'Coronavirus Contingency Planning'

[loocyloo]

me again! I can't believe I'm getting so caught up in this. I'm usually very laid back and 'what will be will be' ... but the constant bad news in the press & social media about Corona is starting to worry me.

had an email from my LA ... about 'Coronavirus Contingency Planning'

it mentions talking to your insurance company about 'temporary business disruption cover' ... I'm with pacey for my public liability; I don't have any other insurance, so therefore won't be covered for this ... is any childminder ? ( randomly, i was thinking about taking out critical illness cover or payment protection cover ( probably not the right name! ) a few weeks ago, but didn't/haven't done anything about it )

and then it says check information about “temporary Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme” ... well ... as far as i can see ... if banks give people a loan, to cover this period i guess, then they will get up to 80% paid to them from the gov't ... but i can't find out exactly how we'd apply/get the money and then how we'd have to pay it back etc!

Budget delivers help for businesses to battle coronavirus | This is Money (https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/smallbusiness/article-8100187/Budget-delivers-help-businesses-battle-coronavirus.html)

also reading this ... it talks about statutory sick pay ... which, as self employed people, we don't get ... we have to go through universal credit.

:confused::confused::confused: and :ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[Mouse]

One thing I've seen said about the situation in Italy is that they didn't really take it seriously until it was all a bit late. At least we seem to be a bit more prepared.

I'm not one to panic, but I do think it's wise to start thinking about implications now, especially as cases are getting closer.

I saw some discussion on Facebook about whether or not insurance companies will pay out for loss of revenue, but I don't know if there was a final yes or no answer. I guess now is the time to be finding out.

[loocyloo]

One thing I've seen said about the situation in Italy is that they didn't really take it seriously until it was all a bit late. At least we seem to be a bit more prepared.

I'm not one to panic, but I do think it's wise to start thinking about implications now, especially as cases are getting closer.

I saw some discussion on Facebook about whether or not insurance companies will pay out for loss of revenue, but I don't know if there was a final yes or no answer. I guess now is the time to be finding out.

public liability insurance won't cover loss of revenue ... you would need 'temporary business disruption cover' ... i'm guessing that maybe nurseries have it, as they have bigger overheads than we do. If people have the higher level of insurance from early years alliance, then they are covered for loss of revenue ( but don't know if they are covered for this ), but not basic. I'm with pacey and only have public liability, so not covered.

[FussyElmo]

Personally i think the insurance companies will find any excuse not to pay out as it may cost millions unless the government help.

I see so many people switch their insurance policies or take on income protection which more than likely be a sub clause saying you are not covered for so many months of the cover starting or for known outbreaks etc.

[loocyloo]

Personally i think the insurance companies will find any excuse not to pay out as it may cost millions unless the government help.

I see so many people switch their insurance policies or take on income protection which more than likely be a sub clause saying you are not covered for so many months of the cover starting or for known outbreaks etc.

exactly! I would have thought that anyone taking out insurance now will not be covered, whatever happens!

[Mouse]

public liability insurance won't cover loss of revenue ... you would need 'temporary business disruption cover' ... i'm guessing that maybe nurseries have it, as they have bigger overheads than we do. If people have the higher level of insurance from early years alliance, then they are covered for loss of revenue ( but don't know if they are covered for this ), but not basic. I'm with pacey and only have public liability, so not covered.

Morton Michel covers for loss of revenue in certain circumstances. This is the section people were debating:

Compulsory Closure – the compulsory closure by
a public body after the discovery of a notifiable
human infectious or contagious disease, foreign
matter in food or drink provided at the premises,
defective sanitation, the presence of vermin or
pests or an occurrence of murder, manslaughter,
suicide or rape at the premises, up to £1,000.

I agree with Fussy though, I'm sure insurance companies will do anything to avoid paying out, especially if the government is jumping in to pay out!

[FussyElmo]

Mm have come out and said because its not on the list of notifiable diseases its not covered.

I read from martin lewis this morning that if you are booking holidays to read travel insurance carefully as some companies are removing travel disruption from their policies

[Mouse]

Mm have come out and said because its not on the list of notifiable diseases its not covered.



Coronavirus (COVID-19) listed as a notifiable disease - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-listed-as-a-notifiable-disease)

It was made a notifiable disease a week ago.

[Mouse]

I have been listening to the Chancellor in breakfast TV this morning.

He was asked about financial help for the self employed. In typical politician speak he completely talked around the question, but basically said that unless you're self employed and already on Universal Credit, there will be no help.

[FussyElmo]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) listed as a notifiable disease - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-listed-as-a-notifiable-disease)

It was made a notifiable disease a week ago.

Its not on mm list with it being new - got to love smallprint

[loocyloo]

Its not on mm list with it being new - got to love smallprint

I read somewhere that the plague and yellow fever ARE in the list even though they were/have been eradicated!

[loocyloo]

I have been listening to the Chancellor in breakfast TV this morning.

He was asked about financial help for the self employed. In typical politician speak he completely talked around the question, but basically said that unless you're self employed and already on Universal Credit, there will be no help.

That's what I feared/expected.

[Mouse]

It's not looking very good for us, is it?

I really don't want my 'rainy day' fund being used because of a virus!

[loocyloo]

It's not looking very good for us, is it?

I really don't want my 'rainy day' fund being used because of a virus!

Me neither!

[FussyElmo]

I think all insurance underwriters will be looking carefully at the small print. I havent seen anything from the government about financial help for them.

I know local restaurants are asking for people to still visit as their footfall is very down and our area hasn't had a confirmed case yet. I can imagine alot of businesses being in the same boat.

[FussyElmo]

So self isolation for high temperatures and persistent cough.

No cancelling of major sports/outdoor events.

Schools to stay open.

Recommend that elderly people dont go on cruises

School international trips to be cancelled.

And the cheery news people are going to die the worse is yet to come

[Maza]

It was a really interesting press conference wasn't it?!

I thought it was interesting when they were talking abut behavioural science and that people wouldn't isolate for long and so the timing is crucial.

[loocyloo]

So self isolation for high temperatures and persistent cough.

No cancelling of major sports/outdoor events.

Schools to stay open.

Recommend that elderly people dont go on cruises

School international trips to be cancelled.

And the cheery news people are going to die the worse is yet to come

hmmmm

persistent cough ... since when ? i've had a cough since about last october!

[Mouse]

hmmmm

persistent cough ... since when ? i've had a cough since about last october!

It did say a new persistent cough, but new since when? One of my minded children has had a cough for weeks so dad took her to the GP at the beginning of the week. They said it's nothing. Two of the others have developed coughs within the last week, but they're not persistent. One only coughs when he wakes up and the other only coughs now and again.

I did send letters home today, but I'm going to have to make amendments already as advice has changed and I'll now start excluding for persistent coughs and fevers.

[Mouse]

I've read so much information now I think I've confused myself! What do you think of these scenarios?

Anyone now with a new persistent cough or fever should self isolate for 7 days.

So, a child develops a new cough and has a fever so we exclude them for 7 days.

We develop a cough and/or fever so close for 7 days to self isolate.

I assume if someone who lives in our home has a cough or fever we'd need to close?

What if it's a family member or friend who doesn't live with us? At one time the advice was to self-isolate if we'd been in contact with someone who may have coronavirus, so is that still the same?

What if a parent self isolates because they've developed a cough or fever? Do we exclude the child even if they are showing no symptoms?

I'm starting to think it might just be easier to hibernate for a while :rolleyes:

[loocyloo]

I'm very confused too Mouse xx

[mama2three]

No even if their parent shows symptoms child can still come. Family isolation for 14 days is in the next phase. I’ve spent the evening writing a letter to parents , it’s quite blunt...a fever is still a fever even if masked by calpol!

[Maza]

I suspect the advice will continue to evolve over the next few days/weeks/months.

I imagine we are all the same - checking the headlines as soon as we wake up each morning for the latest figures.

I do actually feel very sad for older people who live by themselves. My mum was telling me last night on the phone that my brothers have been telling her to stay in apparently. She is in her 80s and goes to a couple of local pubs most nights. She said she gets depressed and lonely if she stays in. It would actually do her good to stay in to be honest, but no one wants anyone to be lonely either.

[FussyElmo]

Offical advice here

COVID-19: stay at home guidance - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance)

2 members of staff were sent home from ds's place of work i told him to consider a tent in the garden :laughing:

[Dragonfly]

The children here have had coughs on and off and colds since around October also . Yesterday one was up the night before coughing a lot so wasn’t sent to pre school but was fine to come to me yesterday

[Dragonfly]

I took temperatures yesterday I’m ashamed to say.

[loocyloo]

i don't have a thermometer ... DS had convulsions as a baby and my Dr said i didn't need to know his exact temp every second of the day, i would know when he was hot, and that would be enough.
i've always followed that advice. now i'm starting to wonder if i should get one. :(

[Maza]

Yes, loocyloo, I used to get a bit obsessive taking DD's temp whenever she was ill.

I need new ear covers for my thermometer - but I got it years ago from Mothercare, so I can't get the ear covers anymore. I ordered some different ones last night and just hope they are generic enough for my thermometer.

I saw a great list yesterday on another site which had 10 things that we would need, instead of loo roll, if we really get corona virus. One of them was a thermometer. Another one was nurofen for both adults and kids. Another was a clay pipe - I've never heard of one of those...

[FussyElmo]

The guidance is flaky.
Its only the person with symptoms who has to self isolate but it says they need to stay in their own room and no visitors

[loocyloo]

Since emailing all my parents to pass on 7 day advice. I've just had one parent ring to say their child has a cold and no temp, and school said she was fine to go yesterday! What did I think? I said I didn't know but all I could do was follow the advice given!

Luckily don't have this child until next week!

[FussyElmo]

Coronavirus: Official advice for schools, nurseries, children’s homes and social workers | CYP Now (https://www.cypnow.co.uk/features/article/coronavirus-official-advice-for-schools-nurseries-children-s-homes-and-social-workers)

[Maza]

Yes, loocyloo, I used to get a bit obsessive taking DD's temp whenever she was ill.

I need new ear covers for my thermometer - but I got it years ago from Mothercare, so I can't get the ear covers anymore. I ordered some different ones last night and just hope they are generic enough for my thermometer.

I saw a great list yesterday on another site which had 10 things that we would need, instead of loo roll, if we really get corona virus. One of them was a thermometer. Another one was nurofen for both adults and kids. Another was a clay pipe - I've never heard of one of those...

Silly me, I meant salt pipe!

[Mouse]

I wondered if I should be buying a thermometer, as I don’t have one, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere :(

[loocyloo]

I wondered if I should be buying a thermometer, as I don’t have one, but they seem to be out of stock everywhere :(

found plenty on amazon this morning! yes, i gave in, and after almost 17 years ... I'm going to own a thermometer! I'm planning on keeping it by the front door, and hopefully the thought that i might test and refuse child will work!

[Dragonfly]

I never had a thermometer for my own children adults now. Don’t know why I got one?

[Starr870]

I charge if the parent foesnt send the child and dont charge if I cant have the child. What do I do? So if i cant mind due to being told to close do I charge the parents or not or charge half fee? I am part time before and after school only

[FussyElmo]

I charge if the parent foesnt send the child and dont charge if I cant have the child. What do I do? So if i cant mind due to being told to close do I charge the parents or not or charge half fee? I am part time before and after school only

No right or wrong answers.

You do what's right for you

[Mouse]

I charge if the parent foesnt send the child and dont charge if I cant have the child. What do I do? So if i cant mind due to being told to close do I charge the parents or not or charge half fee? I am part time before and after school only

It's a tough decision to make.

I'm charging if I'm open and not charging if I'm closed. If I'm told to close I won't charge...and will keep my fingers crossed that it's not for too long!

[mumofone]

Anyone know of any childminders or nurseries that are shutting their doors due to Coronavirus?

[Mouse]

Anyone know of any childminders or nurseries that are shutting their doors due to Coronavirus?

There have been a few playgroups and toddler groups that have closed locally, but I don't know of any childminders or nurseries yet.

[FussyElmo]

Anyone know of any childminders or nurseries that are shutting their doors due to Coronavirus?

I know a few childminders have closed their doors but they either have health issues or family members who do. So a sensible decision.

Other than those few cases it seems to be business as normal

[FussyElmo]

Latest from Ofsted

I know that the spread of COVID-19 is worrying and poses challenges to you as childminders. We completely understand that you will be thinking about how you can continue to offer childcare for your children and their families, while planning how to deal with problems caused by the virus. To help answer some of your questions, please take a look at the government’s latest guidance for educational/childcare settings: COVID-19: guidance for education settings - GOV.UK (http://ow.ly/khiZ50yME7C)

Can I provide childcare for extra children? This is one question you have been asking and the EYFS already allows for this. Childminders can make exceptions to the usual ratios – i.e. care for more children under five years for example. What the EYFS doesn’t allow you to do is care for more than a total of six children aged under eight -see parts 3.30 and 3.42 here: Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS) - GOV.UK (http://ow.ly/TBJc50yMEiF).

At Ofsted, we continue to follow government guidelines – but what does this mean in practice? Are we continuing to inspect?

We are required to continue with our inspection and regulatory activity. However, this means that if an inspector calls to say your inspection is due, the first thing they will do is find out how you are dealing with any problems caused by the virus and take this into consideration. I hope you will have seen that we have updated our guidance on deferring an inspection: Deferring Ofsted inspections - GOV.UK (http://ow.ly/i2NS50yMEje)

We’re monitoring the current situation closely and are in daily contact with the Department for Education. Keep looking at this page because we will let you know of any updates.

We know that childcare is of course a key issue for the country and I thank you for continuing to play your part.

Gill Jones, Deputy Director, Early Education, Ofsted.

[Mouse]

As expected, all except one parent has been OK with my policy. I knew she'd be the only one to disagree. She think it's all a 'big fuss over nothing'.

This is the parent who always pushes the rules when her son is ill, thinks he is a little angel (everyone else is to blame for his behaviour) and finds it very inconvenient when I take any time off (despite me giving plenty of notice). I really won't be sorry if she decides this is all too much for her and leaves :D

[mumofone]

As expected, all except one parent has been OK with my policy. I knew she'd be the only one to disagree. She think it's all a 'big fuss over nothing'.

This is the parent who always pushes the rules when her son is ill, thinks he is a little angel (everyone else is to blame for his behaviour) and finds it very inconvenient when I take any time off (despite me giving plenty of notice). I really won't be sorry if she decides this is all too much for her and leaves :D

What's your policy Mouse? What does she not like? She sounds like hard work!

[mumofone]

Personally i think the insurance companies will find any excuse not to pay out as it may cost millions unless the government help.

I see so many people switch their insurance policies or take on income protection which more than likely be a sub clause saying you are not covered for so many months of the cover starting or for known outbreaks etc.

I need to renew my insurance any day. I doubt any of the insurers are adding new clauses to their policies to cover this though.

[mumofone]

Latest from Ofsted

I know that the spread of COVID-19 is worrying and poses challenges to you as childminders. We completely understand that you will be thinking about how you can continue to offer childcare for your children and their families, while planning how to deal with problems caused by the virus. To help answer some of your questions, please take a look at the government’s latest guidance for educational/childcare settings: COVID-19: guidance for education settings - GOV.UK (http://ow.ly/khiZ50yME7C)

Can I provide childcare for extra children? This is one question you have been asking and the EYFS already allows for this. Childminders can make exceptions to the usual ratios – i.e. care for more children under five years for example. What the EYFS doesn’t allow you to do is care for more than a total of six children aged under eight -see parts 3.30 and 3.42 here: Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS) - GOV.UK (http://ow.ly/TBJc50yMEiF).

At Ofsted, we continue to follow government guidelines – but what does this mean in practice? Are we continuing to inspect?

We are required to continue with our inspection and regulatory activity. However, this means that if an inspector calls to say your inspection is due, the first thing they will do is find out how you are dealing with any problems caused by the virus and take this into consideration. I hope you will have seen that we have updated our guidance on deferring an inspection: Deferring Ofsted inspections - GOV.UK (http://ow.ly/i2NS50yMEje)

We’re monitoring the current situation closely and are in daily contact with the Department for Education. Keep looking at this page because we will let you know of any updates.

We know that childcare is of course a key issue for the country and I thank you for continuing to play your part.

Gill Jones, Deputy Director, Early Education, Ofsted.


Ah, thank you for this :-)

[Mouse]

What's your policy Mouse? What does she not like? She sounds like hard work!

My policy basically says that I'll exclude any child who has a new, continuous cough or a temperature above 37.5. I won't accept a child who has been give paracetamol or who needs it through the day to control their temperature. I've also said that exclusions are non-negotiable. I won't accept teething as a reason for a fever!
I've also said my fees policy still applies so if I exclude a child, full fees are due.

This mum is saying all children gets coughs and colds and it's only adults who need to be concerned if they have symptoms. She is a parent who doses her child up with Calpol, knowing they should really be at home and who puts all illnesses down to teething. She's also the only one who ever questions having to pay when her child is off ill, despite it being in the contract.

[SYLVIA]

My policy basically says that I'll exclude any child who has a new, continuous cough or a temperature above 37.5. I won't accept a child who has been give paracetamol or who needs it through the day to control their temperature. I've also said that exclusions are non-negotiable. I won't accept teething as a reason for a fever!
I've also said my fees policy still applies so if I exclude a child, full fees are due.

This mum is saying all children gets coughs and colds and it's only adults who need to be concerned if they have symptoms. She is a parent who doses her child up with Calpol, knowing they should really be at home and who puts all illnesses down to teething. She's also the only one who ever questions having to pay when her child is off ill, despite it being in the contract.

Theres always one!!!!

[FussyElmo]

14 days self isolation now and for the whole household

[Dragonfly]

Think there is always a parent like that mouse :(

[loocyloo]

has anyone updated their 'policy' from last friday ????

x

[Mouse]

has anyone updated their 'policy' from last friday ????

x

Last Thursday my policy was that I wouldn't exclude children who had a cough or temperature. I changed that on Friday to I would exclude children for a cough or temperature, but wouldn't exclude if a family member was in self-isolation. That's now been changed to excluding for 14 days if anyone in the household is self-isolating.

I'm thinking of setting up a WhatsApp group to share information rather than keep having to send out new letters or emails.

I am also thinking of changing my fees policy. At the moment it's full fee if a child is away and no fee if I am closed. As we all know though, many parents will send their children, no matter what, if they're having to pay full fee. I've a feeling not all parents will tell me they're self-isolating, just so they can keep sending their children if they're having to pay for the space anyway. If the schools close I have 2 families who have older siblings who will be at home. Both sets of parents will be working from home or not working, but I know they'll still send the younger ones.

I'm thinking of changing it to half fees if they keep their child off and half fees if I close, up to a maximum of 4 weeks. I'm hoping it might encourage more parents to keep their children at home if that's really where they should be. It will also mean I have some money coming in if I have to close.

What are your thoughts? Can you see any major flaws in the plan? I would make it an optional change, so parents would only sign up to it if they wanted to.

[loocyloo]

I can't see a flaw, but I have some parents who would want the half fees if don't attend and usual no fees if I'm closed.
However, I'm pretty sure all would tell me if self isolating.

I'm due to send out next month's invoices in a couple of days ... an wondering if moving to weekly invoices is a plan? (Except for those who pay by voucher company/etc) as their payments take long enough!

[Mouse]

I can't see a flaw, but I have some parents who would want the half fees if don't attend and usual no fees if I'm closed.
However, I'm pretty sure all would tell me if self isolating.

I'm due to send out next month's invoices in a couple of days ... an wondering if moving to weekly invoices is a plan? (Except for those who pay by voucher company/etc) as their payments take long enough!

I think that's the key to it - know your parents!

I will get them to sign to say they agree to half fees if I close. I will still be invoicing full fees monthly in advance for April, but will refund or knock it off the May bill if I need to. I'd rather have the money upfront and refund, than trying to get money out of them if they're reluctant to pay!

I'm also thinking that if some of the children are kept at home I could offer spaces to other parents who may need short term care if their childminder or nursery is closed. I'm thinking specifically NHS staff etc. where they have to keep working.

[loocyloo]

I think that's the key to it - know your parents!

I will get them to sign to say they agree to half fees if I close. I will still be invoicing full fees monthly in advance for April, but will refund or knock it off the May bill if I need to. I'd rather have the money upfront and refund, than trying to get money out of them if they're reluctant to pay!

I'm also thinking that if some of the children are kept at home I could offer spaces to other parents who may need short term care if their childminder or nursery is closed. I'm thinking specifically NHS staff etc. where they have to keep working.

I too would rather have money upfront! Think I'll follow your lead and carry on with monthly fees!

Good plan to offer care to specific workers if you have space. X

[mumofone]

I can't see a flaw, but I have some parents who would want the half fees if don't attend and usual no fees if I'm closed.
However, I'm pretty sure all would tell me if self isolating.

I'm due to send out next month's invoices in a couple of days ... an wondering if moving to weekly invoices is a plan? (Except for those who pay by voucher company/etc) as their payments take long enough!

Yes Ive been wondering about weekly invoices through this time.

Would also help me budget better!

I have zero £ in the bank :-(

[loocyloo]

random question ....

'high temperature' ... is that one that comes and goes fleetingly, or one that hangs around for a few hours/days? I know all the blurb says 'high temp' ... but how long do they have to have it before it is considered a high temp? I know they are saying a persistent cough and high temp ( is that a persistent high temp ) ??? I've looked, but i can't find out the answer!

Only because I was chatting to a friend earlier, and her child is prone to febrile convulsions ... from nowhere he can get a high temp, that then causes convulsion, and then it's gone. He may have been brewing the temp for an hour or 2, but not shown any signs of distress, so its only if she touches him that she realises he is hot. ( before the convulsion )

[FussyElmo]

random question ....

'high temperature' ... is that one that comes and goes fleetingly, or one that hangs around for a few hours/days? I know all the blurb says 'high temp' ... but how long do they have to have it before it is considered a high temp? I know they are saying a persistent cough and high temp ( is that a persistent high temp ) ??? I've looked, but i can't find out the answer!

Only because I was chatting to a friend earlier, and her child is prone to febrile convulsions ... from nowhere he can get a high temp, that then causes convulsion, and then it's gone. He may have been brewing the temp for an hour or 2, but not shown any signs of distress, so its only if she touches him that she realises he is hot. ( before the convulsion )

Who knows there isnt really guidance out there to explain just any new temperature should mean self isolation

[loocyloo]

Who knows there isnt really guidance out there to explain just any new temperature should mean self isolation

i'm taking it mean one that hangs around a while; so that you notice child is ill.

[loocyloo]

Me again!

I keep seeing posts on (DHs) Facebook that Covid19 starts with a sore throat .. 3-4 days, then a cough/ pneumonia followed by high temp ....

Which doesn't sound like the ' self isolate if high temp or persistent cough ' ... if initial bit I put above is true ... then a sore throat is first sign! Confused and worried. ( not that I have a sore throat, but I keep seeing that post all over! )

[FussyElmo]

My understanding is it affects everone different.

The common symptoms are high temperature and/or a persistent cough.

[loocyloo]

My understanding is it affects everone different.

The common symptoms are high temperature and/or a persistent cough.

thanks xxx I am getting annoyed with myself for getting to caught up with this!

but its getting closer ... DDs school now closed for years 8, 9 & 10 until after Easter Holidays - so middle of April for us. I'm almost wondering about shutting and being done with it! but, financially, i need to carry on working until such times as we're told to shut!

[Dragonfly]

Yes I believe and may be wrong that you would exclude the child of the mother with symptoms as her household should go into isolation.

[FussyElmo]

thanks xxx I am getting annoyed with myself for getting to caught up with this!

but its getting closer ... DDs school now closed for years 8, 9 & 10 until after Easter Holidays - so middle of April for us. I'm almost wondering about shutting and being done with it! but, financially, i need to carry on working until such times as we're told to shut!

Honesty it worrying for all of us. Im hoping to get through to easter when im on annual leave. Then thinking of dh and his work.

Im finding more and more people are working from home

[Dragonfly]

It so stressful for us isn’t it.met a mother at the park yesterday who was nearly in tears as she’s self employed and so is her husband.i did have a big gap between us whilst we spoke. Primary school open here.

[Maza]

DD's current school is still open, although the Headteacher has sensibly stopped all assemblies/collective worship, which typically force the children to be in closer proximity to each other than they are in the classroom. They now have to do collective worship in the classroom each morning instead. He hasn't said it is because of the virus, but the children have all put two and two together and think it is exactly because of that.

[FussyElmo]

DD's current school is still open, although the Headteacher has sensibly stopped all assemblies/collective worship, which typically force the children to be in closer proximity to each other than they are in the classroom. They now have to do collective worship in the classroom each morning instead. He hasn't said it is because of the virus, but the children have all put two and two together and think it is exactly because of that.

Our high school has stopped all external school clubs.

No travel to other high schools for sixth form

No parents evenings etc

All school trips cancelled till the end of the year

[Pixie dust]

Our local school is still open but have stopped breakfast club and after school clubs.....I have lost a couple of my schoolies as they are now self isolating as a family because one of them has cough/cold, Mum is 100% sure its just a normal cough/cold virus but is sticking to the rules.

[mama2three]

Well it seems Scottish schools will be closed from Friday and Nicola sturgeon says they may not reopen until summer. We should hear in England at 5pm. She mentioned schools and nurseries but hope there is clarification here about whether childminders are included . I have no idea how many of us will face major financial hardship if we have to close for months!

[loocyloo]

Well it seems Scottish schools will be closed from Friday and Nicola sturgeon says they may not reopen until summer. We should hear in England at 5pm. She mentioned schools and nurseries but hope there is clarification here about whether childminders are included . I have no idea how many of us will face major financial hardship if we have to close for months!

scary times.

[kellib]

Well it seems Scottish schools will be closed from Friday and Nicola sturgeon says they may not reopen until summer. We should hear in England at 5pm. She mentioned schools and nurseries but hope there is clarification here about whether childminders are included . I have no idea how many of us will face major financial hardship if we have to close for months!

She said private nurseries and childminders will be needed to help through this time so I’m hoping that means we’ll be fine to stay open!

Not looking forward to the prospect of months inside with kids though!

[Mouse]

She said private nurseries and childminders will be needed to help through this time so I’m hoping that means we’ll be fine to stay open!

Not looking forward to the prospect of months inside with kids though!

It peeves me a little bit that they think so little of us normally with low funding rates, but now they want us to take up the slack and provide essential childcare. We're only valued when they need us :rolleyes:

[Mouse]

One of my mums has told me that if schools close she'll have no work so will keep her daughter at home and won't be able to pay me.

There's not really much I can do. I can't insist on payment if she hasn't got the money. I'm hoping the government comes up with some decent help for families and the self-employed.

[loocyloo]

It peeves me a little bit that they think so little of us normally with low funding rates, but now they want us to take up the slack and provide essential childcare. We're only valued when they need us :rolleyes:

That's because we're superheroes!

I've been talking to my mum's ... 6 use funding and top it up if necessary, 4 are 'front line staff's in one respect or the other, the rest either run their own companies or work for companies that they should be able to work for from home and in theory think should be ok. ... it's just a waiting game.