Flintshire County Council statement to explain access to emergency childcare provision for key workers classified as ‘vital’ workers,  provision of free school meals, and support for vulnerable learners.

To limit the spread of COVID-19 it is important that, as far as possible, social contact is minimised.

Parents need to keep their children at home wherever possible and schools/settings should be open only for those children who absolutely need to attend. 

Only children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response should be offered places in schools/settings when there is no safe, alternative provision. 

FOR THE WEEK COMMENCING 23rd MARCH Flintshire Headteachers have been advised to prioritise the allocation of places to children of parents who meet the following criteria:-

·         Category 1 - a single parent with a role on the list defined as critical to the Covid-19 response from Welsh Government

·         Category 2 - where both parents have roles on this list

·         Category 3 - a parent from a family unit who does not qualify under categories 1 and 2 above, and has a role on this list, and where there is an explicable and genuine reason why they need to access provision. 

Headteachers may use their discretion for this third category - provided that they have sufficient provision - as they know their families’ circumstances best.

Should there be insufficient provision due to the requirements of social distancing, Headteachers have been advised by the Council to refuse admittance to the children of the third category above and liaise with their neighbouring headteachers to offer a place close by where this is possible.

Alternative provision is in being made for children entitled to free school meals and will be introduced shortly. This group SHOULD NOT attend their local schools this week unless their parent(s) fall under the above categories 1-3. Further communication will follow.

Provision for children classed as vulnerable is also being planned. When this is ready to start further communications will be issued.

Flintshire County council are working hard to put in plans for key / frontline workers. If you fall into one of these categories :

Medical professionals including Drs, Nurses, Midwives, Paramedics etc

Other Health workers - such as employment in a medical / health setting

Community safety - Police force and Fire Brigade

Education / Teachers, classroom support staff school cleaners / caretakers etc

Workers in childcare/early years settings

Social care/ domiciliary care work 

Council staff who will be involved in key roles eg street scene operatives, drivers, school escorts, catering staff etc

Please could you email school asap on symail@hwbcymru.net by Friday at 10am at the latest