Lockdown measures to slow the spread of coronavirus have shaken up our normal everyday routine. We at Yoopies understand that this is a deeply stressful and confusing time for families. Can I access childcare? Do I keep paying my childcare costs if my childminder isn’t working? Can my nanny come to work? Can I continue to use informal childcare?
Keeping up to date with the latest guidance is a little tricky and you may have a lot of questions, but you’re not alone! We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions by parents to ensure you are 100% clear about your childcare during coronavirus. (Last updated 02.11.20)
1) Can I use childcare?
Yes, unlike the first lockdown, parents will be able to access childcare. Whether you are currently not working, working from home, or working from your place of work, you are still able to access childcare throughout lockdown.
The Prime Minister has specifically said that “childcare, early years settings, schools, colleges, and universities will remain open.” You can find out more about the new government measures on the Government website.
- Childminders:
Childminders are able to remain open as usual, keeping high safety and hygiene precautions in place as normal. - Nannies:
You are still able to use a Nanny throughout lockdown. The Government has stated, “if you provide paid-for childcare in a child’s home, you can go to your place of work- this is in line with the Government guidance that you can travel to work if working from home is not possible.” As a parent, it is our responsibility to ensure the home is COVID safe, by keeping high hygiene and safety standards. If possible, consider finding alternative means of transport for your nanny to reduce their contact with other people before entering your home. - Babysitters and informal childcare:
Parents are able to form a childcare bubble with another household for the use of informal childcare. This could be a family member, a trusted friend, or a regular babysitter. We recommend where possible to avoid childcare from older grandparents or at-risk groups.
The childcare bubble is restricted between two households only, meaning you can’t swap between households.
2) What is a childcare bubble?
A childcare bubble is a form of childcare support in which someone in one household provides informal childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household.
The Government website states “a childcare bubble must always be between the same two households,” meaning your informal childcare provider cannot help another family.
3.) Can I still access wraparound care?
Yes, parents can still access wraparound care when needed to enable you to work, or for respite care.
4) My childcare provider is sick, do I need still need to pay them?
Childminders are self-employed and traditionally parents are not obliged to pay them if they are off work. We suggest referring back to your contract and having an open discussion regarding their payment.
Childminders may be able to access ESA. This is payable from day one of their inability to work. Your childminder is eligible if:
- Themselves or their child may have contracted coronavirus
- They came in to contact with someone with Coronavirus and are now self-isolating
- The NHS has informed them that they are in the high-risk category
- Paid National Insurance contributions in the last 3 years.
Nannies enrolled in the PAYE payroll scheme are entitled to employment benefits including sickness pay. The contract between the parent and nanny should define how much they are to be paid if they are sick. This should be the statutory minimum pay.
Find out more information on the government website or on the NHS site should you or your childcare provider become unwell.
5) Can I still furlough my nanny?
Families can still choose to furlough their nanny under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Before furloughing your nanny, this must be agreed upon by both parties. With the scheme, nannies can receive 80% of their salary or up to £2500 a month funded by the Government. Parent employers can choose to top this up to 100%. This scheme has now been extended to December 2020. Note that, you can only claim if you have previously furloughed your employee before 30 June 2020 and you submitted a claim for this by 31 July 2020.
You can also opt to flexibly furlough your nanny, and claim a grant for the hours not worked.
6) How can I ensure my childcare provider is as safe as possible?
If either you or your childcare provider show COVID symptoms, please follow the advice on the Government website. We recommend keeping an open dialogue with your childcare provider, and to be honest should you or anyone in your household show COVID symptoms.
The Government strongly suggests that good hygiene habits contribute to controlling the spread of the virus in the early year’s settings and at home. We, therefore, recommend your childcare provider regularly washes their hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap, avoids touching their eyes and nose, and uses a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
If you hire a nanny, we suggest creating at-home hygiene and safety rules to ensure both you and the nanny are clear on expectations. If you use a childminder, they should have a revised safety policy in place outlining their hygiene measures in places, as well as the protocol to follow, should themselves, a member of their family, a child, or a member of your family show coronavirus symptoms.
7) Is it safe for my childcare provider to take my child outside?
Childcare providers are able to take children to outside spaces, such as parks. Unlike the first lockdown, this can be more than once a day. The Government, however, urges that outside excursions respect social distancing measures. You or your childcare provider should not meet people who are not in your household or your support bubble. You can meet one other person in an outdoor public place, such as a park, whilst respecting social distancing.
Your childcare provider should not be taking your child to potentially crowded areas and should avoid using public transport where possible. When leaving the house with your children, we recommend your childcare provider bring hand sanitizer and tissues. If your childcare provider is using public transport, updated advice suggests wearing a mask.
Playdates at other households and mixing with other households inside is not allowed.
8) How long will childcare coronavirus measures be in place?
The question on everyone’s minds is how long will this last? Unfortunately, the truth is, there is no definitive date when life will return to normal. The Government provides regular briefings that highlight progress and any major changes across the UK.
The new lockdown will take place between the 5th of November – 2nd December. When lockdown measures ease, we expect good hygiene practice and safety precautions to be insisted on for the foreseeable future.
Got a question we haven’t answered? Feel free to drop us a message at contact@yoopies.com and we will guide you the right point of call. We will try to keep you updated as the situation changes, in the meantime, the Yoopies team hope you and your family are safe during this time.
To find childcare and online tutors, have a browse at childcare providers in your area! Check out our guide on how to conduct a background check on a caregiver here.