From education to employment

Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures

Guidance for local authorities, early years settings and childminders about childcare provision following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Documents

Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures

HTML

Details

This guidance is for providers registered with Ofsted and childminders registered with childminder agencies for children of all ages, including:

  • nurseries and wraparound childcare
  • before and after school clubs
  • holiday clubs

This guidance does not cover nannies or au pairs.

We will update this guidance as further information becomes available.

DfE coronavirus helpline

Telephone 0800 046 8687

If you have a query about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to schools and other educational establishments, and children’s social care, in England contact our helpline.

Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm and weekends 10am to 4pm.

If you work in a school, please have your unique reference number (URN or UK PRN) available when calling the helpline.

Published 24 March 2020
Last updated 15 April 2020 + show all updates

  1. Updated introductory sections and sections on Who this guidance is for, Prioritising children, Funding, Staying open for children of critical workers and vulnerable children, Early Years Foundation Stage and Holidays.

  2. Updated to clarify the income support available and the requirements for providing safe, quality care for vulnerable and critical workers’ children.

  3. First published.


Related Articles

Responses