childcare exemptions for children and vulnerable adults

[dairyfairies]

so the government has announced childcare exemptions for children under 14 and vulnerable adults. What about those between 14 and 18? Am I missing something?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-54240681

Surely they will either fall into the vulnerable category or not need childcare?

I don't think a 15 year old will be classed as 'adult', or will they?

I thought that too, I presume they a child with SN over 14 will be covered under vulnerable adult. But it really shows they have no clue what many peoples lives are like.

and 'adult' in the UK is legally someone over the age of 18 so I am not sure (it had practical implications for me hence I am asking)

Why do children 14 and over need childcare (unless vulnerable in which case that’s covered)?

racoon, I have a disabled child and one without. I couldn't imagine a 14 year old without some of of disability/SN needing childcare really. in what circumstances do you think they would need it?

I think the Government are assuming those 14 and over are old enough to care for themselves and therefore do not need childcare.

What about those between 14 and 18? Am I missing something?

Yes. If you are over 14 you don't need childcare unless you are vulnerable. If you are a vulnerable person regardless of your age you have always been covered under the rules.

char - eh?

do you think a 14th birthday is a manic cure for disabilities/additional needs???

magic cure

if you are a vulnerable person regardless of your age you have always been covered under the rules.

always? there were only brought in yesterday and it specifically refers to kids under 14 and adults. But leaves the gap. I will just assume DD is a vulnerable adult under this definition. Thanks.

It’s not just 14 with additional needs (because I’d agree they will be exempt as vulnerable, even though it’s poorly worded). It’s 14, mainstream, but parent works night shift, so teen spends the night with grandparents or friends or whoever.

@dairyfairies

char - eh?

do you think a 14th birthday is a manic cure for disabilities/additional needs???

Do I think this - no. Did I even state that I think the Government think this - no. The Government have already stated children/young people/adults can be cared for. 14-18 year olds without any vulnerabilities they are saying do not full into any of this exemptions.

char - the government did not refer to young people with SN but made reference specifically to 'vulnerable adults'.

I've actually just read the official Government document on this and they actually probably do need to make it clearer that 14-18 year olds with vulnerabilities are also included. That is quite a major error to not to include this in an official document.

The previous rules allowed care for a vulnerable person (and this is only relevant if you’re in a local lockdown area - everywhere else informal childcare was allowed anyway). The expansion is to include children under 14 who weren’t otherwise classed as vulnerable.

@dairyfairies

char - the government did not refer to young people with SN but made reference specifically to 'vulnerable adults'.

Watch the news sites, Government have given statements referring to young people.

@dairyfairies yes always.

Vulnerable people were always allowed care and support under the government rules from people outside their household.

For some reason people seem to presume the only vulnerable people are elderly adults when in fact it is anyone of any age could fall into the category.

You are right, it is badly worded, somewhat understandable as everything is kind of rushed, hopefully they will sort it out to make it clear. I know is is easy for me to say but I would suggest anyone with a vulnerable teen includes themselves, if anyone tried to challenge that then I'm not sure the courts would support that challenge.

thanks red