DSD and DSS have to self isolate. Can they come to us?

[Fressia123]

Just got notified that my SDDs bubble at schook has to self isolate, I would have thought DSS has to self isolate too? I've heard contradictory information. Her DM is asking if she can stay with us some of the days. Two of those days the nanny/babysitter will be here but I think it defeats the whole self isolation purpose.

No, they definitely can't.

No, the idea of self-isolate is just that. No mixing with anyone outside their own household.

No

no no and no again

No

Allowing regular access for children to separated parents is an exception to usual covid rules, but even if it's allowed it shouldn't really be done in these circumstances.

However if they are being asked to isolate but without any symptoms or positive test, no the other sibling doesn't have to and can usually even go to school. It's a bit confusing as you mention 'sdd' but if you mean that dsd is the one isolating then it might make more sense for dss to come over than her, if the mum can't manage both.

Yes it's my stepdaughter who ends to self isolate. Her brother doesn't have to (he goes to a different school) but their DM is saying both should come. I'm not super thrilled/comfortable about it .

If it is just your DSD bubble just she has to self isolate so in theory your DSS is fine

With your DSD it is tricky as yes she needs to self isolate but actually she is just as much a member of your household as she is the other - and in theory legally yes I think she can come to you without breaking the rules. Although I would not recommend - does the mum want to work

I have had a look and the current guidance doesnt seem to be clear as to whether it can or not

Yes mum has to work (and so do I!) But at least the nanny is here those days.

and are normal arrangements fairly 50/50. She is part of your household though

No

How old is the child who has to self isolate? They are part of your household surely? Maybe it would be simplest for her to do the whole period of isolation at your house, surely her dad can look after her just as well as her mum can?

No the arrangement isn't 50/50 it's like 30/70 ATM but I have my own DD who does come 50/50 (different bubble though).

She is part of our household and during lockdown they came back and forth.

Nanny has said she'll have to thing about it. And we also have the baby (who is at the lowest risk). But I think coming back and forth when having to self isolate defeats its purpose.

It does sort of defeat the purpose but presumably it's necessary for childcare reasons? Are you expecting DSD's mum to take a full two weeks off work to look after her so that you and your DP don't have to?

The actual law is here:

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1045/made

The only thing I can see if that she can come to yours if it is impractical for her to remain at her current address or if there is a court order in place. People with more than one house aren't allowed to move between them unless actually necessary, and there is no specific exemption for children who have separated parents.

And that is the issue isn’t it is the fact her mum needs to work make it impractical and necessary

I think I’m afraid OP this is one that could be argued either way legally and within guidance so is very much up to you to decide

Sorry, the legislation uses "impracticable" rather than "impractical", with the former meaning "impossible in practice". I wouldn't think childcare difficulties could count as "impracticable".

No it's not about her taking the brunt (in terms of time off) but also I don't want to put the baby and my DD on higher risk. In that sense the mum's household has been more at risk than ours. I would happily have her once the risk is lower.

No. My son can’t go to his fathers. Self isolate means stay in. They reckon only 20% of those who should be self isolating are actually isolating which partly explains why numbers are going up.

We've said we're happy to take them.for one of those weeks but at least wait for the second week so we can be more in the clear in case they develop symptoms.

Does the nanny know you're volunteering her for possible exposure?

If the nanny gets it and has a few weeks off sick it might be difficult for you.

@Fressia123

We've said we're happy to take them.for one of those weeks but at least wait for the second week so we can be more in the clear in case they develop symptoms.

They could have it and be asymptomatic. Many teens are. Look at the mass testing of uni students. 80% of those who test positive have no symptoms.

I've disclosed it to the nanny and she won't come if we're exposed. Our ten day logic is that at least of my DSD had it they would have been exposed and the adults would have caught it too.

After a massive fight (we were deemed unreasonable!) My stepchildren are coming for the second half of the self isolation period. I don't necessarily agree but at least seems "fairer".

What’s the nanny doing now?