AnonyMouse_8282

Sorry I haven't a clue or helpful answer other that claim the most you think you can, you can always pay it back £2 week over they next however many years if they say you've over claimed. I gave up even trying to claim for any. I've made a plan for opening, not sure the parents will like it- just sent it to my deputy. We will be doing short sessions only, in answer to my questionnaire they all ticked that box as an option. If it turns out well we can always extend. I'm not really a drinker. I enjoy the odd glass of wine etc. My husband has just come in and said 'what the heck is this that's just come" holding up a large bottle of Pimms! He was shocked that I'd actually purchased random alcohol - I told him I was getting tequila next as it's a nice word to keep saying. Note- I only ordered a small bottle - but the wonderful people a Tesco subbed it for a large bottle......... I guess they know I work in childcare

I agree, our problem is - which is actually a sort of nice problem in an ironic way - all our feedback it that they have total trust us to do the right thing.

Snap! I have sort of made the decision not to open - and if they take back any funding, we'll close in September and my life will be sorted! I then decided I would prioritise my school leavers, and offer perhaps one, possibly two days a week- but this would be a max two hour session. I have today 'played the game' and sent out a very politically correct unbiased questionnaire on our Facebook page -two answered yes they want to come back within minutes! That said- both of those parents also ticked the box say they would be happy with a shorter 'parents respite session', and due to our set up of no direct outside area, I think its long as staff are willing, this is the route we will be taking. The trouble is I believe parents think it will be nice for the children to socialise and see their friends again- without actually realising 'seeing friends' from a distance is just about all that will be happening!

No, not really.

Yes, but it only effects 2 of ours, and we are not their main setting anyway.

I would certainly go with this. If we do open it will will be mornings only, as doing doing a full day 6+ plus hours following current 'distancing' guidelines would be tantamount to child cruelty in our set up! One room, no outside area.

Me too! Well, out Town Council are not happy about it- we're in a park, and the park is our outdoor space. According to them the park is becoming a 'free for all, out of hand mess' . I've not actually been to check, but was told it is very busy 100s of dogs all the time!. They are now considering our case- but have been told we would not be able to use the actual park area now for safety reasons. Note: we get on well with the park team- so I trust them.

My next job.

Moving on from my last post, I am now waiting for confirmation that we can open. The landlords have said yes (scouts) but have said we're mad to do so- and that's coming from a community paediatric nurse. Now waiting for the town park to confirm- as the park is actually our outside area, and they may not want 'businesses' running from the park,... or use of carpark. (obviously we can get over that bit- but not sure if parents will be happy leaving 4x4 at home on drive while they walk!) Added to this: Should there be another 'spike' our hall goes to priority use by emergency services- but I guess if a spike happened we'd go back into lockdown anyway, so I don't think this really a problem- but I guess I should make parents aware. On the plus side, if we do open at least we won't have to pack-away each day

Is anyone actually taking the conscious decision not to open until September? I am having an outdoor SD meeting with staff Monday to discuss our options and to gauge feelings etc. I can fully understand the need for full year 'daycare' to need to start fully opening- but we are a pack-away term time with very few working parents. The couple parents that do work share their childcare with us, and their with 'fit, healthy younger grandparents'. Personally I think those children would be better looked after them in their own safe family bubble - but I'm no expert. I know this isn't allowed- but paid childcare is nannies/childminders form tomorrow. At the moment I am thinking of just offering a few sessions for children that would be leaving for school. We have a more or less 50/50 split for our two main feeder schools, so would spilt the children this way. When I see reliable scientific advice confirming children are not super spreaders I will change my view point. Why are children given flu vaccines when they rarely get flu?

I came across this letter on Facebook. I have passed it on to my parents as I feel it comes it all more eloquently than I ever could.

I did just post this on another thread, but I'll add it here too. Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings - GOV.U.pdf

And another document! Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings - GOV.U.pdf

Arhhh... this is where I've gone wrong! Yesterday I used the last of my sugar making dandelion honey.. it was going well until I got distracted left the mixture bubbling away on high - come back to a toffee like substance. Not sugar fixes in this house at the mo.

Not negative- just making sensible decisions. I am currently (literally!) considering my options. I may offer to hand over to my deputy- and take on a 'sleeping role'.

I'm sure when I very started working in early years, one then senior staff member used to put Milton in the play water . Not sure if this was a done thing- or her thinking. Tried googling it- but must have gone off on a tangent as I never did find an answer.

So true. You and I are around the same age I think. My thinking is why am I stressing myself? We can afford for me to finish now, and I am the youngest of our friendship group, however I like (like'd?) work, and the financial independence it brings

I told my husband I was on the verge of just chucking it all in this morning.. I chucked a mega hissy fit- as it's ok for me to look after groups of random children- but I can't see my own grandchild (I may have been a tad dramatic .. tears were involved). Anyway he talked me off the ledge... possibly because he's retired and wants the house back Anyway we've had a chat, I said one of the most difficult things is the feeling of needing to sort this me/alone/myself, and the pressure I feel. So I have a few questions I'd like to ask others here. Those that have remained open can share their advice if they are happy to? What resources do people have out or planning to ? I'm thinking all the basics sand/water/playdough are a no no. How are you keeping the children distanced and happy/occupied ? We haven't a proper outside area- we use the fields in a park. After years of herding the children to keep them safe etc -not sure how we space out it in a busy park (normally during the week its very quiet- but with many still off I recon it will be busy. Anyone thinking of offering shorter hours? Clothing. I'm seriously thinking of making fun 'scrubs' type sets for staff - easily washable etc. I should add this is because I can actually very easily make some- I wouldn't specifically buy them. part of me thinks this is a good idea- the other part thinks OTT. Any other helpful tips /suggestions ?

Have a great day

I've made some bunting, tea with elderly neighbour over the hedge later Husband slightly 'over trimmed' a section of hedge especially .

Another interesting article - this time form the BBC website https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-52550470

Me too to be honest. But I like to see people having a try. A simple sleeveless party dress with collar, sash/ties, and maybe pin tucks at hem would have given a better idea of skills. Some of those dungarees were a tad 'Mother Earth' for my liking I try and take the programme lighthearted- but if you look deeper many of the contestants aren't always quite as unexperienced as they claim to be

Love it! proper smocking .... and beautiful baby

Yes, they were sweet in their own right

Yes, it's all a bit of a worry isn't it.