Critical worker and school provision removed

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Hello, myself and my husband both work full time in roles that are considered critical (key worker) that cannot be done from home.

Our son who is 12 and in year 8 has continued to go daily to school 9-2.

I have today had an email which states that because year 10 and 12 will be receiving face to face lessons that from 22nd they can no longer offer him a place each day and he can only attend mon-wed-fri.

Our son has ADD and ASD and cannot be left for a full day at home and we cannot take leave.

Are schools required to offer critical workers children a full time place ?

I know my secondary school is still offering places for key worker children and fitting year 10 and 12 in. I suppose each school is different though.

My understanding was that key worker provision took priority over the year R, 1,6 10 and 12 cohorts. This screenshot is from the dept for Education update on 1 June. However it's an ever moving feast so I may have missed an update. Have a look on the Gov.uk website and you should find this document and any subsequent updates.

Many schools have reduced or withdrawn key workers provision.

As they have mwf offer, I'd take that and find out if you and oh can compress your hours, work weekends, longer days etc.

Contact your MP, I thought key worker children took priority.

We are offering full time KW provision as a priority over everything else. Maybe it’s different in primary though.

Does he have an EHCP? Surely he counts as a vulnerable child too.

I'd ask your local authority.

Key worker pupils should take priority, however if it just guidance and therefore not statutory.

In the absence of a space, parents are advised to contact their local authority to see if they can place their child in another setting but I can see how difficult this may be if you have a child that has additional needs.

My school has prioritised key workers so I'm surprised this isn't happening tbh.

Does he have an EHCP?

They should take priority? My school does. I'd take it higher

Keyworker children should receive priority but it’s not absolute and is up to the headteacher ultimately. If they can’t accommodate you, you can contact your LA and they will place your son in another school that has capacity. Not ideal with his needs I’d guess but a solution to your childcare problem

It doesn't have to be full time. I would however have a discussion with school about their provision and see if there is any wiggle room.

Some schools have not opened to any children and some are only open 4 days a week.

It doesn't have to be full time and they are obliviously trying to get as many pupils back into school as possible.

If he has an echp even that doesn't mean full time unfortunately.

What are your plans for the summer holidays? Can they be brought forward , can you take 1/2 day leave on the Tues/Thursday he isn't in school.

Most 12yr olds would normally sleep in, so if you took the afternoon as leave then it might not be too bad.