Key workers who children can attend school

The Department for Education has published a list of “key workers” whose children will be prioritised for schooling during general closures because of coronavirus. Schools are being asked to continue to provide care for a number of children but will be closed to the majority from Monday 23 March.

Health and social care

Frontline health and social care staff such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, as well as support and specialist staff in the health and social care sector. In addition it includes those working in supply chains including producers and distributors of medicines and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare

Nursery, teaching staff and social workers.

Key public services

Those required to run the justice system, religious staff, as well as those responsible for managing the deceased, and journalists providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government

Administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the Covid-19 response or delivering essential public services, including payment of benefits.

Food and other necessary goods

Those involved in the production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery of food.

Public safety and national security

Police, support staff, Ministry of Defence civilian staff and armed forces personnel, fire and rescue staff, and those responsible for border security, prisons and probation.

Transport

Those who will keep air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the Covid-19 response.

Utilities, communication and financial services

Staff required to keep oil, gas, electricity, water and sewerage operations running. Staff in the civil nuclear, chemical and telecommunications sectors. Those in postal services and those working to provide essential financial services.

Marsh Academy head issued a statement last night

Last night Marsh Academy Principal Shaun Simmons published his frustration, as he was still awaiting information from the government with the following statement on social media: Message going out to Marsh Academy parents/carers. Dear all, I would like to apologise. The government still have not published the list of Key Workers or the definition of a ‘vulnerable child’. I know this is frustrating for you because you don’t know if your child will be at school on Monday. It is difficult for us too, because we don’t know if we will have 5 children or 500 and this makes a lot of different to the planning. Although we could make a guess, it is important we stick to the guidance when it is published so that we try to ensure as much social distancing as possible while maintaining parents/carers’ ability to work, for example in the NHS. We were promised this by 1pm today but it is now 8pm so realistically it will be the morning before we contact you now. I am sorry. We will get this to you as soon as we can. Friday will be the same procedure as today with all children welcome if safe to be there. Finally, to those Key Workers, whoever you are – thank you for your service. Our country needs you and we are proud of the work you are doing. Shaun Simmons. Principal.