Coronavirus: Nurseries and childminders can take more than six children to the park

In response to questioning from the Early Years Alliance on behalf of its members, the Department for Education (DfE) has clarified that early years providers can take the children in their care out on trips to public spaces, such as the park, in groups that are larger than six people.

From Monday, social gatherings of more than six people are illegal in indoor and outdoor settings, but childcare providers are exempt from the new rule.

The DfE said that providers - including nurseries, wrap-around care, childminders, children’s groups and playgroups - are still allowed to continue with these group outings ‘as this reflects the exception to the Health Protection Coronavirus Restrictions legislation [which] states that gathering of more than six can take place for the purposes of early years childcare’.

A DfE spokesperson stated that, ‘Settings can take children outdoors provided they remain within the EYFS staff-child ratios, conduct a risk assessment (if applicable) in advance and remain socially distant (2m) from other people. They should ensure good hygiene throughout and thorough handwashing before and after the trip.’

The spokesperson added that early years leaders should ‘make informed judgements’ about how to balance delivering high quality care and education with the measures needed to manage risk.

The DfE has also confirmed to the Alliance that early years providers are permitted to take children on outings by car, assuming it can be done safely.

‘Setting leaders (such as childminders) will be best placed to understand the needs of their settings and communities, and to make informed judgments about how to balance delivering high quality care and education with the measures needed to manage risk,’ a spokesperson confirmed.

Offical DfE guidance is to be updated to clarify these points.