Government Reveals List of Key Workers Whose Kids Get School Priority During COVID-19 Shutdown
The Department for Education has unveiled the official list of key workers whose children will be given priority for schooling amid sweeping COVID-19 school closures starting Monday, 23rd March.
With most schools shutting their doors to help stem the virus spread, only children of these essential workers—and vulnerable kids—will be able to attend classes in person.
Who Qualifies as a Key Worker?
The government statement spells it out clearly. If your job is vital to fighting COVID-19 or keeping critical public services running, and you can’t keep your child safe at home, your child will be prioritised for school provision.
Health and Social Care
- Doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and volunteers
- Support staff maintaining the health and social care sector
- Producers and distributors of medicines and PPE
Education and Childcare
- Nursery and teaching staff
- Social workers and specialist education professionals active during COVID-19
Key Public Services
- Justice system workers, religious staff, key charities
- Journalists and broadcasters providing public service
- Workers managing the deceased
Local and National Government
- Administrative roles essential for COVID-19 response and benefit payments
Food and Other Necessary Goods
- Food production, processing, sale and delivery staff
- Suppliers of key goods like hygiene and veterinary medicines
Public Safety and National Security
- Police, Ministry of Defence personnel, fire and rescue, National Crime Agency staff
- Border security, prison, and probation staff
Transport
- Workers keeping air, water, road, and rail transport running
Utilities, Communication and Financial Services
- Banking and financial services staff
- Oil, gas, electricity, water, IT, data infrastructure, telecoms, postal services, waste disposal
Government’s Clear Message to Parents and Schools
If your school is closed, contact your local authority for details on a local school that your child can attend. The government thanks teachers and education workers for supporting key workers’ children during this crisis.
“As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” a government spokesperson said.
“That is why we’ve issued guidance on self-isolation, household isolation, and social distancing. If children can safely stay at home, they should.
This reduces virus spread and protects vulnerable people. Schools remain open for vulnerable children and those of critical workers who cannot care for them at home.”
The spokesperson added that vulnerable children include those supported by social care, children with safeguarding needs, and young carers. Schools will also try to help children facing social difficulties.
Top Tips for Parents of Key Workers
- If possible, keep your child at home.
- Educational provision is available only if your child needs specialist support, is vulnerable, or has a parent qualifying as a key worker.
- Don’t rely on grandparents or vulnerable relatives for childcare—follow strict social distancing.
- Ensure children don’t mix socially in ways that encourage the virus to spread.
- Residential special schools, boarding schools, and special settings will continue to look after children wherever possible.
Schools are playing a vital role in the national effort to fight COVID-19, balancing child safety and support for essential workers on the frontline.
