Earlier this year, Education Minister Tracey Vallois took the decision, based on expert medical advice, to close most schools, colleges and nurseries on 23 March to try to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Shortly afterwards, however, she requested the partial reopening of some nurseries and schools to help support critical workers and vulnerable families.
Senator Vallois has now confirmed that supplementary payments will now be made from the public purse to cover expenses, such as PPE and deep cleaning for those which re-opened. A flat-rate payment will be made based on the size of the nursery, with small nurseries receiving £5,000, medium ones £7,000 and large facilities £9,000.
‘I am aware that increased costs were incurred by this group as a direct consequence of reopening,’ said Senator Vallois.
‘Accordingly, I am pleased to confirm that I will be making supplementary payments to these nurseries to cover the incremental costs incurred during this phase of restricted opening.
‘My sincere hope, as we progress through the stages of our Safe Exit strategy, is that nurseries along with schools, childminders, nannies, wraparound care providers and all that represent the early years sector will be able to bounce back to provide the strong delivery of care that existed before the pandemic.’
