Decision details

1. To provide the equivalent funding provision to existing Early Years providers based on the numbers of children of critical workers (eligible 2, 3 and 4 years olds) attending provision during the Easter holidays up to a maximum of 10 days and linked to the funded entitlement amount that each eligible child would normally receive. This additional funding will not be paid into the temporary network of early hubs established by the LA.

2. To establish a network of early years and school hubs for holiday, weekend and bank holiday provision to deliver the Department for Education expectations in relation to critical workers’ children and vulnerable children during the Covid-19 emergency. This includes the use of LA funding (or DSG reserve funding if appropriate) to underpin any additional costs incurred such as cleaning, catering, staffing etc.

The definition of “critical workers” is as set out the Government guidelines.

*PLEASE NOTE This decision was originally published on or near the date of the decision and so call in no longer applies. It has been re-published as part of the change in committee management system that we use.*

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, schools, colleges and childcare providers will be closed to the majority of pupils until further notice. Where possible, childcare providers, schools and colleges are encouraged to remain open to continue to look after critical workers’ children and vulnerable children throughout the Easter holidays. Where this is not possible, the Department for Education has asked that the Local Authority identify an alternative setting for these pupils. The LA has therefore drawn together arrangements for a network of hub settings to ensure these children can still attend childcare/school. Relevant government guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers#critical-workers

The government’s “critical worker” criteria can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision