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Covid

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Original poster

If you can't WFH but you're not a key worker, how are you managing if school closes?

65 replies

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:02

I'm looking for ideas really. Single parent, not a key worker and can't work from home. I've been told today I can't be furloughed as we are too busy and no one else will have time to do my work. Anyone else in the same situation? If school closes will other childcare settings also have to close?

OP posts:

SpnBaby1967 · 03/01/2021 16:11

Cupboard under the stairs??

Doesnt matter anyway, schools arent childcare, so you're not allowed to worry or struggle.

joanneg36 · 03/01/2021 16:14

I don’t know what your financial situation is, but babysitter/nanny if you can afford it, and if not, can you form a childcare bubble with one other family? I’ve lost track of whether the latter is legal or not in tier 4 but we are doing it regardless...

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:15

Might ask my boss if I can take DS to work with me. 7 year old in a factory full of dangerous machinery, can't go wrong.

OP posts:

Redbirds · 03/01/2021 16:16

What is your role / industry OP as I was surprised at how many people, myself included, actually classed as a key worker.

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:17

I earn minimum wage so no chance of affording a nanny. I can only use registered childcare as I get help with tax credits then. I don't really know anyone else who I can form a childcare bubble with.

I can ask family members but everyone works full time so it would be an ad hoc thing and would mean DS going to multiple different households. Not ideal but the only thing I can think of.

OP posts:

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:18

Redbirds I work in furniture manufacturing. Unfortunately only food, medical or transport manufacturing is considered key.

OP posts:

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:19

DS's dad, my ex husband is a key worker. I don't know if that makes a difference as we are divorced.

OP posts:

Friendsoneuptown · 03/01/2021 16:20

I feel for you OP I really do. Can childminders in your area work or as the poster above says, bubble with another family that may be in a similar situation as you. It’s not ideal and very worrying.

Unfortunately, you are going to get the many, many mumsnet posters that will be rubbing their hands in glee at your situation and advise you to stop working, school is not childcare and claim universal credit.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 03/01/2021 16:21

@Waxonwaxoff0

Redbirds I work in furniture manufacturing. Unfortunately only food, medical or transport manufacturing is considered key.

Have you tried asking the school? Depending on number they might agree for her to go in.

I'd say that being in danger of being left alone or losing her home , not being fed because you lost your job makes her very vulnerable.

Do you have any family/friends that you could form a childcare bubble with?

Do you have any annual leave you could use?

Can you afford to take some unpaid leave?

Could she go to a CM instead?

Friendsoneuptown · 03/01/2021 16:21

@Waxonwaxoff0

DS's dad, my ex husband is a key worker. I don't know if that makes a difference as we are divorced.

Apologies, my post crossed with some of yours.

I’d ask school based on this if I am honest. Some schools do take one parent as a keyworker. Beg if necessary and hopefully they’d say yes n

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:22

Friends oh yes I've heard it all. No one bleating "schools aren't childcare" can actually come up with any helpful advice though. And it's always the same people who slag off benefit claimants suddenly telling you to go on them.

OP posts:

Daisysflowers · 03/01/2021 16:22

My child’s school is closed and I’m not classed as a critical/key worker so unable to get my child a place at school. I am not able to work from home.

I have managed to sort out 2 days with grandparent the other 3 days he is coming into my office with me! Which is far from ideal.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 03/01/2021 16:24

@Waxonwaxoff0

DS's dad, my ex husband is a key worker. I don't know if that makes a difference as we are divorced.

Is he involved in her schooling? Attend things, go to parents evening, receive letters etc?

Could he apply for a place for her ? Can he have her for these two weeks?

MillieEpple · 03/01/2021 16:25

It might be worth saying your ex is a key worker so cant provide support. Lots of divorced parents co-parent even if you dont, so its a factor.

kowari · 03/01/2021 16:27

I'd insist on a place as if the child's father is a keyworker then you are entitled to one. Is he a PP child, that may help with the vulnerable child category if the school ignores that fact that he is a keyworker child.

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:28

DS's dad is involved, yes. He works shifts though and I think the school are asking for proof of shift patterns so if he was on nights it wouldn't be much help.

I don't think I'd be allowed to take DS to the factory for health and safety reasons

OP posts:

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:30

He's not PP as I earn over the threshold.

OP posts:

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 03/01/2021 16:32

@Waxonwaxoff0

DS's dad is involved, yes. He works shifts though and I think the school are asking for proof of shift patterns so if he was on nights it wouldn't be much help.

I don't think I'd be allowed to take DS to the factory for health and safety reasons

Worth asking the school. And if they want a copy of the Rota then supply it. He can sleep either side of your working hours/snooze on the sofa with Ds.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 03/01/2021 16:34

@Waxonwaxoff0

DS's dad is involved, yes. He works shifts though and I think the school are asking for proof of shift patterns so if he was on nights it wouldn't be much help.

I don't think I'd be allowed to take DS to the factory for health and safety reasons

Are they actually? Can you check?

For example DD's school just had a survey that asked for the child's name, their year group, what keyworker job i have (just one parent ) and whether I'll be sending her in.

Formed a childcare bubble for the random days they'll be shut or finishing early.

Please email the school and ask for support, you have nothing to lose. Worst they can do is say no.

kowari · 03/01/2021 16:35

He works shifts though and I think the school are asking for proof of shift patterns so if he was on nights it wouldn't be much help.
If he's working nights then he would need to sleep sometime, the school can hardly expect him to be able to care for a 7 year old.

MushMonster · 03/01/2021 16:35

Working shifts around each other.

Hollywhiskey · 03/01/2021 16:35

Make a childcare bubble with a SAHP? I have offered for a friend who is wfh but it's really hard for her with her kids at home, so if you have SAHP friend I'd hope they'd help you out as you can't even stay home. You can return the favour when things are different.

WhoLettheCatOut · 03/01/2021 16:36

I've arranged for mine to go to their grandparents thankfully once we reach full closure. Ours is shut tomorrow but then hopefully reopening. The trouble is as we are tier 3 my workplace and industry are all still open and I can't take them with me on a train to the office, court or other venues!

Original poster

Waxonwaxoff0 · 03/01/2021 16:37

Thank you everyone for suggestions. I will email the head and speak to my ex husband. Hopefully we can come up with something!

OP posts:

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 03/01/2021 16:39

Fingers crossed .

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