Dear Parent/Carer,
As a result of the First Minister’s announcement on Monday 4th January 2021, schools will be closed to most children other than children of key workers and the most vulnerable until 29th January 2021. This is a change from the initial statement from the First Minister on 19th December 2020 which required a phased return to school.
Due to the extended period of school closure, East Lothian Council has reopened the application process for key worker children to access places for in-school learning and childcare from Monday 18th to Friday 29th January 2021. This online application process is for new applicants who did not apply in the first round in December 2020. Those who have confirmed places already will roll over in to extended period and do not need to reapply.
Priority will be given to those key workers in category 1 and category 2 where both parent/carers are key workers or where there is a single parent who is a key worker. Information about the category definitions can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-school-re-opening-arrangements-for-january-2021/pages/children-of-keyworkers/
Wherever possible, parents/carers should make use of informal childcare arrangements in line with the Scottish Government Guidance.
Any parents/carers who believe they are key workers under criteria set out by the Scottish Government will be invited to complete our online application. This link to this application can be found here: https://eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/education/january2021-keyworker-application-2
Kind regards
The Education Support Team