Childminders left confused by mixed messaging from Government over work return

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years said that it had been contacted by a huge number of childminders and was seeking clarification from the Government.

The Government’s 50-page strategy document about exiting the lockdown, published yesterday, stated that 'paid childcare', for example nannies and childminders, can return to work on Wednesday 13 May, in the first phase of the Government’s plan to ease the lockdown. It said this was 'because these are roles where working from home is not possible', although registered childminders do work from their homes.

The same guidance said that early years settings and schools are expected to reopen for more children from 1 June.

The more detailed Department for Education guidance, however, published after the prime minister’s document, said that registered childcare, including childminding, should be working towards reopening on 1 June.

Published yesterday, Our plan to rebuild: the UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy, sets out plans to ease the lockdown in three stages, with changes for Step One to apply from Wednesday in England only. Scotland and Wales are not changing their policies.

As of this morning, page 26 of the document still states that ‘paid childcare, for example nannies and childminders, can take place’ under step one of the strategy, which will apply from Wednesday 13 May.

PACEY chief executive Liz Bayram said that some of the different messages in the Government’s own plan had led to confusion for registered providers, especially childminders who work from home, that they may reopen this week and not have to wait until 1 June.

‘We are clarifying this again with the DfE this morning but until they say differently, their guidance remains clear that registered childcare including childminding should be working towards a reopen date of 1 June,’ Ms Bayram said.

‘And the decision to reopen registered childcare as well as schools will only be confirmed on 28 May, once there’s scientific evidence the virus infection rate is under control. Until then registered settings can only open to key workers and vulnerable children.  

‘We know how important it is for many settings to open as soon as possible, that livelihoods are at stake, as well as those who are worried about opening too soon. This all has to be balanced alongside government action to try to avoid a second wave of infection. As always, all registered providers should follow Government guidance to ensure they are covered by their insurance and to avoid the risk of potentially having to close again if, on 28 May the scientific evidence indicates it is too risky to open registered childcare settings and schools on 1 June. 

‘So please bear with us while we seek further clarification for you today.'

Nursery World has asked the DfE for a comment.