This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Acting EYFS Advisory Services Manager, Sharon Rose, for the attention of all Early Years settings.
In preparation for the possibility of a ‘No Deal Brexit’ you may find the following information useful. Settings are advised to make themselves aware of the main issues as they may impact on their business, staff team and families:
Advice and guidance from the government
Sign up for the latest updates use the following link Brexit: no deal preparations for local authority children’s services in England
Right to live/work/study in the UK
Employers are advised to read standard guidance from the Home Office on employing EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members after Brexit and on the EU Settlement Scheme to find out who needs to apply. Share relevant information with your staff team.
Further information on a transition period until 1 January 2021 and expected changes to new immigration status.
Teachers from the EU, EEA or Switzerland - After a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU, a new system (not specified) will apply enabling teachers with EU, EEA or Swiss qualifications to apply for QTS.
Pan European checks on suitability will no longer be possible in any sector. Schools are advised to apply the checks they would implement before employing someone from the rest of the world, with statutory safeguarding guidance to be updated
Food and Medicine Supplies (some relevance if settings prepare their own food/meals on site)
Check with food suppliers on continuity of supply. Certain items may be in “short supply” so suitable alternatives may be necessary to maintain food standards.
Continue with normal arrangements for medical supplies to support pupils/students with health conditions – and if you have concerns work with your families, local authority or health teams to make contingency plans.
Data Protection
Brexit guide: data protection for education providers says that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be incorporated into UK law if there’s a no-deal Brexit. This and the Data Protection Act 2018 will continue to apply to data transferred within or from the UK.
Early years entitlements
Early years entitlements are expected to stay the same.