Key worker and school provision

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I am a key worker NHS also a lone parent with no other childcare options to able to send my dc to the local hub for schooling. However hours are 9-3 no breakfast club or after school available. What on earth do I do? My core hours are 9-5 or 8.45- 5.20 with traveling. My managers are suggesting that we come up with alternative childcare arrangements like weekend or evening work but unable to take dc with me obviously. I see no solution other than to go sick which goes against every grain in my body. Can’t afford to drop hours or take unpaid leave.
I have 30 years NHS work so not a slacker in any way.
I really want to be there doing my job but realistically how do I?
I can’t sleep and have used annual leave this week but supposed to be back later this week.
I feel constantly stressed and trying not to cry in front of dc who is 10. School hub is 3 miles away with no direct public transport for dc.

Hello, sorry to hear of your situation. Is there any way you could explain this to your manager and say that you want to come in but could you do a shorter shift so you can get back for DC?

It's not workable at all. Ours won't let the child get there and back by themselves such as mine would normally do to and from school by bus. They said they need a responsible adult to sign them in and out each day. Totally not feasible as it's unlikely the key worker will be able to work 9.30-2.30 (allowing travel time between work and to and from the school). I'm now having to leave my just turned 12 yo home alone every day for the foreseeable future a good year earlier than I think she's ready for. My parents said they'll virtually babysit her!

Could you set up a taxi contract to take your 10yo there and back? This would mean they'd have to be alone for a brief spell before and after the childcare hours so you'd need to make sure they know how to lock up etc. At ten, they should be okay an hour or two unsupervised. That's if your school is better than ours and allows your child to sign themselves in and out each day.

This is what I don’t understand about the school hub thing. If it’s essential childcare, then why is it only running in school hours? Most key workers don’t work school hours which is why schools started offering wraparound care.

How useful is it actually?

I am sorry your school is being so inflexible. My DD schools open from 7.30am to 6.00pm.

You need your work to be understanding. Would they rather lose you or adjust your hours for the time being? Ridiculous.

Is there a different school that would take him?

That is ridiculous. Your employer needs to be more flexible. I would put in writing that due to a fucking PANDEMIC that has changed every aspect of our lives you can either a) ‘work from home’ or b) work 9:30 a 2:30. And explain that you want to help in any way you can so your strong preference is for b. Write to the most senior manager you know copying in your boss. And potentially copying in the director of children’s services where you live.

Are you in a union? If so then this is the time to contact them.

Thanks for the replies. No other school option as one school acting as a hub for both primary and set in each local town. Children need an adult to drop off and pick up so taxi nonuse although I had considered this. I’m back in tomorrow so will speak again to department head. I hardly slept last night worrying about this but my lovely colleagues are so supportive and absolutely encouraging me to put my own children first.
It’s difficult because I’m so torn over my role and responsibilities. However I am determined to stick with my dc and the school hours and let department head figure it out.

Currently your skills are needed and you have years and years of experience .
Your management team would rather have you there 10- 2.30 than off so approach them and be honest but firm . This is what I can do given the current situation ... after that I can work from home evenings for say an hour and a few hours at the weekend . There is lots you can be doing at home given the right equipment . Otherwise I'm afraid you can only work school hours and you will still be a doing a wonderful job so thank you .

Childminder?