Working families across North Lincolnshire can continue to access childcare during the school summer holidays at a range of settings.
Families can register their child or children at any of the Ofsted childcare providers and be assured that it will be a fun and safe environment for them.
Childcare providers have lots of measures in place in line with government guidance to ensure children are as safe as possible whilst ensuring they have an enjoyable time doing a range of activities.
Some of the measures include regular cleaning routines, risk assessments, small group sizes and social distancing in place for older children. Children will also be asked to regularly clean their hands and ensure good hygiene by promoting the ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’ approach.
Many key worker children have attended schools throughout the pandemic and now the summer holidays is an opportunity for them to spend time away from school in a different place and try new things.
Parents and carers are asked where possible to limit the number of childcare providers their child attends during the summer, ideally ensuring they only attend one setting. The risk can be minimised for children of all ages by making sure families send their children to a provider that has Covid-19 protective measures in place; all Ofsted registered childcare providers have measures in place.
Further details on the providers can be found on the Family Information Service page or by emailing fis@northlincs.gov.uk.
Alison Clayton at Barton out of School Club said:
“We have worked with families to reassure them that the care we provide is as safe as possible at this time. We are in a large building which is enabling us to have a bubble of children for each of the different schools from which children will attend. We are not allowing any visitors at this time, parents are asked to drop off and collect children at the door.
“Cleaning stations including hand sanitiser and tissues are in all areas and we will have additional cleaning of areas and toys throughout the day. We end each day with a deep clean.”
One of the parents who has looked around Barton out of School Club, said:
“I know you are set up for bubbles, I am a nurse and can see the cleaning stations – but this looks lovely and not in the face that kids will be bored, there is lots for them to do.”
Debbie at The Ark Family Centre said:
“We want to put parent’s minds at ease and offer a safe environment for children to come and have fun whilst parents are at work.”
A parent said:
“My children attend The Ark because it is a safe environment for my children to have fun. The Ark holiday club is a great opportunity to explore new things while in a safe environment.”
Martin Cooper at Coneygarth Farm Holiday Club said:
“Due to demand we have decided to open the summer Coneygarth Farm Holiday Club. We would like to assure parents that we are doing absolutely everything to ensure the safety of children. The children will be dropped off at a designated place and taken to the ‘Holiday Club Area’.
“This year we are running the Holiday Club from our outdoor classroom. This will allow the children to spend most of their time outside in the garden as well as doing frequent walks around the farm and our private woodland. We are also hiring a small marquee in the garden to ensure children get to play outside no matter what the weather.”
One parent said:
“My child is keen to attend this summer. She is chomping at the bit to come to the farm!”
Parents can receive support with the cost of childcare through ‘Tax Free Childcare’, parents with a childcare account receive £20 for every £100 in they save in their childcare account. To register for a childcare account and find out about other sources of childcare funding support visit the Childcare Choices website.
