Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Prime Minister's statement of 10 May 2020, what support will be made available to people who have childcare responsibilities who may now be required to go back to work.

Schools and childcare providers have remained open for children of critical workers and vulnerable children, and parents are strongly encouraged to take up those places.

From Wednesday 13 May, all workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open. Employers should be as flexible as possible to support their employees with childcare responsibilities.

We want to get children back into education and childcare as soon as possible because it is the best place for them to learn. From 1 June we have asked primary schools to prepare to reopen to children in Nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6. Secondary schools have been asked to offer support year 10 and 12 students. We have also asked early years providers (including childminders) to open to children of all ages. This will also support more families to be able return to work.

Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, childminders have been asked to continue caring for vulnerable children and children of critical workers. To align with the government’s position on nannies, we have confirmed that paid childcare can be provided to the children of one household from Wednesday 13 May 2020. This includes childminders, who may choose to look after the children of one household if they are not already looking after vulnerable children or those of critical workers. From 1 June 2020, childminders can look after children of all ages, in line with their current Ofsted registration, and within usual limits on the number of children they can care for.