Coronavirus: 11 of parents’ strangest key worker claims

Schools asked to care for children of a self-employed dog groomer, tanning shop worker and tree surgeon
22nd March 2020, 10:50am

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Coronavirus: 11 of parents’ strangest key worker claims

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/coronavirus-11-parents-strangest-key-worker-claims
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As the UK shuts down to curb the spread of coronavirus, many of us will feel overwhelmed by the social-distancing measures enforced by the government.

But for schools, the situation could prove simply unmanageable - as many parents across the country are stretching the government’s definition of a “key worker” in an effort to secure provision for their children, according to heads.


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Asked on social media to share the “most strange/ridiculous” key worker jobs suggested by parents, primary school leaders said they had dealt with requests from a cheese maker, a hairdresser and a carpet fitter.

Tes has compiled 11 of the strangest requests below.

  1. Nail technician
  2. Tanning shop worker
  3. A mum that does qualify as a key worker - but her shift starts at 5pm
  4. Self-employed dog groomer
  5. Tree surgeon
  6. Cheese maker
  7. Coffee vending machine filler
  8. Carpet fitter
  9. Cleaner at Center Parcs (they are closed until mid-April)
  10. Sausage maker
  11. Hairdresser

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said last night on Twitter: “You should only send your child to school on Monday if you have to, because your work is critical to our Covid-19 response.

“If you are able to keep your child at home, you should.”

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