CYP Now - Early years providers need funding to cope with second coronavirus lockdown, sector leaders say

The government must properly fund early years settings to stay open during a planned second Covid-19 lockdown amid fears over a “fall in demand for childcare provision”, sector leaders have said.

Nurseries will stay open during the second lockdown. Picture: Adobe Stock

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday (31 October) that early years settings, including nurseries and childminders, will stay open along with schools, colleges and universities, despite a second national lockdown due to be imposed in England on Thursday (5 November).

However, the closure of hospitality venues, gyms and non-essential shops means that the sector will see a fall in demand for childcare leading to a loss of income, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance has said.

He highlighted the need for more funding for the sector which was hit by a string of blows since March and throughout the first lockdown.

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