Lockdown: What are the new rules for childminders and nannies?

Nannies and childminders resuming their roles ‘should enable more working parents to return to work’, government states

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On Sunday 10 May, Boris Johnson delivered an address outlining the “roadmap” England is following to gradually lift lockdown restrictions across the country.

Among the measures, the prime minister outlined who is encouraged to return to work and how workplaces can go about becoming “Covid-secure”, while still ensuring workers practise social distancing from one another.

Mr Johnson stated that anyone who is unable work from home, such as those in construction and manufacturing, is now “actively encouraged” to return to work.

In new guidance, published on Monday 11 May, the government states that paid childcare can resume “subject to being able to meet the public health principles” detailed in the document, “because these are roles where working from home is not possible”.

The government adds that allowing nannies and childminders to resume their positions “should enable more working parents to return to work.

When are nannies and childminders allowed to return to work?

The governmental document outlines that the easing of lockdown restrictions in England is being conducted “step-by-step”.

“The government has a carefully planned timetable for lifting restrictions, with dates that should help people to plan,” it states, adding that “this timetable depends on successfully controlling the spread of the virus”.

Allowing nannies and childminders to return to work falls under step one of the government’s roadmap, which “will apply from Wednesday 13 May in England”, the guidance says.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, “this guidance should be considered alongside local public health and safety requirements,” it states.

What are the rules nannies and childminders are instructed to follow when they resume their roles?

When returning to work, those who work in paid childcare must be able to meet the public health principles outlined in Annex A of the government’s guidance.

Annex A, which is titled “Stay safe outside your home” in the document, “sets out the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent with others outside your homes is as safe as possible”.

These principles include keeping your distance from people who you do not live with, while also “recognising this will not always be possible”; keeping your hands and face clean by washing your hands thoroughly, using hand sanitiser and avoiding touching your face; avoiding face-to-face contact with people who you do not live with; and reducing the number of people who you spend time with while at work “where you can”.

The guidance also suggests avoiding crowds, which may include ensuring you do not travel on public transport at peak times; washing your clothes regularly; making sure indoor areas are well-ventilated; and if you are in an “enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet”, wearing a face covering.

“You should follow the advice given to you by your employer when at work,” the document states. “Employers have a duty to assess and manage risks to your safety in the workplace.

“The government has issued guidance to help them do this. This includes how to make adjustments to your workplace to help you maintain social distance.”

Does this apply to the whole of the UK?

Although the lockdown established on Monday 23 March was implemented across the UK, the document makes it clear that the updated guidance shared by the government refers solely to lockdown measures in England.

“The devolved administrations are making their own assessments about the lifting of measures in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland,” it states.

“All government continue to work together to ensure a coordinated approach across the United Kingdom.”

The government explains that lockdown restrictions may change “at a different pace” in various parts of the UK “because the level of infection – and therefore the risk – will differ.”