News archive

NEWS: Changes to the Test and Trace support payment for parents in England

Parents and carers of children in England who have been advised to self-isolate by their education setting or by NHS Test and Trace are now able to apply for a Test and Trace Support Payment or discretionary payment of £500, if they meet the eligibility criteria.

23/03/2021

NEWS: Update regarding home testing and shielding guidance

The DfE has issued further information on the expansion of home testing in England to childminders and others in ‘related occupations’ and shared an announcement on shielding guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable which will be paused from 1 April 2021.

22/03/2021

NEWS: Childminders and nannies in England offered home testing kits

After weeks of uncertainty, childminders and nannies in England will now be able to order lateral flow test kits for regular asymptomatic Covid-testing at home thanks to ongoing lobbying PACEY has undertaken, with help from our members.

19/03/2021

NEWS: DfE update to early years funding for Summer and Autumn terms

Today the Department for Education has set out its approach to funding Early Years over the next financial year,and has issued updated guidance to reflect this.

18/03/2021

NEWS: Childminders ‘let down’ by exclusion from Government support measures

We know that many members are facing ongoing disappointment with continued problems accessing Covid-19 tests in England and the recent exclusion of childminders in the Government delivery of face coverings to early years and childcare settings. We share your frustrations and continue to press Government to improve support for childminders and ensure parity with those working in nurseries and schools.

16/03/2021

NEWS: Testing in Wales/Profi yng Nghymru

The Welsh Government have confirmed plans for collection of lateral flow device test kits for childminders and other smaller settings in Wales. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cadarnhau cynlluniau ar gyfer casglu citiau dyfais llif unffordd ar gyfer gwarchodwyr plant a lleoliadau llai eraill yng Nghymru.

16/03/2021

NEWS: PACEY supports amendment to Domestic Abuse Bill in England

Earlier this week, an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill was debated in the House of Lords, aiming to protect children in England from acts of violence in the home.

15/03/2021

NEWS: Childminders excluded from face covering delivery drop

The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that maintained, school-based, and PVI nurseries and pre-schools in England will receive a ‘one-off’ drop of face coverings delivered direct to settings.The DHSC is not extending this delivery of face coverings to childminders, and instead recommend that childminders source these from local nurseries and schools.

15/03/2021

NEWS: Covid-19 One Year On - Childminder survey

We are now reaching one year since the coronavirus pandemic first emerged in the UK, and we know that the early years sector has been impacted in a variety of ways. We are inviting childminders in England and Wales to take part in our survey on the financial impact of Covid-19 and your provision ‘one year on’.

12/03/2021

NEWS: Wales first steps out of lockdown / Camau cyntaf I lacio’r cyfyngiadau symud Cymru

First Minister sets out first steps out of lockdown as part of a careful, cautious and phased approach / Mae’r Prif Weinidog yn gosod allan y camau cyntaf tuag at lacio’r cyfyngiadau