Coronavirus Update
During the Coronavirus outbreak, the situation will be changing rapidly both nationally and locally.
We will use this page to hold all the latest guidance and advice for settings.
FIS Daily updates
Updated guidance on supporting children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND),Council For Disabled Children – FAQ 4, Prioritisation of Children into Settings, PPE Deliveries – Childminders
Preparing for the wider opening of early years and childcare settings from 1 June, DFE Online education resources for home learning,PPE Packs for Settings, OFSTED, York Business Grants Scheme Extended
Online Information and Q&A session, Educational Psychologist Helpline, Public Health Data, Materials to support wider opening of schools – Educational Psychology Service, DfE guidance - Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for educational settings, Parent Survey for Re-Opening/Wider Opening
EHCP Appendix, May Half Term, DfE update on children attending more than one setting, Testing of Under Fives, Wider Opening of Schools – School Crossing Patrols (SCP)
18.05.20 FIS Update
DfE Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - actions for educational providers and other partners
DfE: Safe Working in Education Childcare and Children’s Social care settings including use of PPE, Parent Survey for
Re-Opening/Wider Opening, Training, Poem: Today
Vulnerable pupils and Children of Key Workers, Childminders, Transition
Update after the government announcement at the weekend
Letter from York Schools and Academies Board (YSAB), DFE Guidance on conducting a SEND risk assessment during the coronavirus outbreak
Funding Deadline Reminder, Contact Details
HMRC Bounce Back Loans, DFE – Eligibility for Early Education, DfE – Attendance in Early Years Settings, RIDDOR, CPD resources for staff – trauma and loss, Technology support for children and schools during coronavirus, Message from Family Learning, Contact Details
What parents and carers need to know about schools, colleges and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak, Childminders –HMRC Self Employment Income Support Scheme, Message from City of York Children’s Safeguarding Children Partnership, Message from City of York Business Team about ‘Our City’, Contact Details
SEND Code of Practice 0-25, Early Years SEND Newsletter, Council for Disabled Children FAQ, BLOG, A message from the Family Learning Team, Contact Details
National Day Nurseries Association – Key Questions,DfE - Attendance in Education and Early Years settings, Phone script,Providers re- opening, Safeguarding, Contact Details
DfE Guidance – Use of Early Education Funding During the Coronavirus Outbreak, GOV.UK – Bounce Back Loans, DFE Guidance - Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak, Family Learning Survey – monthly prize draw!, Contact Details
Testing for Essential Workers, Childcare Sufficiency, Early Learning Alliance FAQ, Children’s Commissioner – tackling the disadvantage gap during the Covid-19 crisis, Contact Details
Home learning, Temporary changes to EYFS, York Learning, York Mind, York Schools and Academies Board (YSAB), Statement regarding the reopening of York Schools and Academies, Contact Details
Letter from the Secretary of State for Education, Testing - Announcement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, DFE - What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak, Keeping in contact with families, SEND, Resources to support outdoor learning, Local Area Teams, Urgent information and advice for Duty Holders from CYC Property Services – Water Hygiene, Contact Details
Business support Finder Tool, Voluntary Sector Advice, Forest School Update, Makaton Training, Contact Details
DFE Guidance – Actions for Early Years and Childcare Providers,DFE Guidance – Attendance in Education and Early Years Settings, Paediatric First Aid–update, Contact Details
City of York Council: Email update and support from community hubs, Contact Details
DFE Guidance Financial Support, HMRC – Portal, DFE Guidance – Information for Parents and Carers, DFE Guidance Vulnerable Children and Young People, Home Learning, Marketing information on Google, Information Sharing, Paediatric First aid, Contact Details
DfE Guidance on Closure of Educational Settings for Parents, Data Portal to Track the Impact of COVID-19 –CEEDA, Contact Details
DfE Guidance – Early Years and Childcare Closures, Community Hubs, NSPCC – Updates, Contact Details
MASH Out of Hours Contact Number – Correction, Emergency Fund For Small Businesses, Quality Improvement Information, Contact Details
DfE Guidance on School Closures, Information and advice from Property Services, Emergency Fund For Small Businesses, Coronavirus (COVID-19) DFE business support hub, Advice for Parents during Corona Virus, Council for Disabled Children, Contact Details
Summer Term Funding, Contact Details
Funding, Family Learning, Contact Details
Home Learning Activities, Hungry Little Minds, NSPCC advice on talking to children about Coronavirus, Learning and Development, Funding Estimates, Children and Young People’s Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, DfE Guidance – Updated 7.4.20, Contact Details
Coronavirus Related Critical Incident Support, Support with mental health and anxiety, Funding Actuals, Volunteering and Getting Help, Contact Details
Phone call updates, Protocols for vulnerable children and young people, Contact Details
Funding
Funding/Furloughed Staff, Contact Details
Vulnerable Children, Easter Holidays, OFSTED, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Interim Funding Deadline, Charging parents, Furloughed Staff, Contact Details
Public Health Enquiries, Council Website, Furloughing Staff, Childminders, Vulnerable Children, Contact Details
Public Enquiries, Social Distancing, Open/Closed Settings, Vulnerable Children, Funding, Childminders, Contact Details
Open/Closed Settings, Renting Council Premises, Operational Issues, Contact Details
Non-Attendance, Sufficiency of places for Key Workers, Funding, Contact Details
Key Workers, Vulnerable Children, New Children Attending Settings, Sufficiency of Places for Key Workers, Funding, Contact Details
Early Years Funding Team Updates
01.04.20 FIS Update on Funding information
09.04.20 Funding Team Update - Summer Term Funding
Actuals Deadline
Just a reminder about the deadline for submitting your actual data on to the portal is Wednesday 3rd June.
Funding update/reminder 08.04.20
The first batch of interim payments were made on Wed 1st April for all providers who submitted their estimate figures by Monday 30th March. We are currently processing the second batch of interim payments for providers who submitted their estimate figures by Monday 6th April and for providers who have not yet submitted their estimates, we will be making one further payment run towards the end of April.
What will happen to funding for free childcare offers during this period of disruption?
On 17 March 2020, the Chancellor confirmed the government would continue to pay for free early years entitlement places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds even if settings were closed or children were not able to attend.
We expect local authorities should follow this position and continue early entitlements funding for all childminders, schools and nurseries.
What additional business support is available to childcare settings during this period of disruption?
The government has announced a package of support for workers and businesses which will benefit childcare settings.
- The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme means that for employees who are not working but kept on payroll, the government will contribute 80% of each worker’s wages of up to £2,500, backdated to 1 March 2020. Settings can access this scheme while continuing to be paid the early entitlements funding via local authorities.
Further information can be found https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures
Childminders – HMRC Self Employment Income Support Scheme
HMRC have now published guidance to help you find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant.
HMRC Bounce Back Loans – Update
Applications for Bounce Back Loans are now open. A letter from the Chancellor is also attached to explain the scheme.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce-back-l
Information and Guidance
Preparing for the wider opening of early years and childcare settings from 1 June
This planning document sets out considerations for preparing to open to more children and putting in place protective measures to limit the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), and has been developed in consultation with early years sector bodies and providers from a variety of different settings. Every setting is different and it is not a requirement to use all or parts of this toolkit. Settings may use their professional judgement, and choose to follow alternative approaches depending on their particular circumstances, but at all times will need to take account of relevant public health guidance to maximise safety for those in the environment.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-the-wider-opening-of-early-years-and-childcare-settings-from-1-june
Ofsted –change
Ofsted have been working with the DfE and local authorities to find out which early years providers, including childminders, are currently open or temporarily closed. They have now asked that if providers operating circumstances do change (you open or close), notify Ofsted by sending an email to enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk with ‘Change in operating hours’ in the subject field. In the body of the email, please confirm the unique reference number for your setting and the details of the change. You can find your URN on your registration, your inspection report(s), and on your Ofsted reports page
Message from City of York Business Team about ‘Our City’ - Error
In the latest issue of Our City it suggests the government grants are available for retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses. We are sorry, this is incorrect information. The grants are NOT available for nursery businesses.
There is information about support available for the early years sector in the below websites and we understand the you have already been made aware of these:
The Actions to take including the job retention scheme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures
Financial support available (recently updated guidance): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19-financial-support-for-education-early-years-and-childrens-social-care
Our business hub provides information all in one place: https://www.york.gov.uk/COVIDBusiness
If you would like to be kept up to date with business support and information, please register for our e-bulletin here: https://www.york.gov.uk/COVIDBusiness
Again, we are sorry for this error published in Our City. The situation is moving very quickly and can be out of date by the time it goes to print. Please always check the website for latest information.
DFE – Eligibility for Early Education
Please see below updated DfE guidance relating to three temporary changes to the entitlement criteria to ensure critical worker parents and those with vulnerable children are not disadvantaged during the Coronavirus outbreak and can continue to access the childcare provision to which they are entitled:
- Parents who will not meet the minimum income threshold (16 hours per week at National Minimum/Living Wage) due to lower earnings as a direct result of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be treated as meeting that test during the outbreak. This will apply only to parents who need to apply for, or reconfirm, their 30 hours place during the summer term. This will be a temporary change due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak which will be reviewed as the situation develops.
- Subject to parliamentary approval of temporarily amending the regulations relating to 30 hours childcare, if critical workers exceed the maximum income threshold (£100k per year) due to increased hours as a direct result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, they will remain eligible for 30 hours for the current tax year.
- Local authorities also have the ability to relax the validity dates on 30 hours codes where parents were ordinarily eligible and expecting to take up a 30 hours childcare place between 1 April 2020 and 31 August 2020, but have missed the reconfirmation/application deadline of 31 March 2020. This will enable children to take up their places in the summer term.
At the moment, only the children of critical workers, and children who are vulnerable, are able to access childcare. A list of children prioritised for education provision can be found here. We are therefore asking local authorities and childcare providers who are approached by critical worker and vulnerable child parents who have missed the 31 March deadline to accept their codes. Providers and local authorities will need to confirm that the child taking up the place did in fact turn three before 1st April 2020 to ensure they are eligible for a 30 hours place in the summer term.
We are also encouraging parents to continue to apply for, and reconfirm, their 30 hours entitlement, even when childcare settings remain closed to all but vulnerable children and children of critical workers. This will ensure a smooth transition back into childcare when settings fully reopen.
Childminders – HMRC Self Employment Income Support Scheme
HMRC have now published guidance to help you find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant.
Childminders Updated Guidance
The Department for Education has confirmed that, in a last-minute change of guidance, childminders will be allowed to open to children from a single household as of Wednesday 13 May. Childminders will be allowed to care for multiple children of different ages, as long as they are from the same household, if they are not already providing care for key worker children or vulnerable children. Childminders will then be able to reopen to all children from 1 June, subject to scientific advice at the time, alongside other early years providers. The DfE has confirmed that government guidance will be updated shortly to reflect this change.
Phone call updates
From Monday 6th April, the Quality Improvement advisers will be carrying out calls to all providers who are currently open, weekly for day nurseries, preschools and out of school clubs and fortnightly for childminders. The calls are instead of the usual Quality Improvement visits and in the current situation will focus on vulnerable groups, concerns you may have about families, children or staffing as well as any operational issues.
Providers re- opening
If you are currently closed but considering when you may reopen please contact your Quality Improvement adviser to discuss any operational issues and how many children may want to access a place, please bear in mind at this time it is still only vulnerable children and children of key workers who can access provision.
Temporary changes to EYF
To support early years providers who remain open to vulnerable children of critical workers during the coronavirus outbreak, the Government has temporarily dis-applied and modified certain elements of the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework. These changes come into force today (24 April). This will allow providers greater flexibility to respond to changes in workforce availability and potential fluctuations in demand, while still providing care that is high quality and safe.
Foundation Years hosted a video podcast with the Department for Education (DfE) to share the latest information on the dis-applications and answer your questions.
You can watch the video and download the slides here. DfE will shortly publish guidance here.
Transition
Below is a Transition Form and an introductory letter that we have been working on to support transition from settings to schools. The aim is to smooth transition for the child and support quality information sharing and joint planning. As always if you have any questions please contact your Quality Improvement Adviser.
Transition Introductory Letter
DfE Guidance – Use of Early Education Funding During the Coronavirus Outbreak
The guidance sets out how local authorities can use their dedicated schools grant (DSG) funding differently in exceptional circumstances during COVID19 to ensure they have enough places for children of key workers and vulnerable children.
Please note that our advice sent out last week still applies. Please be assured that the Local Authority has made a commitment to pay early education provision for the Summer Term regardless of whether children are attending your provision or not. The Local Authority can confirm that this remains the case for the Summer Term and you will receive the balance payment owed to you following submission of your actual data, which will be based upon those children who you were expecting to have in your setting during the summer term, prior to the Covid19 situation, i.e. based on the number of funded entitlement hours recorded on the Parent Declaration Form.
Use of free early education entitlements funding during the coronavirus outbreak
DFE Guidance – Attendance in Education and Early Years Settings
You may recall an earlier update in which we explained that we would be collecting this type of data from you on a regular basis for submission to the DFE on a twice weekly basis. It was estimated on 16th April 2020 that 65,000 children were attending early years childcare about 4% of the number of children who usually attend childcare in term time. In York we can confirm that 202 early years children were attending provision.
Funding/Furloughed Staff
What will happen to funding for free childcare offers during this period of disruption?
On 17 March 2020, the Chancellor confirmed the government would continue to pay for free early years entitlement places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds even if settings were closed or children were not able to attend.
We expect local authorities should follow this position and continue early entitlements funding for all childminders, schools and nurseries.
What additional business support is available to childcare settings during this period of disruption?
The government has announced a package of support for workers and businesses which will benefit childcare settings.
- The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme means that for employees who are not working but kept on payroll, the government will contribute 80% of each worker’s wages of up to £2,500, backdated to 1 March 2020. Settings can access this scheme while continuing to be paid the early entitlements funding via local authorities.
Further information can be found https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures
Voluntary Sector Advice
York CVS are offering advice to the voluntary sector on furloughing of staff. Issues related to HR concerns in advance of submitting details to HMRC can be emailed the HR section at York CVS. Please bear in mind they do have limited capacity which may impact the speed of their response
GOV.UK – Bounce Back Loans
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme will launch on 4th May 2020 and more information will be published by the government. The attached guidance sets out who is eligible to apply.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce-back-loan
Vulnerable Children
I know that settings may also want offer places to support other children who are vulnerable and do not meet the current criteria. If this is the case you should discuss this with your quality improvement adviser who will arrange for the local authority to make a decision about whether or not a child should be offered a place. You should continue to contact MASH/Front Door in the usual way if you do have safeguarding concerns about a child. I’ve attached the link here as a reminder about the current criteria for vulnerable children.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures
Vulnerable pupils and Children of Key Workers
The number of children attending early years and childcare settings under existing arrangements has increased since the end of the Easter Holidays. Under the government Recovery Plan, there is an intention that more vulnerable pupils should be encouraged to attend and the requirement on key workers to keep their children at home if at all possible is removed from today.
Now that we have made progress in reducing the transmission of coronavirus we are encouraging all eligible children to attend - it is no longer necessary for parents of eligible children to keep them at home if they can. In particular, as per the existing Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak guidance, vulnerable children of all year groups continue to be expected and encouraged to attend educational provision where it is appropriate for them to do so.
Providers may therefore receive requests to provide places, before 1 June, from parent/carers, Social Workers and the Virtual School Headteacher. Please can you make arrangements to consider places for these children as soon as reasonably possible.
In the case of key workers, the list of eligible employment sectors remains unchanged.
RIDDOR
Reporting incidents of COVID-19 to RIDDOR:
You must only make a report under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) when:
- an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence.
- a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID 19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work. This must be reported as a case of disease.
- a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) DFE business support hub now live
The new coronavirus (COVID-19) business hub on gov.uk provides business users with a clearer user journey, signposting to the most important information for them.
This hub is now live and can be found here:
www.gov.uk/coronavirus/buiness-support
Ofsted
Ofsted have recently shared that you do not need to let them know if you are closed due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), whether that’s because you are not caring for the children of critical workers or vulnerable children, or because you are ill.
The DfE has published new guidance for Ofsted-registered childcare providers about childcare provision following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
You should continue to tell us if you are resigning your registration. To do this, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from your email address that we have on your registration and include your unique reference number (URN). You can find this on your registration, your inspection report(s), and on your setting’s Ofsted reports page.
If your paediatric first aid certificate is due to expire, see advice from the Health and Safety Executive. It has announced a 3-month extension to the validity for all certificates coming up for renewal on or after 16 March.
Link to further information:
Paediatric First aid
We have recently contacted Ofsted regarding Paediatric First Aid and the current 3 month extension to First Aid certificates and whether this will be extended further. Ofsted are urgently seeking guidance from the DfE on the situation and as soon as we have further information we will let you know. In the interim period there are a number of actions practitioners who are nearing the end of their current First Aid training can do:
- Risk assess the situation
- Carry out an online refresher where possible
- Update information and skills through website information e.g. Red cross
- Identify someone locally who may be able to provide back up
The requirements in the EYFS on paediatric first aid certification remain in place to ensure children are kept safe. Paragraph 3.25 and Annex A of the EYFS set out the requirements, including that ‘at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present. Ofsted have agreed the validity of current certificates can be extended by up to 3 months. This applies to certificates expiring on or after 16 March 2020.
In the interim period providers can complete 50% of the paediatric first aid course online and complete the practical element of the course once face to face training resumes.
First Rescue are now offering this online element and have extended their usual 10 week time limit to complete the classroom element until November 2020. For more information please contact: wdu@york.gov.uk with the full name and email address of the person who needs to complete the online element of the course. These will then be sent to First Rescue who will send you a log in. Once this is completed you will be able to download a certificate but this will just be for the online part of the course. The delegate will need to follow up the online session with a face to face course on either 7th or 14th November 2020. The date will be allocated by WDU so please keep both dates free until WDU confirms your session. After you have attended the face to face date, your qualification will be completed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
There has been widespread coverage about supply issues with PPE, from clothing, masks, and gloves to sanitiser and gels. We have received the following advice from our colleagues in Public Health:
PPE is becoming a national issue and supplies are being directed to those most in need, in particular our NHS and social care colleagues that are providing personal care to people with confirmed COVID19.
It is unlikely that settings will require PPE. You should have soap supplies in your setting and be washing hands regularly. Soap is far more efficient than alcohol gel, which is used as second best for staff that are out working in the community visiting patients, or in hospitals when staff are going from one patient to the next without the time to wash their hands in between each.
In terms of surface wipes, the usual cleaning regime that you have in your setting is sufficient to rid surfaces of any viruses. Gloves are being prioritised to front line staff that are working in an environment where there are confirmed cases of COVID19.
PPE Packs for Settings
PPE packs for schools and settings that are currently open are being delivered on Wednesday 27 May between 9am and 3pm. York Pullman are doing the delivery, providers will be need to be ready to accept the packs between these times.
The packs are being put together on Tuesday 26th and they will consist of:
- 1 box of 50 disposable Type 2 IIR masks
- 1 box of 50 pairs of gloves (non-latex)
- 50 disposable aprons
- 25 disposable waste bags
- 2 x eye protection
- 1 bottle hand sanitiser
- 1 copy of the guidance which is 4 pages long and includes information on: donning and doffing instructions/poster and instructions for use.
Information and advice from Property Services
Please see attached Buildings Maintenance Guide from CYC Property Services. Maintained and other schools including early years and childcare settings which use CYC property services are reminded to contact them if:
- Their building has closed or is planned to close
- Access arrangements to their site, or emergency out of hours contact arrangements, have changed
Service users are also requested to ensure that their preferred contact details are provided so that Property Services can work with contractors to ensure that service visits can be arranged. It is also recommended that emergency contact details are posted at the entrances to school sites.
Community Hubs
A reminder from CYC colleagues about local community hubs which are now up and running to support vulnerable people and families across the city. The hubs are partly staffed by volunteers. There are nine across the city and support includes provision of food and medicine for residents self-isolating.
The hubs are part of the city’s co-ordinated response to the COVID-19 emergency. They are not open to the public and are at strategic locations around the city. People keen to help and volunteer are being asked to sign up to volunteering@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551550, or go to www.york.gov.uk/COVIDVolunteering.
You can now sign up for regular email updates to get the latest information from City of York Council during the coronavirus outbreak. Sign up via this link https://www.york.gov.uk/form/EmailUpdates and select Schools and Families.
Vulnerable people needing help because they are directly affected by coronavirus and have no other source of help should email our Community Support Coordinators at covid19help@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551550.
Support with food deliveries, prescription collection and more
Anyone who has been told to stay indoors for 12 weeks, or who has difficulty getting to the shops/chemists, paying for food or just booking a supermarket online delivery, can phone 01904 551550 or email covid19help@york.gov.uk to get assistance from the new City of York Council hubs. Help is available for people who in financial difficulties and also for those who can afford to pay for supplies but are unable to get out or to get help from family/neighbours.
Please see a previous press statement for further details
Technology support for children and schools during coronavirus
The DfE has updated information on the laptop scheme which was announced recently.
This confirms the following:
Laptops and tablets will be provided for disadvantaged families, children and young people who do not currently have access to them through another source, such as their school. Digital devices can be requested for:
- care leavers
- children and young people aged 0 to 19 with a social worker
- disadvantaged year 10 pupils
Internet access will be provided through 4G hotspot devices for any of the following people who do not currently have it:
- care leavers
- young people aged 11 to 19 with a social worker
- disadvantaged year 10 pupils
Local authorities are responsible for ordering and distributing laptops and tablets to:
- care leavers and children with a social worker
- year 10 pupils in maintained schools, including voluntary aided schools, who do not have a social worker
Local authorities should work with schools to assess which pupils require a laptop or tablet.
Local authorities and academy trusts will own the laptops and tablets they receive, and loan them to children and young people.
We are working to progress the LA order for Y10 pupils and maintained schools and the larger order for care leavers and children with a social worker. The guidance is clear that the equipment will not arrive quickly:
It may take a few weeks for devices to be prepared and loaded onto the ordering system.
York Learning
York Learning’s Family Learning team have put all sorts of activities onto their Facebook page and Instagram, including fun games, activities and recipes to try at home, a Wednesday afternoon “Ask the teacher” slot for all those maths questions and tips for managing stress in a Friday weekend wind-down. These can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/familylearninginyork/ and @FamilyLearningInYork on Instagram.
We’ve also started a project to build a Giant Virtual Rainbow, so we need your help! Each week we’ll be collecting photos focussing on one colour of the rainbow. This week’s colour is red. If you are a school or pre-school setting, are working with families, or have children of your own, please ask children to spot anything red, at home or outdoors. You can post your photos and tag us in them, using the hashtag #FamilyLearningRainbow, add them as a comment on facebook, message them to us on facebook or Instagram, or email family.learning@york.gov.uk.
Family Learning Survey
We’re still planning for the future and asking parents, grandparents and carers for your views on what you’d like us to offer. We’re thinking ahead to summer and developing exciting online courses and workshops for you. Families, have your say by completing the survey at the link below. You’ll also be put in for our prize draw!
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FamLearn20
Reminder – Interim Funding Deadline
We would like to remind you that in order to support provider sustainability and cash flow, the council executive have approved us to make interim payments for the funded entitlement sooner than we normally would. The first batch of interim payments were processed on Wednesday 1st April 2020, for all providers who had submitted their estimate figures by Monday 30 March 2020.
We will be looking to process a second batch of interim payments on Wednesday 8th April 2020 for any providers who missed the 30th March deadline. We will then review the situation and look to process a further interim payment at a later date for any providers who missed the initial two deadline dates.
Emergency Fund For Small Businesses
The LA has launched a £1m support fund for small businesses who don’t qualify for other government support. Applications can be made through www.york.gov.uk/COVIDMicroGrant and are available to businesses which;
- Have 50 or fewer employees, including one person business/self-employed;
- Need support adapting to new trading arrangements;
- Are experiencing financial hardship due to coronavirus and
- Do not qualify for any other government grant or rate relief packages.
We recognise that there will be few early years and childcare providers who may meet the criteria but newly registered childminders or out of school providers might want to consider making an application.
Children and young people: support with mental health and anxiety
This is a challenging time for everyone, including children and young people. There is a range of material available to help them during this time, including these:
- https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/covid-19-advice-and-information/supporting-children-and-young-people
- https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/talking-to-your-child-about-coronavirus/#ten-tips-from-our-parents-helpline
The National Autistic Society have some tips for managing uncertainty that would be useful for many families including those with a child with autism https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/resources/tips.aspx
The important thing to remember is that different children will deal with the situation in different ways. There's no 'one size fits all' solution to supporting children through the pandemic, so make sure you have regular chats to scope how they're coping.
Advice for Parents during Corona Virus
Please see below (and attachment) from the Vale of York NHS Clinical Commissioning Group:
You may have read in the media that there have been reduced A& E attendances across the UK and this is the same locally along with reduced GP consultations. This also includes children and our local paediatricians and GP’s have confirmed this.
There is a concern that parents are not / will not seek medical advice (or seek it too late) for non Covid related illnesses, some of which could be serious as they are worried about contact with coronavirus should they visit the hospital.
We know some children have been affected by this.
There are possible reasons, social distancing etc. meaning children are not passing on coughs, colds, tummy bugs etc. however this statistically does not explain the low numbers.
Please see the attached information leaflet / circular for everyone’s attention and to share with families they come across. This has been developed by the Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health.
Please disseminate to parents via your usual channels.
Home Learning
The DfE have updated guidance on supporting children to learn at home which includes links to a variety of learning apps for parents to use with their children as well as guidance and advice for parents at home with their children during the current situation.
Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The BBC today unveils its biggest push on education in its history supported by DfE- ensuring that every child in the UK has the opportunity to continue to follow the appropriate core parts of their national school curriculum in these challenging times. There are also some useful resources for pre-schoolers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
A Parent’s Guide to Promoting Early Learning and Development at Home (0 - 5 years) Supporting Families During the Coronavirus Pandemic (attached).
https://www.skipforeyeducators.co.uk/booklet/covid19_familybooklet.pdf
Marketing information on Google
Settings may need to contact Google as some providers have a ‘temporarily closed’ sign coming up when a google search is carried out for their provision. It is worth double checking as parents may think provision is temporarily closed when you may still be open for Vulnerable groups and Key Worker children.
Information Sharing
It is vitally important to ensure tracking information of children who have temporarily moved to a new setting is shared. Those settings that have made a decision to close still need to make sure assessment information for children attending another setting is shared – if they have not done so already. Parental permission will need to be sought either from the temporary setting or the previous one. This information will support children to settle and also ensure the temporary provider can support children’s needs, particularly their personal, social and emotional needs more effectively.
Business support Finder Tool
Please find attached a link to the On-line Coronavirus business support finder tool that was released this week which can help you find out what support is available for you and your business: https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder
Voluntary Sector Advice
York CVS are offering advice to the voluntary sector on furloughing of staff. Issues related to HR concerns in advance of submitting details to HMRC can be emailed the HR section at York CVS. Please bear in mind they do have limited capacity which may impact the speed of their response.
DFE Guidance – Actions for Early Years and Childcare Providers
Funding
You may already be aware that the DfE has also just changed the section on Funding. Please be assured that the Local Authority has made a commitment to pay early education provision for the Summer Term regardless of whether children are attending your provision or not. The Local Authority can confirm that this remains the case for the Summer Term and you will receive the balance payment owed to you following submission of your actual data, which will be based upon those children who you were expecting to have in your setting during the summer term, prior to the Covid19 situation, i.e. based on the number of funded entitlement hours recorded on the Parent Declaration Form.
EYFS
Updated guidance on the Early Years Foundation Stage. DfE are planning to amend regulations that would allow for the temporary lifting/modifying of a small number of requirements within the EYFS statutory framework, giving settings flexibility to respond to changes in workforce availability and potential fluctuations in demand while ensuring children are kept safe. The proposals, subject to parliamentary agreement, are:
- settings will not be required to meet the existing learning and development requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak but should use reasonable endeavors to do so
- settings will not be required to undertake the progress check at age 2 during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
- ratio requirements will remain as set out in the EYFS with the flexibility that already exists for exceptional circumstances. In addition, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak exceptions can be made to the qualification level that staff hold in order to be counted in the ratio requirements. Settings should use reasonable endeavors to ensure that at least half of staff (excluding the manager) hold at least a full and relevant Level 2 qualification to meet staff:child ratio requirements, but this will not be a legal requirement
- Paediatric First Aid requirements will remain unchanged where children aged 0-24 months are on site, and for childminders
- where children aged 2-5 are on site, settings (except childminders) will be required to use best endeavours to have someone with full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certification on site at all times, and where this is not possible they must ensure someone with First Aid at Work or emergency PFA is on site and carry out a written risk assessment
- new entrants (levels 2 and 3) will not need to undertake a Paediatric First Aid course within their first 3 months in order to be counted in staff:child ratios during the coronavirus (COVID-19) period
- in maintained nursery schools and nursery classes in maintained schools caring for children aged three and over, settings should use their reasonable endeavours to ensure that at least one member of staff is a school teacher. Where this is not possible settings should follow requirements applicable where there is not someone with a suitable level 6 qualification working directly with the children (i.e. there must be at least one member of staff for every eight children, at least one member of staff who holds at least a full and relevant level 3 qualification and providers should use their reasonable endeavours to ensure that at least half of other staff hold at least a full and relevant level 2 qualification)
Further guidance is due to be issued before the end of April subject to parliamentary agreement of the relevant legislation. Until then, the current EYFS continues to apply.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Letter from the Secretary of State for Education
Please see the attached letter from Gavin Williamson.
Testing - Announcement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has announced that from today anyone in England who has symptoms of coronavirus and is classed as an essential worker, and members of their household who are currently experiencing symptoms, will be able get tested.
A new campaign will help essential workers in England to access testing – this includes staff working in early years settings.
From today, employers can register online and refer self-isolating staff, and from tomorrow employees will be able to book a test directly on gov.uk for themselves or members of their household who are experiencing symptoms – a high temperature or new continuous cough.
Guidance - here
Updated
Following the government’s announcement, please find attached a letter from the Department of Health and Social Care outlining how every essential worker who needs a test for coronavirus can get one. You can access the full campaign toolkit including digital and print assets from the Public Health England Coronavirus Campaign Resource Centre. This toolkit also includes information packs and FAQs for employers and employees.
Testing has now been expanded to include essential workers with symptoms and people who live with essential workers and have symptoms. A full list of essential workers is available here.
Full details on how to access testing in all nations and who is eligible can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Essential workers can book tests for themselves and their household via a new online portal on gov.uk/coronavirus. This will make the process of getting an appointment quicker and easier, while reducing the burden on business. The online booking service applies to England and Scotland.
If you need further guidance and support on issues related to testing, please contact DHSC at opshub@dhsc.gov.uk. Employees who have been referred for a test can seek assistance from the Coronavirus Testing Helpdesk on 0300 303 2713 for any technical issues related to their booking.
DFE - What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
There are updated sections on closures, transport, vulnerable children, critical workers and resources. Information about Easter holidays has been removed.
Keeping in contact with families
The below script is to make contact with every child in care who is remaining at home. The virtual school is keen to ensure that these vulnerable children do not become disproportionately disadvantaged during the COVID 19 situation. The targets identified in each child’s ePEP are a good starting point for settings to provide bespoke learning support to ensure that children continue to make progress with their identified learning needs. Children’s views wishes and feelings about the current situation should still be gathered by phone/email to include in summer term ePEP reviews.
Phone script for providers to use with Chidren in Care
This suggested script is to help the virtual school better understand the challenges that children in care are experiencing with home learning. It is hoped that settings will also use this information to aid practitioners in their approaches to supporting children with their home learning.
Thank you all for your cooperation with completing this for each child. The virtual school looks forward to receiving the completed forms at virtualschool@york.gov.uk and would politely request that these are submitted by Friday 8th May 2020.
As good practice the form can be used for all children to help support their home learning and development but please only submit completed forms to the Virtual school for those children who are looked after.
SEND
The Council for Disabled Children (CDC) has launched two mailboxes to answer questions, collate resources and share information on Coronavirus and the impact on children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They are designed to be used by professionals, practitioners, parents, carers and families of children and young people with SEND.
This Department for Education (DfE) guidance is for special schools, specialist colleges, local authorities and any other settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND).
Local Area Teams
Niall McVicar (Head of Early Help and Local Area Teams) has provided the following information about new arrangements for his service:
We are bringing in some important changes to link arrangements with Early Help through Local Area Teams. Given the current COVID-19 situation we need to ensure we have robust contingencies in place should staff be unavailable for any reason. All being well, these new arrangements this will become the ongoing arrangements through the recovery phase.
Since the introduction of the MASH it has taken on the role of providing initial advice and triage on all cases coming to early help. Where partner agencies and schools require advice and guidance around individual family support needs, they can contact the MASH Early Help Coordinators. Early Help Coordinators within the MASH establish what level of early help support is required and secure this either from partners or by triaging into LATs.
We are introducing some changes to link work in order to improve coverage and allow Local Area Support Practitioners (LASP) capacity to work with more families at an early help level. Partner led FEHA monitoring and advice that was previously offered by LASPs within the link work role, will now be provided by the MASH Early Help Coordinators. This will provide LASPs with increased capacity to deliver more meaningful, targeted support to the families we are working with.
Attached is a summary of these changes which clarifies the support provided by Local Area Teams at a Level 2 and a Level 3 within York’s new Levels of Need document.
For any partner wanting to access early help and support please speak to the Early Help Coordinators within the MASH. You can do so by phoning 01904 551900 and selecting the options for early help, or or by emailing lat@york.gov.uk.
Please be aware that to discuss individual cases you will need to ensure you have consent from the family to speak to us. You can find out more details for the MASH by visiting https://www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk/concerned-about-a-child-or-young-person.htm.
Urgent information and advice for Duty Holders from CYC Property Services – Water Hygiene
Providers, Maintained Schools and MATS using CYC Property Services should ensure that school duty holders read the attached site water hygiene management guidance.
CYC Proprty Services - Water Hygiene during COVID 19 Pandemic
Quality Improvement Team Information
Keeping in touch with Families
The Coronavirus crisis has created significant challenges for Early Years providers with the sudden closure of some settings having an impact on children, families and practitioners alike. During the current climate it is imperative to keep in touch with families; those that are staying at home and those that may be self -isolating. Early years practitioners have a special relationship with the children in their care. This is particularly true for key persons and the children they are assigned to.
Many providers are not sure when they will be able to reopen and if they will get a chance to see children again before they start school. For young children particularly it is hard for them to understand why they might not be visiting your provision again or if you have remained open they may still not see their favourite key person or special friends for quite some time
A few suggestions to help you stay in touch with families during the crisis:
- Send out regular e-newsletters to parents who are still using the setting and those who are at home, this will help you keep in touch and share relevant information
- Provide parents or a child’s temporary new setting with your most recent summative assessment of their child’s learning and development. Make suggestions as to how they can support any skills their child was on the cusp of mastering, or that they may need a little more support with.
- Create an online album of photographs you have taken with the children and share with families so that children can look through them with their families.
- If parents are willing and able to, ask if you can use Facetime, Skype or Zoom to speak with children.
- Ask parents to share tasks with children – such as asking them to draw a picture to share with you.
- You could record or livestream a storytime session. Use one of the children’s favourite books and try and make it a regular activity. Parents can use the videos multiple times if needed to help keep you in their children’s minds.
- Share some activity ideas with parents – think of things that you may have usually done in your setting that they can recreate easily at home
York Mind
York Mind is an independent local mental health charity that aims to empower individuals experiencing mental ill health to start on the pathway to recovery. The following information is about a range of new online workshops it is offering for anyone who may be struggling during the current lockdown:
York Mind’s existing services remain operational, the new offers are free of charge for those able to access them:
Mindfulness – a six week course running from 1 May to 5 June 2020 (10:30am – 12:00 noon)
Yoga for wellbeing and relaxation – a four week course running from 15 May to 5 June (10:00am – 11:00am)
Building Resilience – a four week course running from 7 May to 28 May (1:00pm – 2:00pm)
Creative Writing – details to be announced
1-1 Coaching – further information on the website
1-1 Telephone support – further information on the website
You do not need to have severe or enduring mental health problems – these offers are for all who just might need a few tips or would benefit from being in (virtual) contact with others.
For more information, please see:
https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/how-we-help/adult-services-covid-19-response/
CPD resources for staff – trauma and loss
Now that there are clear indications of at least a partial re-opening of schools and possibly settings, we would like to draw your attention to some resources from our EducationaI Psychology team which could be useful for you and your staff as they prepare for this:
- Trauma-informed approaches to Behaviour
- Loss and bereavement booklets:
- Critical incident guide
They are attached for ease but can also be found on the Educational Psychology area of the York Education website.
York Childminder
It’s a shame for all my children to not see each other, so I’m sending many links for activities, crafts and ideas to my minded children at home, I have also made a whatsapp group for us all, to share ideas and so the children can all see each other and see what they have been up to. We face time regularly too and on my daily exercise I try and walk past one of their houses to give them a wave, which they in turn do to me. The children particularly love sending and receiving photos of each other.
Resources to support outdoor learning
Learning through Landscapes (LtL) have launched a Facebook group for educators on outdoor learning. LtL aim to provide Webinars, lesson ideas and resources for outdoor learning and play through the virtual forum.
https://www.ltl.org.uk/news/free-online-outdoor-learning-training/
Manager of a Preschool York
I been having online staff meetings weekly and also I have been contacting staff individually once a week for a mini supervision and setting work for them. We have also had an online committee meeting. We have been ringing round all our parents and I have been sending emails regularly and adding Facebook posts. We have all been putting ideas, resources and song and story recordings on tapestry daily for parents to access as well as encouraging them to share what they have been doing. This has been very successful with all but a couple of parents accessing this and many of our EYPP families engaging really well. We are going to do a weekly tapestry photo book, including at least one picture from each child who has shared something for the children to see their friends and for parents to share ideas. We have emailed parents to check they are happy with this. I am going to continue to engage with parents through tapestry over the Easter holidays and keep a check on emails and the mobile. I have one family on a FEHA I am ringing weekly and I have agreed with the family support worker at school that they will ring on one half of the week and we will on the other. They have been engaging really well through tapestry as well so that is positive.
Forest School Update
Please see below information from Andy Mulholland on Forest School networks and the information on exploring different types of play.
Makaton Training
Please also find below details from The Makaton Charity who have made some Makaton Training available online along with some information sheets for educational settings and individuals.
Makaton Workshop Level 1 ONLINE Information Sheet for Individuals
Makaton Workshop Level 1 ONLINE Information Sheet for Educational Settings
Makaton Workshop Level 1 Online - 28 29 30 April 2020
Activities to do at home/setting
Early years home learning collection
Health body Healthy mind guides
Learning and Development Support
Communication, Language and Literacy
Audible
Website: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: all children’s audiobooks are available for free while schools are closed.
Registration: not required
Authorfy
Website: https://authorfy.com
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: access to masterclasses on texts from a range of authors, including videos from the authors and activities linked to novels.
Registration: is required
BookTrust
Website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, including fiction and non-fiction. Family activities are included in the ‘Home Time’ section.
Registration: not required
Classroom Secrets
Website: https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/free-home-learning-packs/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: downloadable resource packs which cover a range of subjects, including reading and writing.
Registration: not required
Personal Social and Emotional Support
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
Website: https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people.
Registration: not required
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.
Registration: not required
Children’s Commissioner
Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a downloadable guide for children about coronavirus.
Registration: not required
MindEd
Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: an educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.
Registration: not required, but registration increases functionality
The Child Bereavement Network
Website: http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/covid-19.aspx
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus outbreak.
Registration: not required
Physical Development
Boogie Beebies
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mvsc
Key stages: early years foundation stage
Description: videos that get younger children up and dancing with CBeebies presenters.
Registration: not required
Disney 10 Minute Shakeups
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up/shake-ups
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: 10-minute activities based on Disney films that count towards a child’s 60 active minutes per day.
Registration: not required
Mathematics
Mathematics Mastery
Website: https://www.mathematicsmastery.org/free-resources
Description: downloadable guidance and resource packs for parents and pupils.
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Registration: not required
Nrich
Website: https://nrich.maths.org/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: a range of activities. Some are interactive and some are to be completed offline. Activities are categorised by age range.
Registration: not required
Numberblocks
Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/help-your-child-with-maths
Key stages: early years foundation stage and key stage 1
Description: videos for numeracy development designed for children aged 0 to 6. There are fun activities that can be applied to everyday life and play.
Registration: not required
Top Marks
Website: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games
Key stages: early years foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2
Description: a range of interactive maths games categorised by age group.
Registration: not required
White Rose Maths (home learning)
Website: https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/
Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2
Description: presentations and downloadable workbooks which are easy to use for parents. New material is being released each week.
Registration: not required
Training and Development for staff teams
You can ask furloughed staff to undertake training to remain upskilled whilst away from work under the latest guidance of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme criteria. However, they must be paid at least the National Living Wage (NLW) / National Minimum Wage (NMW) for the time spent training even if this is more than the 80% of their wage that will be subsidised. This means that you will need to top-up staff wages to ensure that the additional hours of training (work) they are being asked to do, doesn’t take them below the NLW/NMW thresholds. To avoid breaching this requirement and to demonstrate compliance in any potential HMRC audit you may want to set out the time you expect an employee to spend completing online training in a defined period (e.g. 4 hours per week / 16 hours per month) and pay them the statutory minimum wage for those hours. If you are confident that the 80% of their usual salary keeps them above the statutory minimum wage then this may not be necessary
Mylo york.learningpool.com/login/
Early Years Alliance eyalliance.org.uk/
ABC (Alistair Bryce Clegg) abcdoes.com/
SEND Guidance
Legislation around increased access to outdoor spaces has now been relaxed for people with Autism and other SEND needs. An excerpt of the guidance is copied directly here but for the full government guidance see attached link.
15. Can I exercise more than once a day if I need to due to a significant health condition?
You can leave your home for medical need. If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that requires you to leave the home to maintain your health - including if that involves travel beyond your local area - then you can do so. This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day - ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional.
Even in such cases, in order to reduce the spread of infection and protect those exercising, travel outside of the home should be limited, as close to your local area as possible, and you should remain at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not a member of your household or a carer at all times.
Support can be found at the website Ambitious About Autism
Please find Government guidance on supporting mental health and well-being for children and young people with SEND here.
Please find FAQs from the Council for Disabled Children here
Useful Links
Information on providers currently open
York Council - www.york.gov.uk/coronavirus
Children and Young People's Safeguarding Partnership Information
Early Years Alliance Guidance & Business Advice
The National Autistic Society tips and advice
Hungry Little Minds Activities
NSPCC safeguarding and child protection
Keeping Children safe - Parents' digital safety and wellbeing kit (PDF)
Guidance on Absence from School or Early Years Setting
Vulnerable Children: Guidance for Early Years Providers
Early Years Home Learning Activities
Contact Information
In order to ensure that Covid-19 related queries from settings are dealt with as effectively and efficiently as possible please direct all emails to:
Quality Improvement EYCqualityimprovement@york.gov.uk
Early Education Funding earlyyearsfunding@york.gov.uk
Other early years and childcare issues eycc@york.gov.uk
Please also be clear in your subject heading.
For public health related enquiries (related to COVID-19 or otherwise), please contact enquires.publichealth@york.gov.uk
Department for Education coronavirus / COVID-19 helpline: 0800 046 8687 (8am Mon - Friday) - email dfe.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Social Care - If you have significant concern regarding a vulnerable child:
- If the matter is urgent please contact the Front Door /MASH Monday – Friday between 8.30am and 5pm on 01904 551900 where you will be able to discuss your concerns with a social worker.
- If it is out of hours please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01609 780780 or if a child is at immediate risk please contact North Yorkshire Police.
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Contact us
York Family Information Service
West Offices
York Y01 6GA
Tel: 01904 554444