Covid-19 Safety of Early Years and Specialist Settings 2021-03-01
2021-03-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Early years and childcare settings need to be secure against the spread of Covid-19, especially with recent increases in cases.
What steps are being taken to help ensure that early years and childcare settings are covid-19 secure?
All settings must comply with health and safety law. They should follow guidance for reducing transmission risk, including bespoke guidance for special schools and alternative provision. Testing has been expanded to cover schools, pre-schools, and nurseries.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how nurseries can remain viable without mass testing or PPE
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Covid cases in early years providers have nearly doubled since January, causing concern among nursery workers about safety without proper testing or PPE.
Why has the Government done so little to reassure early years providers who are worried about continuing their work safely?
The evidence shows that pre-school children under five are less susceptible to covid and unlikely to drive transmission. We base decisions on public data, which was updated last week.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a clear plan for testing or PPE access
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Recent high levels of cases in nurseries have raised concerns about financial viability without additional testing or PPE.
Without mass testing, FFP3-grade PPE, or financial support like that available in the first lockdown, how can nurseries remain viable if they wish to stay open?
The Government will spend about £3.6 billion on early years funding this year and are rolling out home test kits for nursery staff from 22 March.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details on financial support beyond testing
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Social distancing is challenging in early years settings, leading to high numbers of staff off sick or isolating. Vaccinating key workers earlier would have helped manage this pressure.
Why did the Government miss the opportunity to vaccinate school staff over half-term and prioritise early years staff once vulnerable groups were vaccinated?
The priority is to protect those most at risk of dying or being hospitalised, including carers of clinically extremely vulnerable children.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not explain why early years staff were not prioritised for vaccination
Response accuracy