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 communications from the Early Years and Prevention Service to keep you informed of various different initiatives and government updates for 24/04/2020. We hope you find this informative and if you have any suggestions about content please contact us on earlyyears@slough.gov.uk
It is important to keep in contact with families during this time, so please share this information across all of your contacts
What’s New
Letter from the Secretary of State for Education
The Secretary of State for Education has sent a letter to all education providers (please see attached) sharing his gratitude for your work in caring for our most vulnerable children and young people, placing special emphasis on continued efforts to ensure as many of these children and young people are supported to attend where it is in their best interests to do so.
Announcement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has announced that from today anyone in England who has symptoms of coronavirus and is classed as an essential worker, and members of their household who are currently experiencing symptoms, will be able get tested.
A new campaign will help essential workers in England to access testing – this includes staff working in early years settings. From today, employers can register online and refer self-isolating staff, and from tomorrow employees will be able to book a test directly on gov.uk for themselves or members of their household who are experiencing symptoms – a high temperature or new continuous.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#arrange-a-test
New Government Updates for 23/04/2020 & 24/04/2020
COVID-19 | Guidance for Schools and Other Educational Settings
Guidance and advice about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students. Added guidance on managing school premises during the coronavirus outbreak. Please click here to learn more.
Press Release | Councils Given Flexibility with Free Childcare Funding
Councils can move free entitlements funding between settings in exceptional cases to meet demand during Coronavirus outbreak. Click here for further information.
Guidance | What Parents and Carers Need to Know About Schools and Education During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Information for parents and carers about educational provision for critical workers, school closures, exams, free school meals and home schooling. Updated sections on closures, transport, vulnerable children, critical workers and resources. Removed information about Easter holidays. Click here for the full article.
Collection | COVID-19 Guidance for Schools and Other Educational Settings
Guidance and advice about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students. Added guidance on managing school premises during the coronavirus outbreak. Click here to read the full article.
Get Technology Support for Children and Schools During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for schools and colleges on how to get internet access, digital devices and support to provide remote education during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Local authorities can also get support for care leavers, and children and young people with a social worker. New details of the offer have been added, including a section on getting help using online education platforms. To learn more about the support in place click here.
Keeping in Touch and Targeted Support for Early Years Settings
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.
Reminders
DfE Data Collection
The DfE have now requested that the Local Authority submits to them the total number of early years children (0 -4 year olds, excluding 4 year olds in reception) being cared for, every Monday and Thursday. Please can all providers (who are open) continue to submit registers every Friday but in addition to this please email earlyyears@slough.gov.uk before 12pm on Monday’s and Thursday’s with the following information:
| Total Number of 0-4 Year Olds in Attendance | Number of Children Who’s Parents are Critical Workers | Number of Vulnerable Children |
Domestic Abuse | Slough Safeguarding Partnership
Challenging times may result in the need to access specialist support, don’t be alone, attached are some resources that might be able to help. You can also visit the Slough Safeguarding Partnership here to learn more.
Alternatively if you can also access the Slough Safeguarding Partnership newsletter by clicking here.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If providers have any children or young people displaying any Mental Health and or well-being concerns, then please contact the East Berkshire Getting Help Service at CAMHSGettingHelpEast@berkshire.nhs.uk.