PRESCHOOL & COVID-19

PLEASE READ AND RESPOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Dear Parents/Carers,

We appreciate this is a stressful time for everyone and will do our best to provide the necessary information as quickly as we can. Thank you for your patience.

The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

Early Years providers are, therefore, being asked to continue to care for a limited number of children – those who are vulnerable and those whose parents are critical to the COVID-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.

Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including children in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in the other key sectors outlined below:

• Health and social care

• Education and childcare

• Key public services

• Local and national government

• Food and other necessary goods

• Public safety and national security

• Transport

• Utilities, communication and financial services

The full list and details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

Please, therefore follow these key principles:

• If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be

• If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.

Please respond to this email to bishopdownfarmpreschool@gmail.com letting us know 3 details only:

Child/childrens name

Are either parent/carer an identified key worker Yes/No

Is it essential that you send your child to Preschool Yes/No

We cannot give you any guarantees that the Preschool will be open, due to limited staff availability, but we are assessing demand.

Many thanks

Marie Ryan

Manager