How to prepare if your kids are sent home from school because of coronavirus

SCHOOLS in the UK are currently preparing online learning resources as they prepare for potential closures due to coronavirus. 

As part of Boris Johnson’s 12-week “battle plan” against the covid-19 virus, schools may be forced to shut to contain the outbreak, but how can you prepare for this scenario?

Currently Public Health England’s advice is to keep schools open unless there is a positive case. 

There have so far been a number of UK schools who have sent pupils home, everywhere from Oxfordshire to Birmingham to Middlesborough. 

This follows Italy closing all schools and universities for a week and a half, as the death toll in the country rose past 100. 

But what has Boris said about closures, and are you able to take time off with your employer to look after your kids if their school gets shut?

What has the government said about school closures?

Professor Whitty, the country's chief medical officer, hasn’t ruled out a mass closure of Britain’s schools, and warned that schools could close for “more than two months”.

Official states that if a pupil or member of staff is confirmed as having coronavirus, anyone who has been "in close face-to-face or touching contact" should self-isolate for 14 days.

The main reason that schools have cited for closing their doors has been to prevent the spread and keep staff and pupils safe.

Two schools closed following staff members who had recently returned from Italy, where the virus is spreading rapidly.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that the "goal was to keep schools open".

My children's school is closed because of coronavirus - will I still get paid?

Parents are entitled to take time off work to look after their children without facing disciplinary action or losing their job.

This is known as "dependent leave" which allows the parent time off to deal with an unexpected problem or emergency.

The downside is that you won't be paid for the time off, unless your employer specifically says that you will.

You may be able to negotiate taking holiday with your employer if you'd still like to get paid and are entitled to paid holiday but this will be at their discretion.

But crucially, you don’t have to make the missed time up later on.

You can take off upto 18 weeks' unpaid leave before your child is 18.

Tracey Moss, employment expert at Citizens Advice, said that if your employer won’t give you time off, or has disciplined you for having to look after your child, contact your nearest Citizens Advice for help. 

Do I need to stockpile?

If you and your family are forced to isolate at home, there are plenty of options for stockpiling. 

The government is advising that it's okay to have friends or family drop off supplies, and there's always the possibility of getting shopping delivered.

Although with Ocado warning of delays, you may have to get by for a few days without your online shopping.

For people with plenty of cash, takeaways are also an option, though services may be busier than usual.

What should you stockpile if you are self-isolated?

The most obvious thing to stock up on is food.

Obvious things to include are staples such as pasta and rice, but you'll also want flavourings and spices, vegetables and good sources of protein.

Long shelf-life is key here. There's no point stocking up on fresh meat, fruit or vegetables that will go off before you need them.

It's also worth making sure you have some household essentials set aside.

After all, while you could live without any toilet roll, you'd probably rather not have to.

Other obvious things to consider are medicines, bathroom essentials, and laundry products.

Think about things you personally may not wish to run out of, for instance contact lenses, toothpaste or shampoo.

For more advice, see our guide on stockpiling. 

How to keep kids entertained if they are home from schools

Many schools are looking into whether students can work from home, with one UK school having a training day to ensure staff can teach pupils remotely through “virtual education”. 

Some schools are also looking into work booklets that can be produced to be sent home with children. 

It is also being discussed if pupils could be forced to sit their GCSE or A-level tests in the summer holidays if the deadly bug holds the nation hostage.

If you are looking for some ways to entertain your kids when they aren’t studying, why not opt for these household activities: 

• Bake some tasty treats. You can’t go wrong with a batch of chocolate Rice Krispie cakes. All you need is Rice Krispies and chocolate of their choice. 
• Make an indoor cinema with homemade popcorn and blankets. 
• Help your kids get creative with some arts and crafts. 
• Whack out the board games and put their skills to the test. 

Why have some schools closed in the UK?

The main reason that schools have cited for closing their doors has been to prevent the spread and keep staff and pupils safe.

Two schools closed following staff members who had recently returned from Italy, where the virus is spreading rapidly.

The ContinU Plus Academy in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, closed when a staff member was in "close contact" with a family member who was self-isolating after being in northern Italy.

William Martin Church of England Junior, Infant and Nursery School in Harlow, Essex shut its doors for the same reason.

Another top independent school Cransley School in Northwich, Cheshire closed after a number of students and staff who went on a ski trip to northern Italy over half-term began to show flu-like symptoms.

Dulwich Prep School in south London also took the decision to close. 

Can you work from home or request flexible working?

All employees have the right to request flexible working - not just parents.

Although, you must have been with the same employer for at least 26 weeks.

Employers must assess the advantages and disadvantages, as well as holding a meeting with you to discuss the request.

Flexible working can include working from home, flexitime and job sharing.

They can reject the request for a number of reasons, including extra costs to the business and not being able to reorganise staff to cover your work.

You may find that employers are encouraging staff to work from home where possible during an outbreak of the virus.

We've also rounded up your rights to sick pay if you have to self-isolate.

Our guide includes what big employers like Greggs, Wetherspoons and Iceland are telling staff.

We've also outlined what your rights are if you're a zero hours contract worker.