As of today, (17 March), childminders with household members with Covid symptoms or a positive test can continue to run their business from their home.
In February, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced it was retaining the current rules that childminders with a positive case in their household were not allowed to accept children into their setting, unless the childminder was able to operate in another premises, or a self-contained annexe or cabin – guidance that was out of step with other early years settings.
Following lobbying by the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) and the Early Years Alliance and their members, the guidance has been updated to say that childminders can continue to childmind at home and are advised to follow steps outlined by the Government to reduce the risk of onward transmission (see below). The steps include the Covid positive family member avoiding contact with minded children, where possible using separate toilet facilities, and notifying parents that someone living in the home has the virus.
Making the announcement today, the DfE said in a statement, ‘From today, 17 March 2022, if someone in a childminder’s household has tested positive or has Covid-19 symptoms, childminders can continue to childmind at home. Childminders are advised to follow the steps below to reduce the risk of onward transmission:
- The person who has tested positive or has Covid-19 symptoms should avoid contact with the children being cared for in the setting.
- Where possible, use separate toilet and handwashing facilities. If this is not possible, maintain extra cleaning and hygiene routines, particularly after the person has used the facilities.
- Notify parents and carers of the children attending the setting, and any assistants, about the person who has tested positive or has Covid-19 symptoms, as soon as reasonably possible and maintain open communication with them throughout.
- Consider the need to reduce the spread of Covid-19 with mitigations such as ventilation and extra cleaning and hygiene routines. They should be applied where practical and safe to do so. Additional guidance is available in Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.
- Comply with health and safety law by reviewing your risk assessment. The risk assessment must demonstrate that the provision of childcare in your setting is safe and how you will put into place any additional but proportionate measures
‘Childminders can also consider using alternative places to childmind such as other childminders’ houses, where possible.’
'This guidance has been a source of frustration and financial hardship'.
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said, ‘Given that the Prime Minister has stated that we as a country are moving from “Government restrictions” to “personal responsibility”, it made absolutely no sense for childminders to be prevented from operating because of a positive case in their household, and so we warmly welcome the decision to finally amend the guidance on this important issue.
‘Childminders are educational professionals who can and should be trusted to exercise their professional judgement on how to operate safely and securely, and we know that this guidance has been a source of much frustration and financial hardship over recent months.’
Liz Bayram, chief executive of PACEY, added, ‘At long last common sense has prevailed and the Covid guidance that was restricting childminders’ ability to support the children in their care and to maintain a sustainable business has been overturned. At last childminders are being treated fairly and in the same way as all other schools and early years settings.
‘PACEY hopes this change will help relieve some of the immense stress and worry that so many childminders are still living with daily due to Covid.’