The things that might normally separate or differentiate us from our so-called competitors currently seem irrelevant or unimportant, as we all focus instead on the unified efforts of the early years community, working together and providing support through unprecedented times. 'How can I help?' are four fantastic words we now share in common.
How do we keep our nurseries operational to ensure key workers can attend work so that essential frontline services remain functional, be that NHS, supermarkets, public transport, early years teachers, lorry drivers, refuse collection….the list goes on!
How do we navigate the unchartered, the new, the unknown, while keeping our moral compass fixed on helping those who need childcare to get to work?
We are all trying to work out how we do this, while also thinking about our own business survival, aware our ‘ration packs’ consisting of minimal funding and cash reserves will run out at some point in the coming weeks/months. The answer many have already sadly concluded is that shutting our doors for the foreseeable with perhaps only a small number of operating sites, conceivably already at a loss, is the only answer. It is an uncomfortable yet crucial decision if we are to open again in months to come.
Putting that to one side for the minute, Bertram Nursery Group joins sector colleagues in thanking our working teams who continue to show such commitment and dedication to their jobs, working in essential frontline key worker roles with such unwavering commitment to children and families.
Similar to many providers, Bertram took the decision to place a significant number of its employees on ‘furlough’, including the majority of central and regional support roles, leaving a modest number of sites operational as ‘hubs’. We asked our teams still working at these hubs a number of questions, and the responses were both inspiring and enlightening. I know we are far from perfect and we expected some feedback to that effect, but what we learnt from the responses was that we appear to be getting many things right.
The questionnaire responses confirmed that there was an obvious mixture of fear or anxiousness, people were struggling with how they balance work and family isolation, public transport struggles and concerns about vulnerable children at home. However, there were two overwhelming responses that came out: -
- An absolute pride working for Bertram but equally for the sector, unwavering commitment to ensure continuity of care for the children still in nursery as well as at home.
- A view that early years workers, even now, are not recognised externally or nationally for the importance of the job they do, as key workers. Some being turned away from food retailers at key worker times, for not being seen as key workers.
This perhaps links in with the view that Government departments recently issued advice that the sector is not required to use PPE [personal protective equipment]. We appreciate this has been met with mixed views across the sector, however many also feel that those who work in close contact with children should have the right of access to essential PPE to mitigate the risk of catching the virus and/or spread.
Behind the scenes a number of sector leaders and consultants are contributing to discussions around best practice, speaking with the DfE and lobbying for essential changes to support the sector through such difficult times.
What I’m sure we will all agree on is that yes we are resilient, however resilience on its own won’t pay the bills and we need to continue to work closely together to ensure we come though this together, ready to open our doors and welcome staff, children and their families with open arms as soon as we can. Keep safe, keep well and keep talking.