Childminders and nannies have been told they can return to work as the government eases coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Updated advice states that paid childcare can take place, providing health guidelines can be met.
These include reducing the number of people you come into contact with in a work setting, keeping indoor places well ventilated and frequent cleaning, reports Manchester Evening News.
The new document: "The government is also amending its guidance to clarify that paid childcare, for example nannies and childminders, can take place subject to being able to meet the public health principles at Annex A, because these are roles where working from home is not possible. This should enable more working parents to return to work."
Early years settings including nurseries may have to wait until a phased return planned from June 1, along with some school year groups.
In March the government confirmed that childminders and nurseries would close alongside schools and colleges, except for those looking after the children of key workers.
Among the guidelines issued is that workers should 'keep your distance from people outside your household.
One childminder told M.E.N: "I’m awaiting an update from Department for Education as it’s all a bit unclear at the moment.
"I don’t see how we can socially distance the children - all from different households - and then the added worry of having to do the school run with all the children. I have a few toddlers that I look after besides my school children."
Last month the government was accused of making a U-turn over the financial support available to nurseries, with early years leaders saying it would have a 'devastating impact on childcare settings'.
In the wake of the pandemic, many nurseries furloughed a large proportion of their staff or closed temporarily, on the basis that they could receive free entitlement AND furlough funding.
But just days before early years settings were due to start claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), new guidance was issued - which the Early Years Alliance says could lead to nursery closures and threaten the long-term viability of the sector.
A petition calling for furloughed pay for all childcare workers was set up and amassed 77k signatures in just a few days.
Are you a childminder or nanny and happy with the guidance given? Do you work in a nursery and have concerns over distancing from young children?
Email emma.grimshaw@reachplc.com
