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Coronavirus

Both parents keyworkers and have daughter 13 months old

(15 Posts)
Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 22:13:11

Hi there. Am in a bit of a quandry as we usually look after our granddaughter for 2 half days a week and now because of the virus my daughter and partner are essential workers but cannot put child into nursery as too young. Neither of us are 70 and none of us have symptoms and are observing all rules but what option do we have for our granddaughter other than being at our house? Advice appreciated. Thank you

Hithere Mon 06-Apr-20 22:15:20

How old is the child?

What do their jobs offer as childcare options?

Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 22:18:20

Hi she is 13 months old and daughter option of using nursery is not possible as nursery only takes children from 2 years of age. They have not been offered any options due to her young age

growstuff Mon 06-Apr-20 22:20:03

Some nurseries take babies from six months, although I don't know if any of them still have places.

Whether you have symptoms is irrelevant. Your daughter and partner could pick up an infection, the child could be a carrier before symptoms begin to show and you'd catch it.

Is there no possibility that working hours could be changed to accommodate childcare?

V3ra Mon 06-Apr-20 22:25:02

Registered childminders are being asked to care for keyworkers'children.
We do doorstep drop off and pick up so only the child crosses the threshold into our house.
Wash hands as soon as they arrive.
You could do the same for your granddaughter.
If you're not happy to do this, contact your county council as they will have details for local childminders who are offering childcare places.

Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 22:28:41

My daughters shifts have been changed and her partner is at home 3 days during the week so that has helped. He works thurs pm fri sat sun and mon am. He is going to see if he can change shifts to evenings but as works in supermarket this depends on their needs. There are no places in this area and private nursery near us is closed. I have said to parents not to collect daughter until they have been home, changed and showered and then come and collect her which they have said they will do so hope this will minmise risk. So difficult.

Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 22:32:17

Thank you V3ra that is what she is going to be asked to do. Daughter not entering house at all and granddaughter will be suitably wiped down regularly. I am also steam cleaning everywhere regularly too which hope helps.

Sussexborn Mon 06-Apr-20 22:41:02

Can the parents get their shifts changed or hours altered?

Might be worth seeing if there is a list of registered child minders on your local council website. I came across a list once when I was searching for something else.

Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 22:48:57

Yep have done that. Only 1 childminder in area 8 miles away registered to look after keyworker children and shes full.... sigh.

V3ra Mon 06-Apr-20 22:56:18

Jgee you're minimising the number of potential contacts if your granddaughter comes to you, rather than going to a care setting where there might be other children present.

Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 23:10:22

Thanks that was my thinking too. She does in normal circs only see us and her parents anyway at this stage. So her circle is very small. Risk is with the dad more than my daughter as he is in supermarket so thats why am suggesting the whole showering and changing before he collects her as that is good practice for him as well as us and others. We will not be entering shop or parks either when we have her so hope this to helps. Thank you i will keep you posted!

Starblaze Mon 06-Apr-20 23:11:44

This is a deeply personal and difficult decision, without some people willing to put themselves at risk, we can not continue to feed, treat and take care of others. However, the older you are, the greater the risk. So go with your heart, and if the answer is no, don't feel bad for it. There is no wrong answer here.

Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 23:12:28

We also live in small town away from cities too. Not that that makes any difference I know but...

Jgee Mon 06-Apr-20 23:16:17

Thanks starblaze. Just want to do the right thing to help all and my instinct is to support those who need it and do what we can. They care for us so if this helps them...

Starblaze Mon 06-Apr-20 23:20:09

Then that is that right decision smile