Coronavirus: Doncaster mum worries WiFi speeds will force parents to choose between their children’s education and their financial stability

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on March 18 that schools would close to everyone except for vulnerable pupils or for children whose parents are key workers.

Kirsty-Jo Muddiman, from Auckley, has two children who from next week will no longer be attending school.

She said: “I work from home as a scientific consultant and I need the internet to do my job.

“If the kids start using it as well for their education it’s going to force me to make a tough decision between who can use it.

“I have already warned them that if I catch them using it for non-essential things that I will take it off them.”

Kirsty believes that prioritising earning cash may be a necessity during this uncertain time.

Her current broadband service is patchy and crashes if too many devices are used at once.

Usually, Kirsty would send her kids to their grandparents to use their wi-fi but due to social distancing that is no longer an option.

“My son was supposed to be taking his A-levels this May and June but now he will always be part of the generation who didn’t get the chance,” Kirsty continued.

“He doesn’t know how the lack of exams is going to affect his future.”

Oliver, Kirsty’s son has applied to study abroad at a university in Malta but does not know if they will accept him if he has not taken the exams and achieved the relevant qualifications.

Kirsty said: “My advice to other parents out there worrying is to try and not to do everything at once - if we all try to become teachers at home we are going to burn out.

“This is going to be an absolute nightmare for single parents with young children.”

She says she wants to be able to explain the situation to her children but feels the government guidance is not sufficient.

“We can handle more information and I for one really want to know what’s going on.”