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Early years sector and parents divided on reopening settings

Coronavirus Provision Policy & Politics Families Business Management
Nurseries and childminders in England are fighting to survive, as new research suggests that just over four in 10 parents of under-fives are planning to return today, with many providers also uncertain about when to reopen.
Many parents want to see coronavirus cases fall before they feel safe to send their child back to a childcare setting
Many parents want to see coronavirus cases fall before they feel safe to send their child back to a childcare setting

The research by the Early Years Alliance found that while around six in ten providers plan to reopen today (1 June), other early years settings are in favour of a September or a July return.

A large minority of those not reopening this month - around one in five - say they do not know when they will reopen their early years setting.

The Alliance carried out two separate online surveys in May on views on plans for childcare settings to reopen in June – one aimed at parents and the other aimed at childcare providers.

Among parents not sending their child back, safety is a clear factor, with around 8 in 10 saying that they would need to see a clear fall in cases of coronavirus across the country before they would take up an early years place.

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