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Early Years providers - which includes nurseries and childminders - have to submit their plans for reopening to the States Early Years Team for approval.
With schools and the College of Further Education starting a phased return to the classroom from next month, those staff looking after the youngest children in the island also need to get prepared.
Under the latest guidance, which was issued on Friday, those designated early years providers must submit their plans for approval, with the States Early Years Team contacting all of them to offer further guidance and support.
More information is available HERE.
Pictured: The phased reopening of educational establishments was announced at a press briefing on Friday.
The decision to allow a phased reopening was made by the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, based on the advice of Dr Nicola Brink, the Director of Public Health.
She said closing them in the first place had been a key part of the success in containing the spread of covid-19 locally.
"Closing schools, colleges and early years providers for all but those who are the children of essential workers and vulnerable students has been a key part of our response to this pandemic to date. I have no doubt that it helped slow the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 within the community. But given the gains we have made and the current positive position as we move through the phases of our exit strategy, now is the right time for schools to have the opportunity to start re-introducing more students as long as numbers are restricted, social distancing maintained and enhanced hygiene in place. Of note, is that this will only occur in three weeks’ time, giving us a further opportunity to build on what we, as a community, have achieved to date. While I am not an educationalist and so am not in a position to advise on models, I am confident that Education is committed to following the guidelines that I have provided for a return to education for more pupils. The Public Health Team will continue to work closely with Education as we move towards a phased re-opening on schools."
Deputy Matt Fallaize, the President of ESC said there are still some details which need to be fine-tuned ahead of the phased reopening which is why further guidance will be issued to those directly involved.
"These are finely-balanced decisions and the Committee has been very careful to look at all the possible options from every angle and take into account the advice of professionals in public health and education."
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