Coronavirus guidance for early learning and childcare services

The Scottish Government has published guidance for early learning and childcare (ELC) providers in Scotland to help them operate safely to reduce the risks of Covid-19.

ELC providers should use this guidance to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff, children and parents while they are using their service.

Topics covered include:

• how this guidance fits within the current situation in Scotland
• workforce support, including training, testing and staff wellbeing
• risk assessments
• home working
• support for groups with specific needs, including those who are shielding or clinically at risk
• infection prevention and control, including advice on enhanced cleaning and hygiene, ventilation and PPE
• what to do if staff or children show symptoms
• using outdoor spaces
• physical distancing between adults
• the use of face coverings
• safety measures during drop-off, pick-up and settling-in times
• visitors to settings
• financial support
• other useful guidance and resources

Anyone can use this service.

This is a free service.

All providers of early learning, school-aged childcare and childminder services in Scotland, including nurseries, playgroups, family centres, crèches, breakfast clubs, after-school care and holiday care. This guidance also applies to fully outdoor services for children aged 5 and under.

This advice will be reviewed regularly and revised based on new evidence if necessary. Please check the full guidance on the Scottish Government website regularly to ensure you are using the most current version.

This guidance is not exhaustive, and providers must continue to operate within the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure the health and wellbeing of children and parents while they are using their service.

Visit the Scottish Government website for more information and to read the full guidance.