopefully it will become clear soon.

I googled key workers and it stated NHS clinical staff (amoung others) what about NHS staff that aren't clincal? I can see work being funny about me saying schools being closed and them arguing this whole key worker thing.

I'm GP support staff. I somehow dont think I'm considered key staff.

Boris at press conference said NHS workers and delivery drivers.

I think it might be up to individual schools to decide, based on:

a) number of DC they are confident they can reliably look after
b) number of vulnerable/FSM pupils
c) numbers of other parents requesting places for their DC with their reasons, and having a panel (?) to rank the responses. There will have to be central guidance, but final decision needs to be local

I'm a nurse in a private hospital....I don't know if I will be considered key, we take alot.of NHS work but I'm not technically an NHS key worker

I think I’m a key worker (social care) but my husband isn’t.
But he’s saying he has to keep working in his finance job to save his job and isn’t happy about supervising our 3 dc while I work.
Feel he’s being a bit selfish but wondering if we should/are able to use the school in this scenario at least for the reception child who needs much more supervision than the others

It depends if it’s a school decision or government decision ultimately I guess. Whether it will be fluid or black and white. So much to be decided

(He is wfh by the way)

I don't think we'll know more until tomorrow. Even if the central govt produce a list of 'key workers' it will still be up to schools, academies, local authorities as to what the options are - you cannot open a school if there are no staff. The govt's bulletin says that it will be up to local authorities to put alternate measures in place. I wouldn't expect to have any answers until tomorrow at the earliest.

@Sharkyfan I don’t think the schools should provide childcare because your husband doesn’t want to look after his own children.

doesn’t want to look after his own children

Fucking harsh.

He could be at home with the dc and receive no income instead I suppose....

I'm a single parent to primary aged dc, also a catering assistant for a school. Not sure if I'm a keyworker, tho someone will have to provide meals for the children that are in?

"He could be at home with the dc and receive no income instead I suppose.... hmm"

He works from home