What does Wales 'firebreak' mean for childcare?
Annette Rawstrone
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
All childcare providers are permitted to remain open in Wales during the two week ‘firebreak lockdown’ which starts on Friday evening.
The fortnight-long action aims to regain control of the spread of coronavirus by closing some businesses and venues and strictly limiting people mixing outside of their households groups.
The rules come into force at 6pm on Friday 23 October until the start of Monday 9 November. During that time, early years settings, including Welsh Government-funded Flying Start childcare, can offer their normal services. That includes continuing to provide childcare throughout the half term holiday.
The Welsh Government states, ‘Children can continue to access their usual childcare provider, and you can travel to provide, access or receive childcare.’ It is confirmed that nannies can also continue to work.
Primary schools will remain open other than during the half term holidays. The Welsh Government has stated that ensuring children can continue to be taught in school is a priority, and schools are also a ‘safe environment’. Secondary schools will only open for children in years seven and eight during the ‘firebreak’.
While ‘informal childcare’, such as using family or friends, is allowed it should only be used when ‘no other methods are available’.
Children should not be cared for outside of their home if they are ill, or by anyone who is ill. Also, adults dropping off children for childcare should not enter the house.
