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Original poster

If they shut nurseries...

29 replies

Teapotandcup · 09/01/2021 17:55

Would I still be eligible for a place for my 2 year old?

He gets his hours paid for because we’re on a really low income. I had to leave my job due to mental health (pre covid) my mental illness has got a lot worse since covid and I’m struggling a lot to even function. As selfish as it sounds, my son going to nursery twice a week has been a saving grace for me. I have a mental health support group I do via Zoom on one of the days.

My DP is a key worker, so has to go to work everyday.
If nursery closes I don’t know what I’m going to do. I have no family in the area either. I feel like I’ll end up in a very dark place, I was almost suicidal last March.

OP posts:
Remmy123 · 09/01/2021 17:59

They arnt closing

OverTheRainbow88 · 09/01/2021 18:01

I’m sure you would get a place as
OH is a key worker and you are vulnerable.

Original poster
Teapotandcup · 09/01/2021 18:02

@Remmy123 I just wondered as I know that the scientists are calling for a stricter lockdown.

OP posts:
Mousehole10 · 09/01/2021 18:05

if they close to all but key workers/vulnerable then you your DC will likely get place as your DH is a keyworker and you are vulnerable. If this happens speak to the nursery early and explain your situation.

Ohalrightthen · 09/01/2021 18:06

@OverTheRainbow88

I’m sure you would get a place as OH is a key worker and you are vulnerable.
I don't think this is true at all. If OP isn't working and is physically able to care for her child 5 days out of 7 at the moment, she's very unlikely to be given a nursery place if they shut.

DH is a key worker, i work full time (and similar to OP have severe MH issues) and if the nurseries shut, god forbid, I would absolutely not expect DD to get a place.

Lots of people are struggling at the moment OP. Reach out to your GP for extra support, are you medicated?

PatchworkElmer · 09/01/2021 18:11

Well if it’s like the rules for school, children only need 1 key worker parent to be eligible. So yes, you’d be fine.

Ilovegreentomatoes · 09/01/2021 18:11

@Remmy123 why are you so convinced they won't close? Look how many u turns this government has done already.
A lot of ppl are now putting pressure on them to shut and if a lot of parents take their child out ( which is happening at my nursery) and do not pay fees it may not be financially viable for nurseries to stay open anyway for a small number of children.

Ilovegreentomatoes · 09/01/2021 18:14

We also did not stay open for key worker children last time as we did not have enough in to make it financially viable.

OverTheRainbow88 · 09/01/2021 18:15

@Ohalrightthen

If OP isn't working and is physically able to care for her child 5 days out of 7 at the moment, she's very unlikely to be given a nursery place if they shut.

But if OP has severe mental health issues she can’t care for them.

All the nurseries around here accepted them with just one key worker parent anyway

Ohalrightthen · 09/01/2021 18:17

[quote OverTheRainbow88]@Ohalrightthen

If OP isn't working and is physically able to care for her child 5 days out of 7 at the moment, she's very unlikely to be given a nursery place if they shut.

But if OP has severe mental health issues she can’t care for them.

All the nurseries around here accepted them with just one key worker parent anyway[/quote]
But she is caring for them most of the week already, which would suggest she is capable. She needs to look into additional support, as she may well be in a position where she needs to take care of her kid herself.

None of the nurseries round us stayed open at all, and the ones my friend used only took 2 keyworker parent kids, so it really depends.

Original poster
Teapotandcup · 09/01/2021 18:21

I’m also wondering because he’s fully funded whether he would count as vulnerable, I’m just not sure how it works.

OP posts:
Original poster
Teapotandcup · 09/01/2021 18:22

@Ohalrightthen we have a childcare bubble with my in laws too as I’ve been majorly struggling but I’m worried they’ll stop that too.

OP posts:
Ohalrightthen · 09/01/2021 18:25

I think you need to prepare for the possibility that you'll be looking after him yourself. Can you speak to your therapist and your GP? Medication, increased sessions?

OverTheRainbow88 · 09/01/2021 18:26

@Teapotandcup

Did they close last lockdown to key workers kids?

Can you call them Monday and express an interest in a key workers place if they have to close- worth a shot

Dugee · 09/01/2021 18:29

Well if it’s like the rules for school, children only need 1 key worker parent to be eligible. So yes, you’d be fine.

If today's news is to be believed, then this will change to reduce the number of children in schools.

Doubledoodlemummy · 09/01/2021 18:30

I am a teacher I a school nursery and we have provision for 2 year olds. We opened last week for key workers and vulnerable and we had one 2 year old come in as a vulnerable family. We reopen fully on Monday but like you wonder how long for. It’s only a matter of time before cases soar with classes of 39 nursery children together in one large room no matter how much hand washing we do! In my nursery you would definitely be given a space for your child, make sure your nursery are aware of your situation.

Original poster
Teapotandcup · 09/01/2021 18:32

@Doubledoodlemummy thank you. What do you suggest I say to them? I was going to draft an email ready to send them Monday in case they do have to close.

OP posts:
SendHelp30 · 09/01/2021 18:35

I work in a nursery as the finance manager. In my setting, your child would be offered a place. If you have severe mental health struggles and you are eligible for 2 year FEL your child would be classed as vulnerable. Plus your DH is a key worker. Please try not too worry.

PatchworkElmer · 09/01/2021 18:35

@Dugee and to be honest, that’s not a bad thing. But as the ‘rules’ currently stand, OP will be fine.

SendHelp30 · 09/01/2021 18:36

@Teapotandcup explain just as you have on here. Be completely honest about your own health and explain how important DS’ place is to you.

Ledkr · 09/01/2021 18:37

If you have a childcare bubble with your in laws can they have him if nursery wont? If not can dh take a days a/l once a week?

Doubledoodlemummy · 09/01/2021 18:37

I’d just be honest and say you are having help for your mental health and that you may struggle if nursery closes and your child can’t access the provision. We have great relationships with most of our families and we appreciate when families are honest with us as we know who we need to teach out to. Please try not to worry xxx

RedMarauder · 09/01/2021 18:39

OP when the first lockdown happened there were several childminders in my borough who were willing to take on children if one of their parents was a key worker and/or the child was vulnerable.
They had less strict criteria than the nurseries and schools who insisted on two key worker parents as there were surplus places.

Doubledoodlemummy · 09/01/2021 18:40

Sorry reach out not teach out- I’m not wearing my glasses.
I’d do it on Monday whether it looks like they will close or not, you’ll feel better when you’ve done it as you’ve got a plan in place x

Original poster
Teapotandcup · 09/01/2021 18:49

Thanks for the replies. I’ll send them an email on Monday. Hopefully it’ll be fine either way, but in case.

OP posts: