Support parents who are left without childcare options.

If the furlough scheme is closed and schools/childminders are shut, there will need to be further support for parents left without childcare options. Employers can be selfish and unsupportive when it comes to this and parents may be forced to quit their jobs, especially in manufacturing industry and suchlike where working from home is not sustainable. There should also be additional requirements put on employers to support their staff when left without options. Childminders should also be allowed to look after children where one parent is a key worker. The current presumption that the other parent should take this role does not take into account for situations where this is not feasible.

Why the contribution is important

Support parents who are put between a rock and a hard place, trying to fulfil requirements from their employers whilst having no childcare options available and trying to adhere to guidelines as best as possible.

by cwatson1988 on May 06, 2020 at 01:49PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 18 votes

Comments

  • Posted by borisj May 06, 2020 at 14:08

    Anyone who has to work and look after their children should either be furloughed by order with a guarantee their job will still be there at then of all this, or if they must work, the employer should be made to pay childcare costs for that child (ie send the bill to the employer and the employer has to pay up front). You are back to having your kids in a petri dish, but at least you're not out of pocket.

  • Posted by digitalgareth May 06, 2020 at 14:51

    Without grandparents or family to help, may of us are in a position where returning to work will be impossible without childcare.... Though I accept that schools and nurserys arent safe

  • Posted by storiesalivescotland May 06, 2020 at 15:23

    I’m a class teacher with my own 3 children, nursery age, p3 and P6 (like many other teachers). You need to consider that if you are going to do a phased return to school. Or have children in part time at various different times or days. What do the teachers do with their children if they are not all in on the same days/times? In hubs it is difficult to social distance 5 children per classroom. Even doubling to 10 children will be impossible to social distance so what other measures will be in place to protect teachers - many who have medical conditions that may make them more susceptible and/or parent who they care for too? I think it is important that both staff and all children unless medically exempt have to wear a face covering. A reusable washable one that they have and have time to get accustom to before returning to school. Children in countries all over the world manage to do this from a young age. We need to not accept the lazy attitude that they ‘won’t keep them on!’ Absolute rubbish children adapt much more quickly and willingly than adults! If they are believed to reduce transmission even by a small percentage it’ll be worth it. Every life saved is worth it. It also reduces children coughing and sneezing into their hands, touching their mouth and nose and from licking resources, chewing pencils etc... we see it all! In terms of schools it won’t mean people social distance less (as I’ve said a class of 10 or more will be impossible to social distance! Just wait until all 30 are in, in a school of over 400pupils!) You can also implement set hand washing times /number of times to be washed. As they come in (reminded when going to toilet) before break, after break, before lunch, after lunch. Children’s and staff should have their temp checked when they come in. Both parents and staff are a nightmare for sending in/coming in sick! Staff absence procedures should be relaxed so they are not penalised/disciplined for doing the right thing and staying off if they feel unwell. I’ve always worked through temp/coughs etc... until this. Due to the hassle/fear of hitting triggers. Most teachers do, infecting others! Ban parents from collecting in the school playground. Stagger finishing times to reduce parents congregating - although they will anyway! I could go on! You should consider a committee of teachers (not management) those on the frontline who know exactly what the pitfalls maybe and are very creative at coming up with solutions that are realistic and management. I’d be up for that. I’m sure many would.

  • Posted by AnnLang1 May 06, 2020 at 15:27

    I understand that some parents need childcare but I also think that it is too early to open all schools and nurseries as young children don't understand how to social distance and also what safety measures will be put in place for teachers and nursery staff

  • Posted by Dargside2 May 06, 2020 at 15:29

    If grandparents who normally undertake childcare are shielding or in one of the vulnerable groups this may lead to, for example a single parent key worker, being left with no option but to take time away from work. If schools go back on a phased basis with part time or one week on one week off approach this will present significant childcare issues where grandparents are the only option. This needs very careful thought before grandparents feel they have no option but to take the risk with a second spike/ current care home scenario being repeated.

  • Posted by Pandamamma May 06, 2020 at 16:09

    I agree with this 100%. Without childcare options available many people will be forced to choose between looking after their kids and working, the government need to protect those workers to ensure that their jobs are secure if they are struggling to fulfil their working obligations due to their usual childcare support not being available, for example protect them from being made redundant due to matters that are out with their control and would frankly be discriminatory and also considering financial help for those having to reduce working hours if nursery and schools are only available part of the time for children
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