Childcare for DS with COVID

[catchingzzzeds]

What do I do in this situation?
DS has COVID, I know I'm allowed to go to work but as he's only 9 he'll need looking after, usually my ex (dad) and I would share the care but can DS leave the house by car to go to his dads whilst I go to work?

This response to a parliamentary question might be helpful:
"There are a limited number of circumstances where an individual may leave self isolation, including where there is a need to fulfil a legal obligation or it becomes impracticable to remain at the original address provided for self-isolation. These circumstances may apply where there are legal arrangements governing the time a child spends with each parent. We do not offer advice on specific circumstances as each scenario is different for every family."

See childlawadvice.org.uk/coronavirus-separated-families-and-contact/

I agree that it would be more clear cut if there was a court order but it is an either / or. If it becomes impractical for your child to stay at your address they can go to stay at the home of a family member (that applies to both separated and non-separated parents so if it's impractical for a child to stay with their parents, they could go to a grandparent, for example).

Appreciate that it's an uncomfortable position to be in when you have T&T calling all the time and it may just be easier for you to follow their advice. But I think the way this will work is that T&T and the Council will always tell you to self-isolate with very very limited exemptions because they see that as their mandate and don't care much about your financial situation. But if these cases ever get into the legal system (i.e. if you appeal a fine), you would never realistically be fined for taking steps to prevent yourself being in financial hardship, particularly when you had tried to access the government support and couldn't.

I feel strongly about this because the government has continually, throughout the pandemic, misrepresented guidance as the law and failed to notify people of exemptions from stay at home rules. In many cases this has put people in real hardship or danger. Sometimes it has even killed people.

@NuttyinNotts

You can claim the self isolation grant if you are in this circumstance and unable to work because your child has covid and you are low income. It is illegal for him to leave the house.

Give over 🙄

OP ring citizens advice to check, I’m not sure T&T have given you the correct advice there.

If you work in a school, I assume for a council surely they need to pay you? Do you get sick pay if so I would say I was sick? Or special leave

@catchingzzzeds T&T told me (March/April time) that my DD could go between mine and her dads when she had Covid even if there wasn't an order in place as long as didn't get out of the car or leave her dads while there. I just went on what they told me at the time

@catchingzzzeds Test and Trace are mistaken about the £500 unless the dates overlap. Ie if there is at least a days gap between you claiming before and the date your dc now has to isolate from you can claim again from the council.

Thank you so much everyone, you've been really helpful.
I have spoken to T&T again and they've said that DS can go back and forth between both houses as there are no other adults at either address.
The lady I spoke to this afternoon also said she thinks I can claim for a second £500 COVID payment so I have just applied for that 🤞🏼
Hoping that DS dad can have him a couple of days to minimise my lost wages.

Your ex could come to your house.

Or son to ex house full time until out of isolation.

@Hopefullywaiting01234

If you work in a school, I assume for a council surely they need to pay you? Do you get sick pay if so I would say I was sick? Or special leave

Unfortunately it's definitely unpaid, since the rule change to whole households isolating we no longer paid if our children need to isolate.