This questions should be discussed in the same way as any request for emergency time off to care for dependents. There are broadly three ways this can be answered, and the options should be discussed with the team member for them to make a decision*:
- Staff member to request annual leave (this would then be looked at in line with the availability of the wider team)
- Staff member to take a dependents leave day (see this page) or unpaid leave this can be taken if no other alternative child care arrangement can be found
- Offer flexibility in working e.g. can the staff member change their working days that week if part time? Can they work some hours in the evening? Can the staff member work from home? This option is only considered if there is not a great impact on the wider team and it is possible for the staff member to be productive at home whilst caring for dependents. If this option is chosen then clear expectations about communication and working times should be agreed (e.g. team will be able to reach staff member via Slack during working hours)
*it could be that the member of staff would like option 3 but it is not a viable option - it could be that they know another staff member is working from home, so we need to be clear as to why they can't