Priority criteria might be in place for access to school places during lockdown
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Norfolk County Council says it is working on ensuring the children of key workers will be able to stay in school.
The council says schools are under increased pressure for places during the current lockdown and it is likely prioritisation criteria will have to be introduced.
This could mean that priority might be given to those whose parents work in emergency life-saving services.
The authority says it is working with education leaders and other local councils in the region to develop a prioritisation criteria – so that children and families with the greatest need are able to access learning in school.
Cllr John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said:
“We completely understand how difficult it is for families who are juggling work, childcare and home learning but we would encourage people to keep their children at home if they possibly can.
“Although the national criteria states that only one parent needs to be a key worker to be eligible for a place, in many schools that would mean nearly every child could still attend and schools simply cannot manage that at this time."
The council says there are a different set of challenges with this latest lockdown, with fewer staff available to work due to staff sickness and isolation.
At Mile Cross Primary School in Norwich, demand for places for the children of key workers it at a premium.
Last March when the school closed there were 26 key worker pupils. Now, there are 78, and more pupils means more teachers in classrooms.
Although the school isn't at full capacity, Headteacher Stuart Allen says the pressure to provide places is huge.
With numbers likely to increase - the school may need to restrict those who can come in
At the moment, schools are trying to prioritise the following groups:
Both parents need to be critical workers
NHS workers involved in COVID-19 health response, including vaccinations
Police and emergency services; social care staff
Education staff providing for vulnerable groups and critical worker children.
For schools like Mile Cross, it's a balance between giving all children the best education but doing it in the safest way possible.