Following the First Minister’s announcement that schools will remain closed to the majority of children until mid February, Children’s Services have been reviewing current arrangements.
Changes have been made to the key worker application process.
The message from the Scottish Government is very clear and asks that those children who can remain home do not attend their setting but engage in remote learning, as directed by their individual school or early learning and childcare setting.
- If there are any parents or carers who have not yet applied for key worker status, and require childcare for the week beginning 25th January, they should apply using the original application form (if all alternative options for childcare have been explored and exhausted).
- Parents and carers of children invited into school because of their support needs have been contacted, outlining arrangements up to 17th February. For some this will remain the same, for others there may be changes.
- Schools and early learning and childcare settings are contacting previously approved key worker families to gather their requirements for the week beginning 25 January.
- Key worker parents and carers who have successfully applied previously have been contacted, asking them to reapply for 1st to 17th February.
- If there are any parents or carers who have not yet applied for key worker status, and require childcare for 1 to 17th February, they can apply using the revised application form (if all alternative options for childcare have been explored and exhausted). Applications are now open for this period and will close on Monday 25 January at 5pm. Late applicants may not be provided with a place.
Application forms for both the week commencing 25th January, and for 1st-17th February can be found on our website: https://www.shetland.gov.uk/schools/information-key-workers-january-2021
Helen Budge, Director of Children’s Services for Shetland Islands Council: “We have revised our original application form to make sure we gather as much information as possible from families, to ensure that only those children who absolutely need to are in school and early learning and childcare settings. Unfortunately this means that there is one form for the week beginning 25th January and another, revised, form for the period between 1st and 17th February. I hope this is not too confusing.
“If parents or carers are struggling with remote learning, I would encourage them to contact their school or early learning and childcare setting in the first instance. I do not expect parents to replicate the school day at home. Remote learning can consist of both online and offline learning opportunities, and getting outside when you can is good for everyone’s wellbeing.”