In answer to a question by Labour MP Fleur Anderson on why early years providers had not been included, Mr Hargreaves responded that, ‘My understanding is that the plan is that the early years workforce and the primary workforce will all be included in the twice weekly testing programme.’
As we have reported, early years staff in private, voluntary and independent settings are currently only able to access asymptomatic testing for Covid-19 via lateral flow tests in community testing centres, unlike schools which have been sent a supply of testing kits.
His comment, made during an Education Committee evidence session yesterday, is contrary to guidance published by the DfE this week.
The guidance states that the regular lateral flow testing programme will only be extended to maintained nursery schools and primary school nursery classes, not private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings. It states, ‘Staff in other early years settings, including childminders, can be tested through community testing programmes.’
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