Information and guidance
Government guidance
- From 17 March 2022, if someone in a Childminder’s household has tested positive or has COVID-19 symptoms, Childminders can continue to childmind from home. Please follow the advice in the guidance Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.
- Management of COVID in early years children – Actions for parents and carers
- COVID-19 early outbreak management – early years settings
- Guidance – Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
- Guidance – What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Local guidance
- Guidance for Early Years Settings – COVID-19 Operating Procedures
- Coronavirus Useful links for reopening
- Coronavirus Risk Assessment
- Transition back to settings
The Educational Psychology Service is offering an individual training opportunity for all staff working in early years settings, and schools to support children and young people as they return following the COVID-19 restrictions.
The session is approximately 90 minutes long and is accessed through YouTube It includes several short activities and opportunities for reflection within in it.
Where to find information
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak – on GOV.UK
Education Psychology Service Helpline – Phone support for parents and carers.
Department for Education helpline: 0800 046 8687 – Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Latest Department for Education information
Business and financial support
- You can find Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care guidance on www.gov.uk. Please note sector-specific guidance for early years.
- Useful Guidance on sources of financial support – PACEY
- See the web links for sources of financial support including for the Self-Employed
- Please refer to the government guidance for information on the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and statutory sick pay relief for SMEs
Latest information and advice for businesses
Guidance, advice, support packages and information are being released and updated on a daily basis for businesses and the self-employed. For current details please visit the COVID-19 web pages on Heart of the South West Growth Hub.
Responsibilities to staff when closed
Please adhere to employment regulations and liaise with childcare’s insurance (legal team)
Useful Guidance on Coronavirus – advice for employers and employees – ACAS
Advice for staff, parents and children
Please adhere to government guidelines and follow the NHS advice
Wellbeing – Every Mind Matters
Winter Readiness Toolkit
The Winter Readiness Toolkit is designed to help settings with planning and preparation for winter infections. It includes a link to the “Spotty Book 2021” produced by Public Health England SW Health Protection Team. This serves as a practical guide to recognising and managing common infectious diseases and outbreaks.
Educational resources