Coronavirus daily round-up: Friday 27 November
Fiona Simpson
Friday, November 27, 2020
One in four nurseries and childminders could close within the next six months as changes to “free childcare” funding made during the pandemic come to an end, new research warns.
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Each day, CYP Now will summarise the key issues affecting the children and families sector as it tackles the effects of the pandemic. The daily update signposts children’s services practitioners and leaders to the latest developments, expert views, advice and resources.
Quarter of nurseries face closure next year, new research warns
New research from the Early Years Alliance has found that one in four nurseries and childminders could close within the next six months when the government cuts ‘free childcare’ funding to the sector from January 2021.
Throughout the pandemic, the government has continued to fund ‘free’ childcare places on the 15/30 hours scheme at pre-pandemic occupancy levels. However, responding to a recent parliamentary question from shadow children and early years minister Tulip Siddiq, children and families minister Vicky Ford said that local authorities’ funding to childcare providers would return to “‘funding following the child’ from 1 January 2021.”
A new survey of more than 2,000 childcare providers in England conducted by the Alliance found that this decision could leave a quarter of nurseries and childminders unable to survive beyond the end of May.
Duchess of Cambridge warns of increasing parental loneliness
Loneliness among parents of young children has "dramatically increased" during the pandemic, the Duchess of Cambridge has warned.
The Royal Foundation gathered views from half a million people in the UK on bringing up children under the age of five.
It found parents increasingly worried about feeling cut off from support, particularly in more deprived areas.
Nativity plays ‘can go ahead within restrictions’
Nativity plays will be able to go ahead in England after the national lockdown ends on 2 December, MPs have been told.
Andrew Selous MP, who speaks for the Church of England, said children's church nativity plays will be allowed if they follow Covid rules.
He added that indoor singing will be limited to performers but everyone can take part outdoors.
