Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 18 May 2020 to Question 46731, when he plans to publish more detailed guidance on the operation of social distancing for providers of early years education.

To further support early years providers and childminders, we have worked with early years stakeholders to develop a planning guide with information for providers as they prepare to open to all children. The planning guide covers preparing premises, reviewing staff availability, reducing transmission risk (including working in small groups), communicating with staff, parents and carers on plans, safeguarding, SEND and wellbeing requirements and Early Years Foundation Stage considerations.

The planning guide was published on 24 May and further guidance published on 1 June, both can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-the-wider-opening-of-early-years-and-childcare-settings-from-1-june.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020/actions-for-education-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020

Previously published guidance about protective measures for education and childcare settings and safe working in education settings can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings and

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe#what-care-should-be-taken-in-early-years-settings.