Today the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), alongside National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) and the Early Years Alliance wrote to the Secretary of State for Education in England to raise concerns that the early years and childcare workforce was not considered in the government's list of essential workers who are subject to reduced self-isolation rules.

The government set out new isolation rules earlier this week stating that eligible critical workers in England who are fully vaccinated and do not have any coronavirus symptoms can continue to attend their workplace so long as they take a daily test. 

In the letter we outline the vital role that early years and childcare practitioners have played during the coronavirus pandemic and the disruption and financial burden caused by having to self-isolate. We ask that the government recognises this and adds early years and childcare practitioners to the list of essential workers offered the exemption. 

You can read the letter in full here.

In Wales the position is currently different to England in relation to self-isolation requirements.  You can read the latest on the position in Wales here.