As mums and dads ourselves, our team of family lawyers are very aware of the pressures on parents and carers, particularly since the announcement of the school closures.
Many parents will still be required to work but many will not be able to do so due to these unexpected childcare commitments.
We have put together some top tips on what to do if you find yourself in any of the following scenarios:
You have a court order in place: If you are able to work together, just while things settle, you can change the usual arrangements on a temporary basis to accommodate the children until schools reopen
Your child lives with one parent: If the children live with one parent, you could shift the living arrangements to the other parent or other family members (provided that doesn’t create the risk of spread of infection)
You are a ‘key worker’ or your children or your family are classed as ‘vulnerable’: You should explore whether your children can attend another school in the local area, even if their usual school is closed
*(an explanation of the government’s definition of key workers and vulnerable children is given below) )
Stuck over the Easter holidays: The Easter holidays would have commenced for most children from 2/3 April in any event. You may be able to extend annual leave or purchase some additional leave from your employer. You may also be able to take unpaid leave and spread the impact of that across your pay for the next couple of months. You should explore all of the options with your employer
Have a mortgage or rent to pay: If you are worried that you might not be able to meet mortgage or rent, you might find the following resource useful in assisting you in applying for a mortgage holiday or rent relief for the next few months: https://bit.ly/33AADeM
If you would like to discuss any of these issues in more detail, you can contact:
Sioned Fitt on 0134 327162 or sioned.fitt@higgsandsons.co.uk
Phil Barnsley on 07790 800921 or phil.barnsley@higgsandsons.co.uk
Schools will close indefinitely on 20 March to all children except those who are vulnerable and those with at least one parent or carer listed as a key worker.
The guidance covers children at registered childcare providers (including nurseries and childminders), primary and secondary schools and further education colleges (both state-funded and independent).
Vulnerable children
The government has defined vulnerable children as ‘children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.’
The government recognises that schools will also want to support other children who they consider vulnerable wherever possible.
Key workers
The government has published a list of key sectors where the work of parents is critical to the coronavirus response. The children of these workers will be prioritised for education provision where they cannot be safely cared for at home.
The list of key workers includes the following:
A complete list of key workers can be seen at: https://bit.ly/3dgS2gS
If you would like to discuss any of these issues in more detail, you can contact:
Tim Jones on 07815 167206 or tim.jones@higgsandsons.co.uk
Katherine Cooke on 01384 327143 or katherine.cooke@higgsandsons.co.uk
If you have any general queries or concerns that you feel we can assist with then please email supportingyou@higgsandsons.co.uk and somebody will get back to you as a matter of urgency.
This note is up to date and accurate as at 20 March 2020