Guidance and explanation on returning to childcare

COVID-19 Knowsley information

We understand that you may be anxious about sending your child to a childcare provider, so we recommend reading the Government guidance here www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers . Childcare providers have been busy planning how to keep your child safe using these guidelines.

Many of our providers have been open throughout this whole period for Key Worker children and have been supporting families. Using the Government guidelines, they have made changes to keep your child safe and secure. Your childcare setting may look very different and providers may need to adjust their routines as they go along to ensure continued safety. This may mean providers may offer childcare in smaller groups so that children and staff are not mixing with too many people.

If you have any questions you can email us at childcare.information@knowsley.gov.uk or call us on 0151 443 5633 Option 4.

How will childcare providers manage risks to children, staff and families?

By carrying out a risk assessment.
Making sure that children do not attend if they or a member of their household has symptoms of coronavirus.
Promoting regular hand washing and cleaning more frequently.
Minimising contact through smaller group sizes and altering the environment where necessary.
Reducing mixing between groups through routine changes, such as staggered outside play or by introducing staggered drop-off and collection times.
Limiting the amount of contact between different groups of children such as smaller groups with children and staff spread out more.

If you’re childcare provider remains closed or is full, can you get childcare somewhere else?

Yes - please contact the Childcare Information Service by emailing childcare.information@knowsley.gov.uk or call us on 0151 443 5633 Option 4

Do children have to attend early year’s provision?

No - but Government strongly encourages early years children and priority groups to attend, as it helps with children’s learning and their school readiness. However, some children might need to self-isolate or there are other reasons for absence (such as shielding due to health conditions). This is a family decision and has to be right for your family.

Funded places

Don’t forget to apply for your funded 2 year old place now by going online and completing your application: https://parentportal.knowsley.gov.uk/web/portal/pages/home

All three and four-year-old children are entitled to 15 hours a week free early years provision for more information please read the full details here - https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/three-and-four-year-olds

Working parents may be entitled to additional free childcare for their three and four year olds. The additional hours can be taken flexibly throughout the year in a school, academy, with a private childcare provider or childminder. More details can be found here - https://www.knowsleyinfo.co.uk/content/extended-free-childcare-3-4-year-olds