£65k for nurseries that kept running during lockdown

Monday 06 July 2020

Nurseries that kept running to look after the children of key workers during lockdown are to be paid between £5,000 and £9,000 for their help.

Schools and nurseries were ordered to close from 23 March to restrict the spread of covid-19, but the Education Minister, Senator Tracey Vallois, requested that some remain open to look after the children of critical workers and vulnerable families.

She has now made a total of £65,000 available to go towards the costs incurred by these facilities, such as through the provision of PPE and deep cleaning.

Payments will come in the form of a flat rate, with small nurseries receiving £5,000, £7,000 for medium nurseries and large ones receiving £9,000.

Pictured: Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois.

Thanking the staff who worked to "put children and families first... whilst feeling anxious and concerned about their own wellbeing", Senator Vallois commented: “I am aware that increased costs were incurred by this group as a direct consequence of re-opening. Accordingly, I am pleased to confirm that I will be making supplementary payments to these nurseries to cover the incremental costs incurred during this phase of restricted opening.

“My sincere hope, as we progress through the stages of our Safe Exit strategy, is that nurseries along with schools, childminders, nannies, wraparound care providers and all that represent the early years sector will be able to bounce back to provide the strong delivery of care that existed before the pandemic.”

Belinda Lewis, from the Committee of the Jersey Early Years Association, said that the group welcomed the support from the Minister, adding: “We are very proud of our workforce and their continued dedication to the children in our care."