Being a Key Worker

Hi I'm Kirsty and I'm actually one of the leaders of 1st Birstall Rangers. I thought I would write about my experience during lock down. 

I am a teaching assistant so my work hasn't stopped throughout this time. I work for a trust and within the village all the schools have joined together for those children who are still in school. It has been really strange getting to know a new routine with new children and different staff each week. It's also been stressful because of this virus we can't see could be spreading around without us knowing.

Our routine in school has changed beyond belief children aren't able to play together, they have to keep 2m apart and have to constantly wash their hands. The classes are mixed from different year groups, so teachers are spending more time being creative in the way they are teaching.

I am there to support the children who need extra help, who don't understand social distancing, who need you to hold their hand or give them a place to be in a moment of crisis. And in that moment, I can't socially distance from the child who needs me, I can't stay 2m away from them because it would ruin trust we had built and the relationship with have. So, it is hard for me to do my job and stay away from the children - almost impossible.

Then I have to go home and support my children in their home learning, which is really hard because I’m based with 4-5-year olds and their work is completely different to what I am used to. I have to tell them why even though they miss their friends they can't go see them and we have to think of new ways of keeping in touch with other people. I have to justify to them that even though the neighbours might be having a BBQ with others why we can't.

For these reasons I am glad I have a getaway, a place that is good for my mental health and wellbeing. I am loving the zoom meetings we are having with our Guides and Rangers. I love how even though we are apart we can still be together. Our Guides have been doing interest badges - which we as leaders have always struggled to get them involved in. Our Rangers are the ones to remind us that on a Thursday at 8pm we need to go show our support for the NHS. Then the leaders have a chat after the meetings to debrief and just have a catch up, and the laughs we've had in our moments of silliness. I mean the list could go on, but I think this is enough.

I have loved seeing photos of girls camping for our LEAPover with the whole of Leicestershire, and not just camping and putting a tent up in the garden, they have been creative and imaginative building dens and forts in their homes. One of our Rangers wasn't even going to participate until she heard there was a badge and bead available, then was straight into the garden with her sister.

I have actually enjoyed writing this as it's reminded me that even in the bad moments, the moments that I feel like everything is against me and I can't do anything right. That there are good moments we need to reflect on and hold dear. Moments we can cherish not just in lock down, but when we go back to normal when we can finally meet face to face.

So, remember stay safe.

Thanks for reading my silly thoughts. Kirsty