Posted: Thu 26th Mar 2020

Less children of keyworkers turn up to Denbighshire’s schools than expected

North Wales news and information
This article is old - Published: Thursday, Mar 26th, 2020

Less than 10% of the expected number of key workers’ children have turned up at Denbighshire’s schools.

Only 220 children of key workers attended the county’s schools on Tuesday out of 2,600 who were eligible during the coronavirus outbreak.

Only vulnerable children and those whose parents work in key jobs such as hospitals or supermarkets can attend  school, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the country into a state of lockdown on Monday night.

A source told the Local Democracy Reporting Service one primary school saw only two children turn up, leaving more staff on site than students.

A spokesman for Denbighshire Council said: “We had 2,600 children registered and yesterday (March 25) we had 220 pupils attend, with a number of schools having no children attending.

“We are currently looking at changing the delivery of key worker childcare and are working through the details. As soon as decisions are finalised we will inform schools and communities.”

It is believed children will be directed to “hub” schools and discussions are ongoing about where they will be and how pupils will get there.

All councils had urged parents to keep children at home if there was only one parent in work to help staff cope but demand has not been as high as expected.

Lead member for education, Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, warned the situation could still change as the pandemic continues.

He said: “It’s showing the parents are being responsible and making other provisions where they can.

“However this may not be the situation in weeks to come. Pressures on key workers may increase and increase the need for childcare.”

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter



Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email news@north.wales

More...

Runner’s life saved by health board PA after suffering cardiac arrest in St Asaph

Denbighshire

Concerns raised about length of council meetings in Flintshire

Flintshire

Three arrested after assault and anti-social behaviour in Prestatyn

Denbighshire

Conwy County Council Rejects Sunny’s Bar Application for Easter Weekend Opening

Conwy

Plan to Demolish Holyhead’s 1970s Police Station Building Submitted to Council Planners

Anglesey

Appeal Over Plans to Relocate Caravan Pitches Near Holywell Thrown Out

Flintshire