13% of early years staff off work due to Covid-19
Pandemic still impacting staff levels
DfE publishes new guidance for January 22 census
Guidance is similar to January 2021
Self-isolation in England to be cut to five full days, government confirms
Isolation can end at the start of day six after two negative lateral flow tests
Ofsted withdraws and clarifies guidance on significant events and health changes
Ofsted accepts that guidance caused significant worry
DfE confirms ratio flexibility for Covid-19 absences
Government considers current situation an ‘exceptional circumstance’
DfE launches weekly Covid-19 absence survey
New weekly ‘pulse’ survey will explore Covid-19 impact
Number of settings reporting Covid-19 cases hits new weekly record
Ofsted receives 3,697 reports of Covid-19 in early years settings in the week before Christmas 2021
Ofsted confirms inspection deferral plans
Those that feel unable to go ahead with planned inspections can request a deferral
Government temporarily suspends PCR tests for positive lateral flows
Those with symptoms should still take a PCR test
Clarification on self-isolation changes for under fives
Children under five can leave self-isolation after negative lateral flows
Alliance CEO Neil Leitch awarded OBE for services to education
2022 New Year Honours award for Alliance chief executive
Treasury announces new business support measures
Additional LA business grant funding and Statutory Sick Pay Rebate reintroduced