An update for children, parents and carers from Carrie Lindsay, Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services.
Following further advice given by Public Health Scotland over the weekend there have been some big changes to the information we have previously given out.
Carrie Lindsay said: “I am writing to you again to keep you up to date on changes or new information. As you’ll understand this is a constantly changing picture. Here are the key pieces of information which we have for you at the moment.”
“We had to take the difficult decision yesterday not to open our schools for free school meals. We understand fully the impact that can have on some of our children and the pressure this can put on families who are struggling financially. This decision was taken following advice from Public Health Scotland.
“We have now managed to set up an alternative arrangement. On Wednesday a payment will be made to all families who are already registered for FME/school clothing grant and for any P1-3s registered for free school milk. Check here if you think you might be eligible but not already registered fife.gov.uk/schoolbenefits. If you have any difficulty accessing or filling in this form, please contact your headteacher/education.services@fife.gov.uk/ Online: Contact Council Tax Enquiries online; or 03451 551155
“From tomorrow we will have 29 Children’s Activity Centres set up and open to children of Category 1 key workers. These are frontline, health and care workers, directly supporting coronavirus response or supporting life-threatening, emergency work.
These centres are there to provide essential childcare for key workers, if they need it, in order for them to continue to work.
Please be aware, this service is for children where both parents are key workers, or where there is a lone parent who is a keyworker. If parents have any other options for childcare when they are working, they should use these. These centres should be a last resort for parents who have no other choice. You may feel it will be better to keep your children at home.
You must have already registered with a centre before your child can attend. You will have received a link to the registration form if you are a category1 key worker. If you have any concerns discuss these with your school.
We have a limited amount of space within our centres as the children need to be in smaller groups and spaced out to keep them safe, but we will be following all public health guidance within our centres. There will be clear instructions for children when they arrive at the centre, on how they can keep themselves and others safe.
Our centres will only be providing childcare for nursery and primary school children at this time.
We will review this over the next few days for other key workers.
For information on Private and Voluntary Sector Early Years Providers who are offering childcare to Category 1 key workers see below.
"Children with additional support needs whose parents are both key workers, will be supported within our Children’s Activity Centres.
“Our Children and Families team have been working very closely with our headteachers. They are making sure that all those children who may be especially vulnerable by not attending school will continue to have a member of staff looking out for them. The welfare of our children is a priority at all times and our staff will remain in contact with those children.
"I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our staff for the work they have put in over the last couple of weeks. Many of them have gone above and beyond what should be expected of them – preparing work packs, gathering SQA evidence and above all preparing our activity centres.
“We have had a huge surge of goodwill and support from our staff and we have many volunteers willing to staff these hubs for this first phase. I hope you will all support me in thanking them.
“I’d also like to thank all of you for your patience and understanding as we face a new way of living and working. We will keep updating you as new information comes in.”
Cowdenbeath
Cupar
Dunfermline
East Neuk
Glenrothes
Inverkeithing
Kirkcaldy
Levenmouth
Lochgelly
St Andrews
Tay Bridge Head
West Fife
Children and young people in Special Schools and attending Pupil Support Services
Busy Bees Castleview Nursery, 01383 626262
Crossford Playgroup, 07826355554
Linktown Nursery, 01592 267453 / 07432116512
Little Beehive Nursery Kirkcaldy, 01592 328002
Little Beehive Nursery Newport, 01382 541154
Little Beehive Nursery Tannage, Cupar, 01334 656656, 07739863595
The Little Beehive Nursery Strathkinness, 01334 850001
Lesley Wallace, 07711077465
Amanda Mathewson, 07969798050
Carrie Hill, 07975508439
Jacqueline Brown-Hicks, 07738259369
Andria Forsyth, 07944918700
Martine Keith, 07964558734
Jennifer Robertson, 07837183466
