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Analysis - Settings in staffing crisis due to Covid-related absences

With high numbers of staff off work due to either catching coronavirus or having to isolate as a contact, many call for more support and protective measures. By Katy Morton
Some nurseries are calling for children to take Covid tests
Some nurseries are calling for children to take Covid tests

As the Government moves to lift more Covid restrictions, early years settings are continuing to be hit hard by staff absences due to the virus, with many facing financial hardship if they are forced to close.

According to statistics from the Department for Education, as of 12 January, 13 per cent of paid early years staff in ‘open group or school-based settings’ were absent from work due to Covid-19-related reasons.

Data from the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) suggests that one in six childcare staff is isolating, while one in ten children attending settings has the virus. The findings for the week of 10 January are based on a survey of 171 settings across England, Scotland and Wales.

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