The move will be welcomed by sector organisations and childcare providers who have been urgently calling for nurseries to be included in exemptions from business rates, which the Chancellor had previously applied to the retail, hospitality and leisure industries.
The Government is also bringing forward the Coronavirus Bill to Parliament today, which would give powers to instruct childcare providers to close, keep open, or change ratios.
The Department for Education has confirmed to the sector that the plans will also apply to childminders.
It follows the decision to close all schools in England from Monday (23 March), with some kept open for key workers and vulnerable children.
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