Coronavirus: Advice to Scarborough parents as schools close, and here are the key-worker groups

After today, schools along with nurseries, childminders and other registered childcare settings will only open for vulnerable children and those who have one or more ‘key worker’ parents, where they can.

The Government has not said how long the closures will be in place.

According to North Yorkshire County Council’s website: “The Government have confirmed that all schools will close from Friday, March 20 except for vulnerable children and those whose parents are ‘key workers’.

“Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.”

The Government has identified a list of ‘key workers’ who form a central part of the efforts to continue providing critical services as part of the country’s ongoing response to the coronavirus.

There are eight groups of key workers - health and social care, education and childcare, key public services, local and national government, food and other necessary goods, public safety and national security, transport, and utilities, communication and financial services.

While school and other childcare settings are shut, parents have been warned not to rely on those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category for childcare - such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.

Parents are also being asked to do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. Children should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.

Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings are being asked to continue to care for children wherever possible.

Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans. Social workers are working with local parents and carers to assess the best options for their children.

Special schools, colleges and local authorities have been advised to assess, on a case-by-case basis, the health and safeguarding needs of students on an education, health and care (EHC) plan.