CYP Now - Early years workers struggle to access school places

Early years leaders have called on schools to allow childcare staff access to places reserved for the children of critical workers.

Many early years workers have had to take time off, according to the EYA. Picture: Adobe Stock

The call, from the Early Years Alliance (EYA), comes following a growing number of reports of childcare workers being refused places because their partners are not classed as critical workers.

Nurseries, pre-schools and childminders in England have been asked to remain open to all families during national lockdown and as critical workers, those working in the childcare and early education sector should be able to access school places for their own children attending primary or secondary school, the EYA says.

However, a rising number of practitioners have told the organisation that they have been prevented from doing so as a result of some schools requiring both parents to be critical workers to access places.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included