Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors.

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Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home.  So, if possible, try to ensure social distancing by using alternatives.

And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

Please, therefore, follow these key principles:

1. If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
2. If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
3. Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
4. Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.

As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear:-

If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend. This means that in a time of National emergency, schools are operating as childcare for critical workers.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined in government guidance.

Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home.

Please, therefore, follow this key principle: Every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

It is important to emphasise that schools remain safe places for children. However, the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.

If workers think they fall within the critical categories outlined, they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

On the application form you will be required to provide evidence of your role as a critical keyworker and where possible evidence of your working hours such as a shift pattern rota.

At a time of national emergency, we are grateful that you are being sensible and flexible about this, which is the sort of approach that everyone needs to adopt.

If children are sent unnecessarily to school, the risk to everyone increases and it will become impossible for us as a school to continue to offer provision for the weeks and months ahead.

If it gets to the point where staffing falls below safe levels then we will have no option but to close the school provision

We are relying on our own staff to stay fit and healthy in order to be able to keep going for those in genuine need - everybody’s health and well-being is of equal importance.