This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Service Lead for Early Years and Prevention, Michael Jarrett, for the attention of the Early Years Sector.
Please find below updates and information for all settings regarding the operation of provision during COVID-19.
During this unfamiliar time the team would like you to know that we are here to offer you support, in whatever way you may need it? We are on the other end of the phone or email and will continue to provide you with daily email updates.
Even if you are currently closed the team can offer a range of support from discussing government guidance documents to reviewing local area initiatives.
We understand that this is a difficult period for everyone and in these uncertain times it can often help to share concerns, questions and queries with others, so please do keep in contact and pick up the phone anytime for a catch up. You can email and call individual members of the team or for general enquiries contact earlyyears@slough.gov.uk or call 01753 476554.
If your setting is currently still open and are considering closure please discuss with the Early Years Service and for further information, advice or guidance please contact the team on 01753 476554 or email earlyyears@slough.gov.uk.
Family Information Service
Slough’s Family Information Service has a record of all settings currently open for children of key workers/vulnerable children, please signpost parents and carers to the FIS if they need to find care including holiday provision if you are unable to stay open, call 01753 476589 or email fis@slough.gov.uk, Slough’s Services Guide.
Reminder Weekly Registers are Due in Thursday This Week (Due to the Bank Holiday Weekend) Before 1pm
All settings who are open this week must send the local authority details of the children who attended or are attending your provision. Please see the attached template, if you require a word version please email clare.thompson@slough.gov.uk.
Submit your settings attendance by completing the spreadsheet and then password protect it and send to earlyyears@slough.gov.uk . Please do not email personal details without password protecting the document first. Please use the password ‘Attendance’.
Childminders please call Danielle Mercer on 07770 936674 or Sharon Rose on 07920 287687 if you are unable to email in the details.
Group settings please contact or Karen Loft on 07923 260393 if you are unable to complete the spreadsheet.
Domestic Abuse | Slough Safeguarding Partnership
Challenging times may result in the need to access specialist support, don’t be alone, click here to access some of the resources that are on offer.
Mental Health and Well-Being
If providers have any mental and well-being concerns you can email the East Berkshire Getting Help Service at: CAMHSGettingHelpEast e: CAMHSGettingHelpEast@berkshire.nhs.uk
Business Loans
Eligible business can access this scheme only through GOV.UK. If someone texts, calls or emails claiming to be from HMRC, saying that you can claim financial help or are owed a tax refund, and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it is a scam.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government Updates | Implementing Social Distancing in Education and Childcare Settings
Guidance for education and childcare settings on how to implement social distancing.
Please click here to view the updated guidance and Q&A
Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Apprenticeship Programme Response
This document sets out guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19). Please click here to view the document.
Coronavirus (COVID 19) | Online Education Resources
Online educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home. Please click here to access the resources.
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Rates
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you’re an apprentice.
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates