Corona confusion for 1 key worker family....

smorri4

IF anyone can spare some time to read, and share views I would be hugely appreciative. 
I am an NHS keyworker - mental health frontline community. Cannot work from home as patient facing role. 30 hours pw - salary 30k
Partner is electrical maintenance engineer - full time worker. 40 hours pw -salary 37k - obvs his role is one that cannot be done at home. 
two children - 8 and 3. 8 year old goes to school, 3 year old childminder. 
School have offered 8 year old a place, but childminder has announcned late friday she is closing - even to key workers, still wants paying 50% but will not be open. 
What the hell do we do? 
We both need to work - in particular me as NHS, if parter goes off its unpaid - losing approx 650 a week income. We cannot live off my wage alone, even with a mortgage holiday for three months. 
I have approached local authority and Dfe who have both said that I am allowed to approach other nurseries to see if my 30 funded hours for 3 year old can be used there, however childminder still wants paying on top of this....
My head is so full right now, could really appreciate some objective advise/guidance. 

[Deleted User]

 Probably not. Government guidance states that only the most in need should attend school. That children are safest at home. Those who's parents are key workers and the most vulnerable children such as those at risk of harm. they expect parents to stay off work to care for their children if they are not key workers. Your lack of income will be covered up to 80% if his employer claims it from the government. 

 My hubby is a teacher working half at home half in college, as I'm not a key worker we don't qualify for support. 

smorri4

Thanks _shel.
Not sure he will qualify for the 80% if he is at home looking after children. My understanding was that this was for employees at risk of being laid off only.

[Deleted User]

 Why are his employers not offering paid leave? Are they at risk as a company? They should check the rules on what and they can claim to cover his wages. 

Jeremy535897

You are right. The support for wages is only for furloughed employees. Here is the Government advice to employees:

"To qualify for this scheme, you should not undertake work for them while you are furloughed. This will allow your employer to claim a grant of up to 80% of your wage for all employment costs, up to a cap of £2,500 per month.

You will remain employed while furloughed. Your employer could choose to fund the differences between this payment and your salary, but does not have to."

Forgive my ignorance (I don't have children) but why does the child minder want paying if they don't look after your child?

[Deleted User]

So he would be covered as he is being granted leave, otherwise you can claim universal credit to cover his lost wage. 

Its pretty standard to pay childcare to keep a place open for your child. But only if it was in the original contract, but with risk of losing the place for when it's needed most parents pay. 

smorri4

Childminder wants paying to preserve the longevity of her business.
His business are not laying people off currently so pretty sure he wouldn't qualify. His work are currently business as usual.

calcotti

_shel said:

...otherwise you can claim universal credit to cover his lost wage. 

If Op is still earning £30k there may be no entitlement.

[Deleted User]

calcotti said:

_shel said:

...otherwise you can claim universal credit to cover his lost wage. 

If Op is still earning £30k there may be no entitlement.

Missed that. 

diggingdude

Any chance of getting another child minder after this and as such cancelling the contract with child minder?

smorri4

Yes i am going to probably have to terminate contract and see.if any other local early years providers have spaces. Not ideal for my 3 year old child but not sure what other options i have.
Wont be eligible to UC due to earnings.