UPDATE: Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

The full guidance referenced on this page can be found on Gov.uk.

Main changes to previous guidance

The latest update to this guidance is as follows:

updated section on who should attend after-school clubs and out-of-school settings in line with new national lockdown restrictions
updated section on children with health concerns to make clear that shielding guidance is now in place nationally
updated section on live performances to make clear that performances in front of an audience should not take place during the national lockdown

Introduction

This guidance is for parents and carers and covers changes to:

after-school clubs
holiday clubs
tuition
community activities
other out-of-school settings for children and young people aged 5 and over during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

We recognise the importance of these settings in providing additional childcare options to parents and carers who are critical workers, and in providing enriching activities and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people.

Children with health concerns

Very few children are now known to be clinically extremely vulnerable. Read the latest guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable

Shielding advice is currently in place, so all children deemed clinically extremely vulnerable are advised not to attend out-of-school settings.

Children and young people who are either children of critical workers or considered to be vulnerable, and whose parents or carers are clinically extremely vulnerable can continue to go to out-of-school settings. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published updated guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 outlining what steps should be taken to minimise the risk of infection and transmission of the virus.

If parents of children with significant risk factors are concerned, we recommend they discuss their concerns with the provider, to receive reassurance of the measures they are putting in place to reduce the risk.

We are aware that some parents and carers may look to holiday clubs and out-of-school settings to offer respite childcare for children with special educational needs or with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Parents or carers of disabled children may continue to access respite care to support them in caring for their disabled child. Further information on this is available in guidance for children’s social care services. We have also asked providers to ensure that making provision available and accessible to these children, as far as possible, remains a priority in these current circumstances.

You can also read the general Gov.uk COVID-19 guidance for North East Lincolnshire to understand our Tier and it’s restrictions.

Find local updates to services on the Council website.