On Monday, the Prime Minister set out details of the final roadmap step (Step 4) in the transition out of lockdown. Subject to a final review of the data next week, legal restrictions will end on Monday 19 July.

Government are changing the controls that apply in early years settings with the aim to maintain a baseline of protective measures while maximising attendance and minimising disruption for children. Government have published a summary of the evidence behind the decision here.


Actions for early years guidance updated

The Department for Education (DfE) have published updated guidance to be followed once Step 4 of the roadmap commences. The existing guidance should be followed until then.

Key changes at Step 4 include:

  • No longer recommending that it is necessary to keep groups apart as much as possible.
  • Settings will no longer be expected to undertake contact tracing but may be contacted to help with identifying close contacts.
  • From 16 August, children under the age of 18 will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case but they will be advised to take a PCR test.
  • Face coverings will no longer be recommended for staff and visitors in corridors or communal areas.
  • Parent and child groups can operate as normal and without restrictions in attendance.

A list of sections in the guidance that have been updated, moved or removed can be found on pages 4 and 5.

The guidance for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children has also been updated and can be found here.

Read the guidance


Frequently Asked Questions

DfE are developing a Frequently Asked Questions document to answer your questions on the new guidance.

Please send any questions to foundationyears@ncb.org.uk.

Submit a question