No limit on size of informal 'childcare bubbles' amid second lockdown, DfE confirms

Restrictions come into force today (5 November) for schools and early years settings in England, which are to remain open during the second national lockdown.

The month-long lockdown was approved by MPs last night and allows schools and childcare settings to continue to offer face-to-face education and care, albeit with restrictions.

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• Coping with pandemic lockdowns

As part of the new arrangements parents are able to form a childcare bubble with another household for informal childcare of under-13s.

These bubbles can only be between two households and should be used to enable a friend or family member to provide unregistered childcare. But the guidance had been unclear on how many adults and children this can involve.

The DfE has since confirmed to CYP Now that “there is no size limit on childcare bubbles”.

The DfE guidance published ahead of the second lockdown for England specifies that journeys made by parents and carers to nurseries and childminders should be restricted.

Families are encouraged to “walk where possible”. If walking is not practical families are urged to use a car rather than public transport.

Schools and early years providers should also restrict visits to those “that are absolutely necessary”. This means that visits by families and carers for new admissions, settling children in and attending organised performances should be suspended.

Children considered vulnerable for health reasons are advised not to attend early years settings.

However, children, who live with family members with health vulnerabilities but are not vulnerable themselves, should still attend school, nurseries or childminders' homes.

Clinically vulnerable early years staff are advised to work from home where possible.

“All other staff should continue to attend work, including those living in a household with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable,” states the guidance.

Out of school activities, such as breakfast and after-school clubs, can still take place. This includes activities used by home-schooled children and respite care for vulnerable children.

Also, youth groups can still continue. However, for all out of school activities “settings should continue to undertake risk assessments”.

There is no change in rules surrounding face coverings in early years settings and primary schools, meaning their use is still at providers’ and schools' discretion.

However, secondary schools have been told to ensure all staff and pupils wear masks when they move around the building, including outside, in corridors and in communal areas.

Schools should work to implement the guidance as soon as possible, but have until Monday if they require additional time, DfE says.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “We must put the interests of our children and young people first, especially when the benefits of being in the classroom are clear.

“Children are settled back into their routines and schools have protective measures in place keep their staff and pupils as safe as possible.

“Education is a national priority and we cannot allow it to be disrupted again.”