High demand for school places in Wigan during national lockdown

While schools are mostly closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the children of key workers and vulnerable youngsters can still attend.

But there have been reports of lots of children going to lessons, with nearly half of headteachers in England having to prioritise places due to the huge demand.

Department for Education guidance says schools should not limit the number of children of key workers or vulnerable pupils on-site during lockdown, and only one parent needs to be a critical worker for their child to attend class – even if parents are working from home.

But it also says parents who are critical workers should keep their children at home “if they can”.

Parents shared their experiences on Wigan Today’s Facebook page.

Jess Buckley said: “Myself and my partner are key workers and we haven’t had any issues. I think a few people have been breaking rules and sending non-key worker children in! I know it’s tough with the children at home but the schools are closed for a reason.”

Vanessa McAllister said: “ I am a full-time key worker that works nights so spends the day in bed, my husband is full-time that works days and been told his place isn’t closing so still has go work but according to school he isn’t a key worker. School says my daughter isn’t eligible for a place!!”

Steph Waterworth said: “Both me and my partner are key workers and we’ve had no problems, school have been brill.”

Vicky Calland said: “I was offered places at school for both my children due to their additional needs for routine and structure in their lives but I am not a key worker and turned down the spaces as I did last lockdown for those who do need to go to work.”

Megs McKenna said: “Had no problems with St Jude’s Wigan. Very helpful staff and headteacher was there outside first thing Tuesday to welcome parents and children back to school in the freezing cold and showing us where to show proof of key worker ID.”

Manda Aspey said: “Well mine are in school now but this is after the headteacher saying that my hubby wasn’t a key worker, I didn’t realise this was at headteacher discretion. So I had to fight for a place.”

Rebecca Best said: “I can’t get either of my children in despite being a full-time key worker. My husband cannot home work due to the nature of his role. Basically been told sorry but we have no room!”

Kev Gwinnett said: “My wife is a key worker and I am self-employed. My kids’ school are on a two key worker basis meaning I am unable to work, again.”

Nic Ian Sanderson said: “Both my children’s schools have been great. Both myself and my husband are key workers and they were amazingly helpful. Luckily our situation is different during this lockdown so they can be at home but they still rang to see if we needed a place.”

Amy Rowlinson said: “RL Hughes have been fantastic and they go above and beyond.”

Dawn Hill said: “Both me and my partner are still working and my son hasn’t got a place in school even though handed both our evidence in.”

Darren Atherton said: “No problem we just completed the online forms as instructed and no problem at all. We had to prove that we are key workers by showing some form of ID.”

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