As of today, (17 March), childminders with household members with Covid symptoms or a positive test can continue to run their business from their home.
In February, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced it was retaining the current rules that childminders with a positive case in their household were not allowed to accept children into their setting, unless the childminder was able to operate in another premises, or a self-contained annexe or cabin – guidance that was out of step with other early years settings.
Following lobbying by the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) and the Early Years Alliance and their members, the guidance has been updated to say that childminders can continue to childmind at home and are advised to follow steps outlined by the Government to reduce the risk of onward transmission (see below). The steps include the Covid positive family member avoiding contact with minded children, where possible using separate toilet facilities, and notifying parents that someone living in the home has the virus.
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