CYP Now - Early years ‘ignored’ in row over reopening schools

Early years leaders have criticised the government over the omission of nurseries and childcare settings in a debate over the closure of schools as Covid-19 cases rise.

Gavin Williamson has been criticised for ignoring early years providers "time and again". Picture: Parliament UK

The Department for Education is embroiled in a row with teaching unions, council leaders and schools over its “chaotic” and “inconsistent” approach to reopening schools across England following the Christmas holidays.

However, the Early Years Alliance (EYA) has written to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and children’s minister Vicky Ford condemning the “complete omission of the early years sector from discussions around whether or not it is safe for education providers to remain open”.

Despite primary schools in some areas of the country being instructed to close to all but the children of frontline workers and vulnerable children, early years providers have been advised to remain open.

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