Sending your child to an early years setting in autumn 2020

Early years providers will let you know what safety measures they have put in place, such as:

• ensuring only symptom-free parents/carers can drop off or pick up 
• making sure hygiene starts at the doorstep 
• heightened awareness of Coronavirus symptoms in children and staff
• cleaning hands thoroughly and more often than usual 
• ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’
• carrying out enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces, toys and equipment
• minimising contact between groups (for example, children of different age groups who are in different rooms) where possible
• practicing social distancing with parents and communicating why this is necessary
• ensuring staffing ratios continue to meet their child’s needs
• ensuring sufficient staff within the childcare provision hold a full Paediatric First Aid certificate 
• ensuring children’s welfare and safeguarding is of paramount importance

You child may not have been apart from you for a long time so starting at a new provision may seem daunting for them. Taking time to settle children will be crucial. Providers will be encouraged to look into new methods for this new way of working including:

• By appointment - such as offering a 1:1 meeting for your family to meet with the key person by appointment only so your child can come in and become familiar with staff and the learning environment
• Picnics and outdoor sessions - picnics sessions offered for new families in the grounds before they start. These meetings will be planned in order to keep numbers low and practice social distancing between families  
• Using outdoor space - you may be encouraged to bring your child into the outdoor play area, where key persons will meet and greet you so that your child is familiar with their new key person prior to starting
• Using technology. This may include recording and sending out virtual video tours to enable your child to revisit when they feel confident to do so. Some children may welcome video calls with their new key person and possible new friends who could be starting at the same time
• Online story time — key persons may do regular story times for new starters to watch at home where they feel safe
• Social media and websites — providers may upload video clips and pictures onto the sites for new families to look at as often as they want. 

If your working pattern has changed because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you may still be able to get 30 hours free childcare.

Check if you can get Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Quality childcare helps children to:

• become more confident 
• learn through play and have fun
• learn new words and extend their vocabulary
• experience new activities and learn new skills
• problem solve and test out their ideas
• learn independence and get ready for school

Nurseries and childminders are wonderful places for children to learn and have fun with friends, which supports their development and their overall wellbeing.

Attending childcare can be an exciting and joyful experience for children and can also help provide a routine as they develop their social skills.

Early years education is an important stage for children where they can flourish and get the best start in life.

Attendance in nurseries, childminders and other early years providers remains optional, but we strongly encourage you to take up a place for your child.

Yes, your early years provider and the council will continue to keep risk assessments for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) up to date. 

If your child can't attend, contact your early years provider to ask

• how they plan to continue to support the learning of your child
• whether your child can maintain contact with their key person and peers through the early years setting, and
• how parents and carers are being supported to provide a positive learning environment at home.

You may want to view these websites / resources:

•    The Hungry Little Minds campaign features tips and practical activities that parents can do at home with children to support their early learning. There are many simple ways to help children learn and it does not have to be formal. Having everyday conversations, make-believe play and reading together all make a big difference to children’s development.

• BBC's Tiny Happy People
• National Literacy Trust’s Family Zone

​The Department for Education (DfE) has published further guidance on how to Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Your early years provider will be able to tell you how they have prepared for reopening and welcoming your child back to the setting. Arrange a time that is convenient for both of you to talk and they will be happy to discuss your concerns as they arise. Providers are very creative in finding ways to share with you how the children have been having fun and busy with their friends during the day.