AQW 4637/17-22


Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford


Tabled Date: 09/06/2020
Answered On Date: 19/06/2020
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to confirm (i) when wraparound childcare will be allowed to be provided by schools; and (ii) when he will inform parents this childcare provision will be available.


Answer:
It is acknowledged that childcare is crucial as parents return to work. From Monday 8 June, childcare provision has been extended to those key workers who can currently access school places and also those parents who are returning to work in the wider retail sector in line with Executive decisions on reopening the economy. From 16 June, this also includes workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
In line with announcements made by the Executive on 18 June, as part of the Childcare Sector Recovery Plan, with effect from 29 June, there will no longer be a key worker definition for the purposes of childcare. This will allow parents who are returning to work in line with the Executive plans, to access childcare if they require it..
The Early Years teams working in the Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts are working as collaboratively and as quickly as possible with childcare providers to re-open their provision, this includes those providers offering wraparound services for school age children from August. 
Schools can be asked to facilitate childcare provision offered within schools where it is possible, however such decisions relating to the use of school premises are for the Board of Governors of each individual school. Arrangements should be made and agreed locally. Schools should have a written agreement in place with childcare providers for such arrangements and subject to any necessary Covid-19 health and safety requirements and specific Department of Health guidelines and approvals for provision of childcare .
DE and DoH have also established a COVID-19 Childcare Reference Group with key representatives from the childcare sector.  A Childcare Communications sub group has also been established with the intention of promoting effective communication with parents and the childcare sector. 
All the relevant information in relation to Covid-19 and childcare, is available at the link below:
https://www.familysupportni.gov.uk/Support/91/covid19-childcare-options-and-associated-guidance.
I have asked my officials to develop proposals for potential summer scheme provision in schools for some school year groups during July on a voluntary basis. The proposals may include schools being open for all children going into years 5, 6, and 7 for a 2 week period in July. There may also be scope for virtual learning support for pupils going into Year 7. Any access within schools to School Age Childcare would have to comply with medical and scientific advice and health and safety requirements in relation to COVID-19, and would be subject to agreement by the Executive, schools and Trade Unions. Any decision on this would be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity. A survey issued to schools on 17 June which is being analysed, the findings of which will help to establish levels of interest amongst schools in providing summer schemes on an entirely voluntary basis.
Schools participating in the 2020/21 Extended Schools (ES) programme can choose to offer various forms of wraparound support with the resources made available (£9.1m) including pastoral care, or additional learning and development activities before or after the standard school day. Whilst some elements of ES provision have still been possible during the Covid-19 pandemic, most has not taken place as it usually would.
I have ensured that all extended schools will receive funding in 2020/21 at the same rate as last year to ensure that disadvantaged children and young people and their families continue to be supported at this critical time. Schools have been asked to consider what provision may be appropriate this year to best target those pupils most in need or at the greatest risk of underachievement. The particular support measures put in place will be determined by schools and clusters taking account of the evolving context and latest health guidelines.