In response to questioning from the Early Years Alliance on behalf of its members, the Department for Education (DfE) has clarified that early years providers can take the children in their care out on trips to public spaces, such as the park, in groups that are larger than six people.
From Monday, social gatherings of more than six people are illegal in indoor and outdoor settings, but childcare providers are exempt from the new rule.
The DfE said that providers - including nurseries, wrap-around care, childminders, children’s groups and playgroups - are still allowed to continue with these group outings ‘as this reflects the exception to the Health Protection Coronavirus Restrictions legislation [which] states that gathering of more than six can take place for the purposes of early years childcare’.
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