Still no sign of who key workers are or two parent rule?

[Drogonssmile]

As an NHS worker whose husband earns double what I earn, if the rumours are true and both parents need to be a "key worker" for children to attend school or nursery, then I'll be off from Monday and on unpaid leave for the foreseeable future.

The idea struck me though, and I wouldn't do it myself, what is to stop someone in my situation going off sick with stress due to trying for sort out childcare etc and getting paid full pay for 6 months? (NHS sick pay).

With that list, and the cheeky fuckers who will abuse it, there is no point in closing the school. At a time where we are supposed to be reducing social contact why would you send your child into school if there was someone else available to look after them. Also, if partial closure the kids will not be educated...they will be in something akin to a crèche or holiday club.

I’m glad that has been cleared up (about only one parent needing to be a key worker).

I’m a TA (who I assume are classed as key workers?) and yesterday a couple of my co-workers announced they couldn’t come in at all, as they needed to look after primary aged DC (even though it would only be on a rota basis perhaps once a week or less, AND they have DHs WFH who could look after them - but that’s another story, don’t get me started!).

So now, these colleagues of mine have no reason to opt out of being part of a team, and I’ll discreetly make sure our manager knows this as well, in case they don’t already.

The vast majority of people I’ve encountered are overwhelmingly being amazing atm, but I won’t tolerate the entitled, self-interested ones.

People can't send their children in if the schools won't accept them because they are at capacity safety-wise. There will be a skeleton staff.

Surprised to see both me & partner on list. I work p/t & partner can WFH. So we’ll only need one day & can manage the rest. I really hope others take this approach too.

I feel so sorry for those with childcare issues and unsympathetic employers. But I’m glad in particular for healthcare workers. We need them so much and I have massive respect for them.

They need this and we need this; the bottom line is more people will die if we don’t do everything we can to support them getting into work.

Thanks haven!

Does anyone know if bank NHS staff which might need to be called in be classed as key workers? Obviously just using the school's when at work.

I genuinely have no one but my mum (68) and stepdad (who is 76 and had two heart attacks) who could look after the kids as my DH works away most of the week and can't wfh.

I've had clarification from nursery that they can take DS2. So just need to wait for school to contact me regarding DS1.

@Drogonssmile that’s good I’m hoping something will work out for me too

Fingers crossed for you @TheCountessatHotelCortez

I'm still hoping school will take DS1 or I'll have to leave him with my mum or take unpaid leave (defeating whole object of key workers being in work).

@haven do you have the link for that please?

@REdReDRE

www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

Point 4.2 is about the one parent rule.

@Drogonssmile thank you!

No problem @REdReDRE 👍🏻

Interesting call from after school club.
My ex is an emergency key worker, they said I am eligible for a place on the days he would usually have them.

So many different situations, must be hard to work it all through.

The staff member I spoke to sounded a little stressed. Such a crazy time, we are all needing answers and it's the people trying to help that are being bombarded.

Our school has taken a very hard line and you need to provide a line managers phone number so they can clarify you are a critical worker and you need to provide days/hours you work

@Cockola

Why is that a hard line?
Surely they are making sure people are doing what they say they are and the system isn't being abused. Which is seems some parents are willing to do.

Our school has taken a very hard line and you need to provide a line managers phone number so they can clarify you are a critical worker and you need to provide days/hours you work

It's a shame that this is necessary, but it appears that it absolutely is. Good on the school for weeding out the CFs.

Our school have just contacted me saying they can take my son. I am so relieved, I have felt sick all day. I hope others get the help they need and the CFs are weeded out
I can't imagine what it must be like working in a school at the moment. They are all heroes.

@Drogonssmile I’m still no further forward teach at My kids school says it will be Thursday before anything starts so not sure when/how I’ll find out

Teacher that should say

@TheCountessatHotelCortez
Thursday?! How come? What are you meant to do in the meantime?

@Jessuk86.
If you are in England then Childminders have to be shut from Monday. This isn't given as an option.

@Drogonssmile she didn’t say I’m assuming because it’s such short notice and they will need to decide who gets it and who doesn’t maybe I honestly don’t know and my childminder still doesn’t know what she’s to do as keeps getting conflicting advic e

@TheCountessatHotelCortez
It's such a nightmare and all done so last minute. I hope it all gets sorted out for you ASAP.

We'll be on lockdown soon and then the pressure will be alleviated. Only the key workers will be allowed out of the house.