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.

The Department for Education has updated the Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak guidance in light of the discovery of a new variant of Covid-19, known as the Omicron variant.
The main changes are in relation to face coverings, self isolation rules and travel. You can read the changes here: Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak or on our summary page of FAQs here.
The DfE would like to warn early years providers of a fake NHS email being sent to education and childcare settings asking them to order ‘Omicron PCR test kits’. The NHS will never ask providers for bank details so please be aware of these suspicious emails or similar text messages. Further information on how to spot and report scam emails, text messages and phone calls is available through the National Cyber Security Centre.

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