Schools in confusion over 'key workers' and closures

A lack of clear guidance from the government about 'key workers' whose children can go to school during the coronavirus has plunged schools into 'chaos', a union leader has said.
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Friday is the last day at school for most children in the country until further notice, in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic.

Schools will close to everyone except vulnerable children, and those with a parent identified as a key worker.

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These are the 'key workers' whose children can go to school during the coronavir...
Friday is the last day at school for most children in the country until further notice, in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic. Photo credit: Ben BirchallFriday is the last day at school for most children in the country until further notice, in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic. Photo credit: Ben Birchall
Friday is the last day at school for most children in the country until further notice, in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic. Photo credit: Ben Birchall
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“Schools have been plunged into chaos and confusion as they try to answer such basic questions as who are the key workers, how do we identify their children, what evidence is it reasonable to request from parents and what happens if other children turn up for school," NASUWT Teacher's union head Chris Keates said.

Teachers are unclear whether they should be in work or out or what they will be expected to do if they are in work."

The key worker's jobs are considered critical for the response to the pandemic.

The list has been separated into eight categories, including frontline health workers and social care staff, nursery and teaching staff and those involved in food production and delivery.

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It also includes the police, those in key public services, transport workers and critical staff in financial services and utilities.

“Teachers understand fully the scale of the national crisis and are willing to play their part in helping the country through these unprecedented times," said Ms Keates.

"But they want and deserve reassurance that what they are being asked to do is reasonable and safe for them and their families."

In Wakefield, Outwood Academies Trust, confirmed to The Yorkshire Post they have identified all those children with a parent identified as a key worker.

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Martyn Oliver, Outwood Academies Trust Chief Executive, said out of 25,000 pupils, 1,356 children will return for classes on Monday.

“There are a lot of uncertainties at the moment, our plan is to tackle Monday head-on as it will give us a better idea of numbers and then we can prepare and reevaluate our approach regards number of staff needed from there," a spokesman for Outwood Academies Trust said.

“Ultimately, we are aware we are a front-line service and we are keen to step up in this time of national crisis, to provide leadership and ensure all children who need care are provided it.”

However Ms Keates said a lack of clear direction about pupil and staff safety during the closures is putting people's health at risk.

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“The most overwhelming concern is what steps are being taken to protect their health and welfare given that they are being expected to remain in the front line, continuing to work with children and young people who may be carriers of COVID 19," said Ms Keates.

“The Government says that its scientific analysis suggests that risk to teachers following the “closure” of schools is low due to small numbers of children who will be in schools.

"However, these numbers are not spread evenly across the system and some schools have reported that they will need to cater for significant numbers of pupils."

Mr Oliver said keeping staff safe was paramount for the Trust, which operates 33 academies.

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“Now is a time for pulling together and we have told staff to embrace this opportunity to rise to this national challenge, but equally we have been clear that their health must come first," he said.

"If they or an immediate family member have underlying health issues, or any issues that mean they should self-isolate, then that is what they must do."

“We have made it clear to staff that they can still make an incredible difference to the lives of our students whilst they are working from home during this period, and we will continue to be there for them, as they can continue to support those students who are also working from home.”

Ms Keates has urged the Government to make teachers a priority to be tested for COVID-19 and be provided with personal protective equipment.

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“This would help to reassure many that keeping schools open for priority groups of pupils is not only necessary, but also the responsible thing to do," Ms Keates said.

The NASUWT confirmed they have written to the government ministers raising these and other issues.