Critically Vulnerable

[LadyPenelope68]

I'm HLTA in a small Primary School and in the Clinically Vulnerable category. Up to now, I've been working from home, but have been told yesterday that as of Monday, I have to be in as my job cannot be done from home. Has anyone else in the same category been told they can't work from home?

You could contact your union and ask their help. And/or quote the Gov guidance to them and ask them what alternative and safest on-site role you will be undertaking instead. Anyone clinically vulnerable in my school (and our entire LA) are not returning to on-site roles on 1st June.

(www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings#shielded-and-clinically-vulnerable-adults):

Clinically vulnerable individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre-existing conditions as set out in the Staying at home and away from others (social distancing) guidance have been advised to take extra care in observing social distancing and should work from home where possible. Education and childcare settings should endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home. If clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever possible, although the individual may choose to take on a role that does not allow for this distance if they prefer to do so. If they have to spend time within 2 metres of other people, settings must carefully assess and discuss with them whether this involves an acceptable level of risk.

The school needs to do a personal risk assessment for you and make any necessary adjustments. As someone who is clinically vulnerable, you have to be particularly careful with social distancing so you shouldn’t really be in classroom. We have two vulnerable staff - an office person in who will be in a room on her own, and a premises officer. His risk assessment has changed his hours to avoid rush-hour and contact with children. If I were you, I wouldn’t go back until you’ve sen the general risk assessment, and your personal one. .