New COVID-19 measures announced in the UK
The Prime Minister has announced new temporary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the UK.
A summary of what the new measures mean for education settings can be found here and the early years guidance has been updated accordingly.
Reminder about CO2 monitor rollout for early years
In August, the Department for Education (DfE) announced that it is providing CO2 monitors to state-funded education settings.
The rollout extends to all early years settings, including PVI settings, and childminders who work together in groups of four or more and are registered as operating childcare on domestic premises. Childminders working in groups of three or fewer are not included in the roll out of CO2 monitors as most are not an appropriate space, due to low occupancy density.
Monitors are currently being dispatched to early years providers and settings will receive an email directly from the supplier, once their monitor allocation is dispatched. DfE expect all deliveries to have taken place by the end of the Autumn term.
DfE has also produced a ‘how to’ guide on using CO2 monitors in education and childcare settings, also available on the Google drive. If settings have any further queries about their DfE issued CO2 monitor(s) they can call the DfE COVID-19 helpline on 0800 046 8687.