Supporting Children of Key Workers

Dear parents

Further to the Minister for Education’s announcement yesterday that schools are to remain open as Child Care Centres for children of key workers, there is still a lot of ambiguity about the necessary arrangements to limit potential the spread of the Coronavirus in schools which are; by their very nature, ideal environments for spreading infection.

Medical experts remind us that the overriding priority is to reduce the spread of the virus through social distancing and effective hygiene. That’s why churches, schools and sporting organisations are closed.

You too can play your part; limit contact with people outside your immediate family; limit unnecessary journeys; avoid crowded spaces; practice good hand washing hygiene; spend precious time with your children and keep in contact with your child’s teacher as they endeavour to support you through home packs and seesaw interactions.

At this time, we are mindful of the additional pressures and expectations on medical and caring professions. As a community, we will seek to support the frontline service workers; doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, etc to enable them to help the most vulnerable people. 

Given the very small number of children who require the service in rural areas, it is now proposed that central locations for children will be arranged in towns. More information about this will be given to the key workers in our area.

We will practice social distancing by keeping staff and children’s numbers very low and insisting that there is no direct contact between them so it will be nothing like a ‘normal’ school day.

I would appreciate if you could let me know if you think that you qualify for key workers’ Child Care places. Please complete the table below and return by email to pcush286@c2kni.net or leave a message on the school’s answer machine to confirm the necessary information. 

Following anticipated clarification from DE, we will plan arrangements for staff rotas, children’s timetable, safeguarding, sanitary, play and lunchtime etc.

I would also advise that sending children to school could potentially facilitate the transfer of the virus so only use the service if you would otherwise be depending on senior citizens or vulnerable adults to look after your children.  

In the interim, keep safe and thank you for your continued support in these most challenging times.

Yours sincerely

Peter Cush

Principal

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Supporting Children of Key Workers available from Tuesday 24^th March

“If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for Child Care provision.” Minister of Education 19^th March 2020

LIST OF KEY WORKERS AS OUTLINED ON DOCUMENTATION ISSUED TO SCHOOLS ON 19TH MARCH 2020

• Health and Social Care. This includes doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, home carers and staff required to maintain our health and social care sector

• Education and childcare. This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who will remain active during the Covid-19 response

• Public safety and national security. This includes civilians and officers in the police (including key contractors), Fire and Rescue Service, prison service and other national security roles

• Transport. This will include those keeping air, water, road and rail transport modes operating during the Covid-19 response

• Utilities and Communication. This includes staff needed for oil, gas, electricity and water (including sewage) and primary industry supplies, to continue during the Covid-19 response, as well as key staff in telecommunications, post and delivery, services and waste disposal

• Food and other necessary goods. This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution and sale, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (e.g hygiene, medical etc)

• Key national and local government including those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response.