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Scotland: nurseries told to limit services for three weeks

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Childcare settings will close their services to all but keyworkers and the vulnerable for three weeks ‘at least’ in an effort to curb the virus, Scottish Government has announced.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on a nursery visit
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on a nursery visit

New guidance, published today (21 December) by the Scottish Government, states that childcare settings, including nurseries and after school clubs, will only be open for childcare of keyworkers' and vulnerable children from 26 December until ‘at least’ 18 January regardless of the level the area is in.

Childminders are exempt from the guidance, and all childminders ‘can remain open for all children’ as normal, the guidance states.

But the news was met with dismay from providers and parents who were first informed via a Tweet from @ELCScotGov on Sunday (20 December).

The Tweet stated, ‘IMPORTANT UPDATE about childcare following the First Minister’s statement. From Boxing Day, childminders can open to all children and should operate in accordance with Level 4 guidance (Level 3 in Island authorities).

‘Nurseries and all other childcare providers across Scotland should only open to keyworker and vulnerable children from Boxing Day until at least 18 Jan. We are meeting sector reps on Monday morning to discuss impacts and will publish guidance ASAP.’

@Laura_M_1988, tweeted, ‘The way you have treated early years providers throughout the pandemic has been nothing short of inadequate. Late issued guidance, poorly communicated updates, lack of information. I'm furious as a parent so I can only imagine how the providers feel!!’

@sharonfairley5, tweeted, ‘How are private nurseries expected to plan this within 4 days. Many of us don't close over this period, we're already so stressed and coped well staying safe What works for LA may not work for us We need to be listened to please.’

Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief executive of NDNA Scotland, said, ‘This news was obviously extremely disappointing to nurseries who are already struggling - and a really bad end to a very difficult year for them.

‘We are awaiting some guidance and further details from the Scottish Government but have stressed to them that financial support for nurseries is crucial at this difficult time.’