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.
Minister Updates
On 24th March 2020, Minister Vicky Ford sent the attached letter to the early years sector about changes the Department for Education will be making to early years and childcare provision in light of the Government’s response to COVID-19. The Department has also issued Q&A guidance to LAs and childcare providers on Gov.uk about the closure of settings for all but vulnerable children and children of critical workers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Implementing Social Distancing in Education and Childcare Settings
This guidance is for education and childcare settings that are remaining open to support vulnerable children and the children of critical workers. It should be read in conjunction with guidance for social distancing. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-social-distancing-in-education-and-childcare-settings?utm_source=380d162d-e45d-4e57-b5f6-95cfafce29a9&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
Launch of Health at Home Online Resources
Health at Home is a bespoke online resource with guidance and advice on how people can look after themselves whilst spending time in insolation or extended periods of time at home. https://www.slough.gov.uk/news/newsdetail.aspx?id=21933.
Early Years and Childcare Provision
Across Slough a number of schools are currently open for key worker and vulnerable children, including the 5 maintained nursery schools.
There are 10 early years settings and 28 childminders continuing to care for specific children and 1 out of school provider offering breakfast, afterschool and holiday care. If you have contact with parents who are requiring this level of emergency care please ask them to contact the Family Information Service on 01753 476589 or FIS@slough.gov.uk.
Early Years Capital Development Programme
Due to most settings closing during Covid-19 we have decided to extend the deadline for Capital Development applications from the 30th March to 10th July 2020, please see the attached revised timetable. If you have any questions about the Early Years Capital Development process please contact clare.thompson@slough.gov.uk or 01753 476583.