Rules on “bubbles” to be relaxed on 20 July
Early years providers will no longer need to keep children in small consistent groups
New report shows scale of crisis in early years sector
Coronavirus crisis puts additional strain on already stretched sector
Government relaxes social distancing rules from 4 July
New rules will see two metre distance replaced with “one metre plus”
Early years left out of ‘Covid catch up plan’
Early years sector left out of government funding scheme
Old London Road Pre-school launches lockdown song for families
‘Can we do it again, Mum?’ song raises funds for pre-school and local charities
Ofsted statistics show 33% rise in childcare closures
An average of 735 providers closed each month between September and December 2019
Just one in 10 children return to early years settings
DfE statistics confirm low uptake of early years places
Covid-19 is putting stress on under fives, NCB warns
National Children’s Bureau analysis reveals strain on mental health
TUC calls for financial support for childcare sector
New report calls for action to prevent parents being forced out of work
Just 45% of parents plan to take up place as providers reopen
Alliance survey shows that 70% of providers expect to operate at a loss
Chancellor announces changes to Job Retention Scheme
Support for self-employed workers also extended
Coronavirus testing extended to children under five
Health secretary confirms expansion of scheme