Updated guidance from Department of Health for childcare providers and parents in Northern Ireland

Further guidance has been published on the Family Support NI website to assist childcare settings and childminders who are currently providing childcare, or are planning to re-open, and to reassure parents as they send their children back to childcare.

This guidance takes account of changes announced last week, details of which were contained in the Childcare Sector Recovery Plan.

The guidance is kept under constant review by the Department of Health, taking medical and scientific advice into account, while also reflecting the importance of the nurturing and attached relationships children develop within childcare settings. For example, it refers to the physically close role that a childcare provider – whether a childminder or a member of staff in a group setting – will have with children, particularly the youngest children, and confirms that this is both important and appropriate where necessary for their care, comfort and reassurance.

A formal letter of indemnification will issue to each ‘open’ childcare provider, intended to cover any COVID-19 related claims which are not covered under the provider’s usual insurance arrangements for July and August 2020.

There is also new guidance for parents reflecting the change that all parents, regardless of their job role, are eligible to access childcare.

We would encourage you to read the guidance in full. Some key points are set out below.

Guidance for childminders

From Monday 29 June, childminders can care for children from up to four families at any one time. It is anticipated that this number will increase again to five families at any one time in August. This is another important development for childminders, and will assist in planning either for re-opening, or for taking on more families, over the coming weeks, while continuing to reflect health and safety guidelines.

It also provides guidance for childminders in relation to:

  • Symptoms of COVID19 in children
  • The process for re-opening
  • Infection control
  • Drop off and pick up arrangements
  • Maximising use of outdoor space
  • What to do if there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID19.

There are also links to a range of useful online resources.

Guidance for day care and school age childcare settings

The guidance provides further detail on the introduction and implementation of Play Pods in registered group childcare settings – organising children and staff in small groups (12 children maximum), who don’t mix with other groups in the setting.

It also provides guidance for group settings in relation to:

  • Symptoms of COVID19 in children
  • The process for re-opening
  • Group size and restricted numbers in Play Pods
  • Partitioning of larger rooms to accommodate more than one Play Pod
  • Infection control
  • Drop off and pick up arrangements
  • Transport arrangements
  • Maximising use of outdoor space
  • What to do if there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID19.

There are also links to support organisations and a range of useful online resources.

Guidance for parents

The guidance for parents confirms that all parents, regardless of their job role, are now eligible to access childcare and also refers to the role of social support units or ‘bubbles’ with a family member or friend in potentially providing informal childcare. The guidance will assist parents in finding out more about:

  • How to find and access childcare
  • Where to get more information on financial support
  • Reassurance on health and safety measures in relation to childcare provision during COVID19.

Where can I get more information?

The full guidance, and further information, is available on the Family Support NI website.

You can also contact our Family Benefits Advice Service for free, confidential and impartial advice and guidance. Call 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.

More News and Insights