EARLY YEARS NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2021
NEW YEAR, NEW EARLY YEARS – HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED EARLY YEARS 2020 was a challenging year for all, with COVID-19 forcing some early years provisions to close as a result of the pandemic. For those who have pulled through and remain open, there are undoubtedly new challenges to be faced in as we enter 2021 and face another period of national lockdown. This poses the question, how has the pandemic changed early years settings? The importance of cleanliness in the setting and being able to provide a safe environment, not just for the children but also for staff, has been heightened with the increased scrutiny around health and safety practices. Cleanliness has always remained a top priority in settings, but COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of essential practices such as hand washing, general hygiene and maintaining a clean and safe environment. Whilst staff illness has always caused challenges with ratios as a result of unforeseen absence,
the pandemic has seen dedicated practitioners unable to work due to having a temperature or COVID-19 symptoms. Previously, to meet ratio requirements some settings may have permitted a member of staff with minor symptoms to continue to work with some precautions in place to prevent the spread of illness; however, the pandemic presents a new challenge where even minor symptoms or household illness can impact staff numbers with little to no notice. Does this mean settings will require increased staffing levels to mitigate the risk of practitioners being unable to work? Arguably, the implementation of bubble systems has ensured nurseries have been able to continue to operate and maintain the health and safety of their children and staff throughout the pandemic. The concept of classroom bubbles has been pivotal in allowing settings to remain vigilant and in operation throughout 2020 and as we enter 2021, we remain optimistic the system will continue to provide a safe environment for all.