CYP Now - Key workers advised to keep children at home ‘if they can’ in latest DfE U-turn

Key workers should “keep children at home if they can”, the Department for Education has said, in a change to guidance detailing those eligible to attend school.

Critical workers have been asked to work from home where possible to avoid overcrowding schools. Picture: Adobe Stock

In its latest U-turn, DfE amended guidance titled “Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings”.

It previously stated that children who had one parent classed as a critical worker were able to attend schools.

It said: “Children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school if required. This includes parents who may be working from home.”

However, a change made to guidance over the weekend means it now states: “Children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school or college if required, but parents and carers should keep their children at home if they can.”

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