As you are aware the government has asked schools to remain open over the Easter holiday where possible to provide provision for children of critical key workers only.
School staff have very kindly volunteered to come into school during the Easter holidays to provide this provision. We are hoping to be able to offer provision for both weeks of the holiday, but this is subject to change due to the staffing available.
The DfE advise that every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. Note we have also put links on our website and Facebook page to help you to identify who is a key worker. Guidance on which key workers are able to access this provision requires interpretation, but broadly speaking you need to meet the following criteria.
You have children who attend a school impacted by the UK Government closure announcement and:
- you need to go to work to carry out essential duties as a key worker or need to work from home where it’s not possible to continue working, as you’ll have very young children at home.
- you have exhausted all other sustainable childcare options as an alternative to schools (in line with the most recent advice from the government).
It’s important to note that this guidance and support is in place as a last resort only. Priority will be given to those responding directly to the coronavirus threat, such as National Health Service workers. Therefore, even those classified as key workers may not necessarily receive school places.
Only those who can answer “yes” to being a key worker and the two questions above should contact the school to request provision. The decision on whether we can provide this for you will be made by the head teacher. Be aware that we have to make tough decisions in this regard, based on the information available to us at this time.
In the first instance please email demelzahigginson@heathcoat.devon.sch.uk explaining how you meet the criteria above, the name and contact details of your employer, when you require places and your contact details. Provision would be available from 8.45am to 3.15pm, starting on this coming Monday. If you require provision for next week then please email ASAP to request places, and if you require provision for the second week of Easter, then please email by Wednesday 1st April at noon.
