Coronavirus (Covid-19)

covid 19

These pages are for all staff working directly with children and families in an early years provision.

It is not intended to replace any guidance issued by the Government.

Registered early years providers remain open during England's third national lockdown that began in January 2021. Read the guidance here.
Ofsted will resume full graded EIF inspections in the early years from 4 May 2021. Read more here.
Lateral flow testing is now available to anyone who works in an occupation related to a childcare provider, school, nursery or college, and their household, childcare and support bubbles. This includes childminders and wraparound care providers. Read the details here.
The government has confirmed that early years providers, and other educators, will not be prioritised in the second phase of the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out. Instead it will follow advice from the JCVI to continue prioritisation by age group. Read the full story.
The government has outlined its plans for taking the country out of lockdown. From the 8 March wraparound childcare can reopen and other children’s activities can restart for all children where it is needed to enable parents to work, attend education, seek medical care or attend a support group. The full roadmap is available here.

The COVID-19 outbreak is an ever-evolving situation. This information will be updated regularly as things change.

Coronavirus helpline

The Department for Education has a helpline for early years providers, schools and colleges – as well as parents, carers and young people – who have questions about coronavirus.

If you have specific questions about the virus, you can contact the helpline on:

Call: 0800 046 8687

Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk