Update 21/08: Protective measures for holiday and after-school clubs, and other out-of-school settings
Update 21/08:Protective measures for holiday and after-school clubs, and other out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
The Government have published updated guidance (20/08) which has:
- Amended the guidance to extend its applicability into the autumn school term, and reflect that state schools have now closed for the summer holidays
- Set out a change to the protective measures which will be effective from the point at which all pupils return to school in the autumn, making clear the position on group sizes and how providers can minimise the risk of children mixing outside their school bubbles
- Updated content on music and performing arts
- Added additional content on educational visits
- Added additional content on shared resources
Please see the link below:
Update 16/07:Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership – Child Protection training;#thinkuknow: Social Media
Update 16/07:Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership – Child Protection training;#thinkuknow: Social Media
Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership: Free training
Courses available are the Working Together: Our Shared Responsibility and Advanced Child Protection Training for Safeguarding Leads & Specialist Practitioners.
The Advanced Child Protection Course is the one that the Designated Safeguarding Lead in a setting needs to do to lead on Child Protection (also if there is a Deputy DSL).
These are both full day courses and have been split in to two half day sessions one week apart. You must attend both sessions to complete the training.
Please see their website for more details
https://bristolsafeguarding.org/training/kbsp-training/
If you wish to attend any of the training provided in the online programme, please download and complete the application form and send it to kbsp.training@bristol.gov.uk.
Online Safety at home from #thinkuknow : Social Media
The final activity pack for parents and carers to deliver to their children explores how they can stay safe while connecting with others on social media apps and platforms:
Plus – is your child ready for social media?:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/is-my-child-ready-for-social-media/
Update 14/07: Discretionary Business Grant – extended to July 19th; Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership – Free training
Update 14/07:Discretionary Business Grant extended to July 19th; Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership – Free training
Discretionary Business Grant
Deadline to apply for this grant has been extended to Sunday 19 July 2020 at midnight.
▶https://www.bristol.gov.uk/business-support-advice/covid-19-discretionary-grant
- Grants of up to £5,000
- Deadline midnight Sunday 19th July
Nurseries are eligible to apply to Bristol City Council for these grants, even if they are in receipt of FEEE.
The eligibility is for any business (charity, Ltd co., unincorporated) not just nurseries, which have closed (temporarily) because of Covid and have premises costs i.e. they have to pay rent and/or have a rateable value.
Premises can include shared premises (e.g. a church hall). The business can be in receipt of the Job Retention Scheme money (furlough scheme) and rebates for business rates. They are still eligible to apply. The main criteria is that they normally have premises costs as described above.
Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership – Free Training: Hate Crime – understanding what it is and how to respond effectively.
This half day Hate Crime training course will consider the current laws and legislation including the Equality Act 2010 (protected characteristics) and the prevalence of Hate Crime.
KBSP Training Application Form 2020-21
If you would like to attend this training please send your application form to kbsp.training@bristol.gov.uk.
Update 10/07: Discretionary Business Grant
Update 10/07:Discretionary Business Grant
Discretionary Business Grant
▶https://www.bristol.gov.uk/business-support-advice/covid-19-discretionary-grant
- Grants of up to £5,000
- Deadline midnight Sunday 12th July
Nurseries are eligible to apply to Bristol City Council for these grants, even if they are in receipt of FEEE.
The eligibility is for any business (charity, Ltd co., unincorporated) not just nurseries, which have closed (temporarily) because of Covid and have premises costs i.e. they have to pay rent and/or have a rateable value.
Premises can include shared premises (e.g. a church hall). The business can be in receipt of the Job Retention Scheme money (furlough scheme) and rebates for business rates. They are still eligible to apply. The main criteria is that they normally have premises costs as described above.
Update 03/07:DfE Guidance- Actions for early years and childcare providers; Sutton Trust report
Update 03/07:DfE Guidance- Actions for early years and childcare providers; Sutton Trust report
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance Updated 2 July 2020
This also applies to wraparound settings operating on or off school premises, see section 5.3.
The Sutton Trust, Report on the impact of Coronavirus on Early Years Providers.
http://www.suttontrust.com/our-research/coronavirus-impacts-early-years
Update 30/06: Correction – Reporting Covid-19 to Ofsted. Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Update 30/06:Correction – Reporting Covid-19 to Ofsted. Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Reporting Covid-19 to Ofsted
Correction – we need to correct information circulated in our recent mailing to members, where we advised settings that suspected cases of Covid-19 should be reported to Ofsted, (enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk)
In fact it is only actual cases of Covid-19 that need to be reported to Ofsted
We apologise for any confusion this may have caused.
Suspected cases should be reported to Public Health England, South West, Health Protection Team (PHE SW HPT): 0300 303 8162, as shown in the flow chart below.
Educational and Childcare Settings Flowchart V1.0
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Here is the latest: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme/changes-to-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
From 1 July, employers can bring furloughed employees back to work for any amount of time and any shift pattern, while still being able to claim CJRS grant for the hours not worked.
From 1 August 2020, the level of grant will be reduced each month.To be eligible for the grant employers must pay furloughed employees 80% of their wages, up to a cap of £2,500 per month for the time they are being furloughed.
Update 22/06: Reporting Covid to Ofsted. Public Health England advice. Bristol Educational Psychology Service: Bereavement & Coronavirus
Update 22/06: Reporting Covid to Ofsted. Public Health England advice. Bristol Educational Psychology Service: Bereavement & Coronavirus
Reporting Covid-19 to Ofsted
Ofsted have now confirmed that if there is a suspected or actual case of Covid-19 at a setting concerning a child or staff member, the provider should complete an online notification form or send them an email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk so it can be logged against their registration. There should be further guidance on the Ofsted website if this changes at any point.
Public Health England: COVID-19 educational settings webinar:
COVID-19 educational settings webinar V9
Public Health England: Putting on PPE for non-aerosol generating procedures quick guide
2 PHE Putting_on_PPE_for_non-aerosol_generating_procedures_quick_guide
Public Health England: Taking off PPE for non-aerosol generating procedures quick guide
PHE: Taking_off_PPE_for_non-aerosol_generating_procedures_quick_guide
Bristol Educational Psychology Service: Bereavement & Coronavirus Guidance for Parents/Carers
Parent Carer Bereavement COVID EPS
Update 19/06: DFE – Early Years Providers collected guidance page; COVID-19: Psychological First Aid
Update 19/06: DFE – Early Years Providers collected guidance page; COVID-19: Psychological First Aid
DFE Early Years Providers collected guidance page
What early years providers need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
DFE collected guidance page:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/early-years-and-childcare-coronavirus-covid-19
COVID-19: Psychological First Aid
A free course from Future Learn & Public Health England:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/psychological-first-aid-covid-19/1
Update 05/06: Modification to Paediatric First Aid Requirements
Update 05/06: Modification to Paediatric First Aid Requirements
Modification to PFA Requirements:
The requirements in the EYFS on paediatric first aid certification have been modified and statutory guidance on EYFS has been published setting out what this means.
The existing requirement remains in place where children aged 0 to 24 months are on site. Paragraph 3.25 and Annex A of the EYFS set out the requirements, including that ‘at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid (PFA) certificate must be on the premises and available at all times when children are present, and must accompany children on outings.’ The existing requirements also remain unchanged for childminders, as they are already required to have full PFA certification.
The requirement is modified where children aged 2 to 5 are on site (with no children aged below 24 months) to a best endeavours duty to have someone with a full PFA certificate on site. If all steps set out in the guidance have been exhausted and settings cannot meet the PFA requirement, they must carry out a written risk assessment and ensure that someone with a current First Aid at Work or emergency PFA certificate is on site at all times. New entrants (level 2 and 3) will not need to have completed a full PFA course within their first 3 months in order to be counted in staff to child ratios.
Update 01/06: Small Business Discretionary Grant; letter of support from Lord Lieutenant for Bristol
Update 01/06: Small Business Discretionary Grant; letter of support from Lord Lieutenant for Bristol
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Discretionary Grant
Bristol City Council are publicising the government additional funding available to support small businesses.
You can see the details & eligibility criteria on their website:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/business-support-advice/covid-19-discretionary-grant
Message of support for the Childcare Sector: Peaches Golding OBE, Lord Lieutenant for Bristol
We’ve been asked to pass on this letter of support and gratitude to you all from Peaches Golding OBE, Lord Lieutenant for Bristol:
Letter Of Support – Lord Lieutenant Of Bristol
28/05: Reopening: Government Guidance & Risk Assessment Template
28/05: Reopening: Government Guidance & Risk Assessment Template
Please note: These documents and are constantly being revised in line with changing govt. guidance.
Also, each setting is different & so must adapt these guidance documents to reflect your own circumstances.
Government Guidance: Planning guide for Early Years and Childcare settings
This planning guide is intended to provide information and support for all early years providers in England as they prepare to open for all children.
It is for:
- local-authority-maintained schools
- non-maintained schools
- independent schools
- all providers on the early years register
- all providers registered with an early years childminder agency
Reopening Risk Assessment Template:
- EXAMPLE COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENT MicroSoft Word Version | PDF Version
Update 22/05:Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay; Early Years Alliance Survey, LD CAMHS Supporting Your Child At Home, We are Bristol Kids
Update 22/05:Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay; Early Years Alliance Survey,LD CAMHS Supporting Your Child At Home, We are Bristol Kids
HM Revenue & Customs: Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Bristol Council have launched a website for children in Bristol:We are Bristol Kids
“We want every child and young person in Bristol to feel safe and be healthy, to have the chance to explore and be curious, and to learn, play and thrive with a positive future to look forward to. #WeAreBristolKids is about making sure we consider children and young people in everything we do and plan, for the future of our city.”
https://www.wearebristol.co.uk/kids/
Early Years Alliance Survey For Providers: What will you do the 1st of June?
“To gain a better understanding of where childcare providers and parents stand on whether to open their setting/take up their childcare place on 1 June, the Alliance has launched two brief surveys to help us inform our ongoing discussions with government.”
You can find the survey here:
https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/news/2020/05/what-will-you-do-1-june-take-our-survey-and-tell-us
“This leaflet was put together by LD CAMHS in Bristol and South Gloucestershire to offer some ideas and guidance to the families we support during these difficult times. While we understand that not everything will be applicable to your family, we hope that you find this leaflet useful.”
Childcare Workers – The Forgotten Heroes?
Childcare Workers – The Forgotten Heroes?
The nation is so very appreciative of the selfless work carried out by the NHS and other critical workers during this time of emergency, but as we work in the childcare sector, we felt it was important also to recognise the amazing work carried out by our childcare and play workers.
Without the support of childcare and play workers, our nurseries, pre-schools, breakfast, after school and holiday clubs would be unable to operate and without them, some of our critical workers would have no childcare to enable them to go to work, to keep the country running and to keep us safe. And some of our most vulnerable children would be at even greater risk.
“Our childcare and play workers are critical workers too”
Without those groups in operation, some of our most vulnerable children would be at even greater risk – and some of our critical workers would have no childcare to enable them to keep the country running, and to keep us all safe.
Our childcare and play workers are critical workers too, although they often get overlooked. They support the rest of the country – our children and families would be so much worse off during this emergency without their care.
We thought it would be interesting to ask some settings in Bristol for their thoughts about working during this testing time. We wanted to find out how practitioners and owners felt about needing to work through, especially when they may feel anxious themselves and may have feelings of resentment about their colleagues being furloughed whilst they put themselves at risk. We wanted to know how they cope with working with much fewer numbers of children than usual, and what they do to support children who will be feeling anxious themselves.
These are replies from just a handful of settings in Bristol:
AGOSC – an out of school setting, supporting the families at Ashton Gate Primary normally has around 150 children attend After School Club each day – this has now dropped to between one and ten.
Bella the Manager said:
“It is lovely really getting to know the kids we have and it’s great for them that they get to do what they want. We do worry how they will cope when life goes back to normal and they have to share with others again. Me and the other staff spend a lot of time reminiscing about all the children that we miss and wonder how they are. We also really miss the parents and miss talking to 90+ of them every day when they collect their kids at the end of the session. We have become very needy when the parents walk past the setting on their daily walks. We do not feel anxious to be working, we feel very grateful. I would feel very lost at home not being able to help. It has made me proud to wear my uniform. I think the hardest part was worrying about how we would cope as a setting financially. I also worry about the vulnerable children as they benefit the most from being at a play setting. It has also been nice having a slower working pace. I no longer have to look after 20 adults a day and my admin work load is much less.”
George is one of the Administrators at AGOSC; her role is still crucial to keeping AGOSC open for the vulnerable children and children of critical workers. George said:
“Whilst other areas of the setting have slowed down, the administration role has been very busy. I am only contracted to work 10 hours/week, but I’ve had a sense of ‘all hands to the deck’ as we try to get to grips with the financial impact on the setting and the implications on staffing and future viability and the balancing act of continued parental support.
My contact with the parents (mainly through emails) has been hugely encouraging and supportive, with a significant number wanting to financially support the setting by paying more than the retainer fee we are asking for. Bella and her team are truly appreciated, for that I am sure!
Working from home (whilst ‘home schooling’ 2 boys) has been a juggle, but the flexibility of my hours has meant I work every day for a few hours rather than two full days in between school hours as I did before. This I discovered actually suits the role better as I can process payments as they come in and keep on top of credit control more regularly. The negatives of working from home is the lack of team contact (albeit through email), although a zoom meeting or telephone call would suffice should we need to discuss anything in depth.
Daily contact with Bella and Hayley (the Administration Manager) has been brilliant and Linda’s wellbeing emails have been greatly received. All in all, I feel very lucky to work for such a brilliant team and feel that ‘doing our bit’ to help during this crisis (even in a very small way) is an honour.”
Linda is a Senior Play Worker at AGOSC. Linda also provides mindfulness and wellbeing sessions for the children, the staff and even the parents. Linda said:
“I feel very privileged to be able to still come into work and support other critical workers. I have really enjoyed giving 1:1 to some of the children and feel this has been good for them to talk about the situation. It’s been lovely to have so much time getting to know the children in depth. It’s been strange having less kids and less staff but that has been kind of special, the silence has actually been very calming and reassuring. It will be nice to get back to some normality but I really like change and I feel the way forward will be very positive and everyone will value loved ones, family and friends more, which is a good thing.”
Lauren, Deputy Playworker at AGOSC, added:
“I have enjoyed coming into work like I do on a daily basis during this uncertain time. It makes me feel happy to know that I am helping vital key worker parents as they are helping us with this crisis. Although I am very happy to go to work I also feel it’s very important to protect ourselves when looking after the children and to make the children aware of what is happening as its very uncertain for adults to understand let alone the children.
It is definitely strange having fewer children during Breakfast, After School and Holiday club compared to the busy After school club that we run. Although we have fewer numbers of children it does come with some positives: we now know more of the children’s personalities and vice versa, building stronger friendship between unlikely friends in different years
I also think it has had a positive outcome on the staff as we now get to work closely (within a 2 metre distance) with staff members who we don’t get normally work with so it builds a stronger friendship between us. Although I do miss the other staff members we all have kept in touch to make sure they’re OK.”
The Manager of a large Bristol nursery, that normally cares for up to 90 children and now has 20 to 30 children daily, gave us very honest feedback about how staff felt to be working. The setting wishes to remain anonymous.
“When the Government closed all educational settings due to Covid19 except for key worker children and vulnerable children, I knew, because a lot of our parents are key workers, we would remain open. The level of anxiety throughout the nursery at this time was really high due to staff worrying about becoming ill, possibly being exposed to Covid19 and the constant worry about taking it home to their families and loved ones. The general feeling of being torn between wanting to continue to try and support families that really required us to stay open so they could work on the front line and save lives, but also wanting to run in the other direction and stay at home has been something all of my team, including myself, have had to work through and this has been extremely hard, emotional and stressful.
The first few weeks were awful because children were being sent home due to illnesses and families were phoning in each day saying that they were off work due to self-isolating. Both staff and parents were anxious and I found it very hard to support everyone and look after my own mental health as they were all looking to me for answers and support – and I didn’t always have the answer or ability to put any more support or safety measures in place. As a team we all wanted to continue to support the parents who are key workers but in turn this caused anxiety due to knowing that the parents might be in contact with people with the virus, but the problem working with babies and small children is that we cannot follow Government guidelines such as social distancing or use all of the PPE etc.
Now several weeks on, it all seems a bit of a blur but things have settled. Staff anxieties have eased due to consistent numbers of children and families using the nursery plus new measures that have been put in place to support them, which includes a day working from home to support their well-being. We are now all getting used to our new role and routine, trying to keep busy and get all the little jobs done which we never usually have time for. We don’t know what the future holds or how long we can continue with the amount of staff that we have. This is only something that over time I will know.
We have had nothing but support, praise and thanks from the families that are still using the nursery and also from families that have stopped during this time. This has really helped all the staff continue to do such a great job during such worrying times. We feel very appreciated and every Thursday when people clap for key workers all of us find it very emotional and just feel blessed that everyone that we care for are safe and well.”
Deputy Manager, Shrina of Moon River, a 70-place nursery in Bishopston, spoke to staff and compiled their thoughts:
“Although we miss our Moon River children it has been quite nice having 13 children across the nursery compared to 70. The staff feel that they are able to have more time with the children and really spend quality time with them, also tap into their interests. The children have been able to go and do lots of gardening in small groups, they have loved planting new flowers and fruit and vegetables and get the back garden up and running. The staff have been writing personal letters to the children who are not attended for their learning journals.
Currently we have 10 staff who are working, this includes nursery practitioners, nursery cook and senior staff. Whilst we are working with minimal staff due to staff being furloughed, we still talk to the children about the staff who are away from nursery so they are not forgotten. We are still in touch with our staff via Facebook and I know some of the girls chat through facetime, this is very important so they still a part of the team.
The staff do become worried about the virus and the spread of it in the environment. My role is to keep reminding them about how to prevent the spread: by washing their hand using hand soap thoroughly throughout the day and maintaining social distancing in the rooms. The children are also consistently reminded throughout the day about good hygiene.
The team who are currently working are in very high spirits, and I am so proud of them as they are still coming into work and being positive. They understand that we are doing our best to help our families and community during these difficult times, they want to be a part of that. We have had some very warm comments from our families vie email and our Facebook page. The staff really want to stay connected with the families and the children so we have been uploading weekly songs and stories narrated by the staff. I have started to make a Moon River family book and families who are not currently attending nursery are sending pictures in so the children can see their friends. We are working so that families can continue to help the community and beat this virus and the children who are attending are still maintaining a consistent routine.”
Sharon is the Manager at St. George Pre-School, a 56-place Early Years setting in the east of the city which is currently averaging 8 children per day. Sharon shared her thoughts:
“During the uncertainty of the Covid19 pandemic the team at St George Preschool CIO have continued to offer care and support to the families and children from the preschool community.
The preschool has remained open to provide care to the children of ‘key working’ parents and those deemed as vulnerable. Our numbers have been low, but the children are really enjoying the adult interactions and learning opportunities that are happening. We have enjoyed baking, planting, woodwork, making playdough to take home as well as playing indoors and outside with their friends. We have provided lots of different resources outside to encourage the children to spend lots of time releasing energy in the fresh air whilst playing.
We continue to maintain contact with all our families through Tapestry and have set up a closed Facebook page for parents to share with each other what their children are doing at home. Staff are adding activity ideas, sharing stories and providing update information for parents. We are having weekly ‘Debutots’ session’s via Zoom – families log in and enjoy and hour of singing, dancing, and an interactive story. The children are really enjoying these sessions and seeing their friends. Our senior team along with our family support worker are contacting families via telephone to check in and offer support when needed. We also thought about how we could support our EYPP and low-income families: we contacted the Co-op store in St Anne’s which agreed to help us with providing them with food. Week one they had bread, milk, cereal, butter and week two they had bread, milk, cheese, tomatoes, oranges. When children come with parents to collect these items we have made our lending library accessible and put out resources such as chalk and paper for children to do art at home.”
The owner of a large north Bristol nursery who wishes to remain anonymous provided us with a lot of information about the difficulties caused by the Government’s lack of clarity during the initial days leading up to the lockdown, especially with the announcement of closing schools and nurseries. The owner’s concern was:
“‘How do we pay the staff wages?’ Fortunately, this dilemma was then dealt with by the furlough announcement which I thought was amazingly generous and gave companies all over the country a chance to keep their staff and be ready to resume with the minimum fuss when things loosened up. With regard to the outcry to the new furlough conditions that were announced last Friday, I must admit that, if I understand them correctly, they seem to be reasonable.
When the salary issue was resolved we were then concerned about the health of our staff and we looked carefully at the possibility of closing, and even sounded out our parents accordingly. We realised we had lost the plot by even thinking about closing down – we were completely ignoring the reason why we should stay open, namely to support the key-workers. When viewed in that way it was obvious that we should “do our bit”, so open it was!
We then split our staff into two teams, the furlough team and the working team. The criteria for deciding who was in which team was determined by each individual’s circumstances. We wanted full-timers, a good range of qualifications and roles, staff who don’t have their own school-age children, and those for whom 100% of salary is a significant requirement. The working team will stay for the duration unless sickness or fatigue become an issue and will be replaced by a furlough member.
The children who are coming in (minimum 0, maximum 7) are loving the amount of attention that they are getting and the whole thing is beautifully harmonious.”
Meanwhile in the north of the City, sister nurseries, Archfield House in Cotham and Woodland House in Clifton have joined up during the coronavirus pandemic and are providing care for the children of keyworkers during this period. Whilst operating jointly, they have renamed themselves as Woodfield! They are operating from Archfield House and have between 20 and 40 children every day. The staff have been working extremely hard in order to carry on providing a safe, secure and exciting environment for the children attending, in these most tough of times.
These a just a few thoughts from some of the open settings in Bristol, but we’re sure these feelings and ideas are duplicated many times across the city. This just gives us a flavour and we thank all our practitioners, committees, Trustees, owners everywhere for the amazing jobs they are all doing to keep our children safe.
Next time you are out on the street on a Thursday night for the 8pm clapping session, spend an extra few minutes clapping and think about our forgotten heroes!
Image: Klafubra / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Update 13/05: Play Resources, stories, playworker lockdown party, paper city & other activities
Update 13/05: Play Resources, stories, playworker lockdown party, paper city & other activities
The Team at BAND have curated some resources for play & childcare workers:
Free Coronavirus book illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffle. It might be useful for the out of school clubs.
https://nosycrowcoronavirus.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Coronavirus_ABookForChildren.pdf
The BBC have a range of videos with songs that are really simple and that parents and carers can do at home with their child.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zdqjjhv
Unique voice – stay at home activity pack – https://uniquevoice.org/theoffice2/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Home-Activity-Pack.pdf
My Hero is You, storybook for Children on COVID-19
https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/iasc-reference-group-mental-health-and-psychosocial-support-emergency-settings/my-hero-you
There’s a playworker lockdown party this Saturday (16/05) 8-10pm. Join the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/222083518856609/
For downloadable templates to build your own paper city. https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/archive/2020/04/architecturefromhome/
The International Play Association has several resources online for parents
http://ipaworld.org/resources/for-parents-and-carers-play-in-crisis/
Playful Childhoods – PlayWales website that aims to help parents, carers and grandparents give children time, space and support to play at home and in their local community.
https://www.playfulchildhoods.wales/about-playful-parenting
Update 07/05: Covid Funding for Charities; thank you from Sec of State for Education; DBS service resumes; VE day activities
Update 07/05: Covid Funding for Charities; thank you from Sec of State for Education; DBS service resumes; VE day activities
Covid-19 funders
A list of charities/trusts many of whom have opened new pots or broadened their criteria to allow, fast track small grants to groups who are struggling due to the Covid – 19 outbreak.
Covid Funding opportunities for Charities
A thank you letter from Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education
DBS checks
The BAND service has resumed, although checks may take a little longer than usual to process:
VE Day
2020
VE day Celebration Ideas
Download our 15 pages of activities & resources for children for the upcoming anniversary:
VE Day 2020 – Celebration Ideas!
Update 27/04:(EYFS) – Temporary disapplications and modifications during COVID-19;Children’s Commisioner report
Update 27/04:(EYFS) – temporary disapplications and modifications during COVID-19;Children’s Commisioner report
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – temporary disapplications and modifications during COVID-19
A statement from Department for Education, Early Years Strategy and Entitlements
Government have published guidance for early years providers about the temporary disapplications and modifications of certain elements of the EYFS statutory framework during COVID-19.
From 24 April 2020, the Government has temporarily disapplied and modified certain elements of the EYFS statutory framework for early years providers who remain open to vulnerable children and children of critical workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This will allow providers greater flexibility to respond to changes in workforce availability and potential fluctuations in demand, while still providing care that is high quality and safe.
The temporary changes include:
- providers are not required to meet existing learning and development requirements, but instead should use reasonable endeavours to meet them during the COVID-19 period
- providers are not required to undertake the EYFS profile assessment in 2019/20 academic year, and accordingly local authorities are not required to collect or moderate data on this
- providers are not required to undertake the 2 year progress check during the coronavirus (COVID-19) period
- exceptions are allowed to the qualifications that staff hold in order to be counted in ratio requirements
- requirements around paediatric first aid (where children aged 2-5 years old are on-site). For those caring for children aged 2-5, providers must use their ‘best endeavours’ to ensure one person with a full PFA certificate is on-site at all times when children are present. If after using best endeavours they are still unable to secure a member of staff with PFA to be on site then they must carry out a written risk assessment and ensure that someone with a current First Aid at Work or emergency PFA certification is on site at all times children are on premises.
- There is no longer the requirement for new entrants to hold PFA certification to count in ratios during this period.
The term ‘best endeavours’ applies to the paediatric first aid requirements. This is a higher level requirement than ‘reasonable endeavours’. The guidance providers further information on this.
The rest of the EYFS remains in place. Please be aware that the requirement to have someone with full PFA certification on-site remains in place where children aged 0-24 months are on-site, due to the higher safety factors for babies and children in this youngest age bracket.
Early years providers and local authorities should familiarise themselves with the details of the changes, that can be found on the usual EYFS statutory framework webpage. Government will notify providers when these temporary changes will be lifted via usual government communications.
We have worked with Foundation Years to produce a video podcast for local authorities and providers to share the latest information on the EYFS disapplications.
Children’s Commisioner report
The Children’s Commissioner’s local area profiles of child vulnerability provide a way for councils to understand which groups of children are likely to be at risk under lockdown, and how many children in their area fall into those groups.
Update 24/04: Corona Virus testing availability extended to include early years practitioners and childminders.
Update 24/04: Corona Virus testing availability extended to include early years practitioners and childminders.
Testing
On April 23rdHealth Secretary Matt Hancock announced that essential workers can access coronavirus tests, members of their households can also access the test if needed
The ‘essential worker’s list remains unchanged and includes early years practitioners and childminders. To book a test go online: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
Update 23/04:Early Years Alliance: Covid Impact Survey;Net-Aware from NSPCC; Playworker Chloe: Junk Crafting and Games
Update 23/04:Early Years Alliance: Covid Impact Survey;Net-Aware from NSPCC; Playworker Chloe: Junk Crafting and Games
Early Years Alliance: Covid Impact Survey
The Early Years Alliance have launched a new survey on the impact of the Corona virus crisis on the Early Years sector – including the latest updates on the CJRS & Early Years funding. The survey is also relevant to Out Of School Settings.
They say they’ll use the responses to help support their continued talks with the DfE and Treasury.
Please take a few minutes to help them by giving your responses:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/covidEY
You can find more details & regular coverage on their campaigning on their Twitter page ( https://twitter.com/EYAlliance ).
Net-Aware from NSPCC
Now is a good time to be thinking about all aspects of e-safety & to find reliable sources of advice & information.
O2 & The NSPCC provide good information via their ‘Net-Aware’ site:
https://www.net-aware.org.uk/news/
Recent highlights include: ‘Snapchat’s new mental health feature: Here For You UK‘
Playworker Chloe: Junk Crafting and Games
Here’s how one of the playworkers from the BAND Play and Playwork Course has been occupying herself while not working.
She’s sharing junk crafting and games ideas on Facebook as a resource for families, recognising that not all will have stacks of craft materials at home.
What a great way to use all those materials that normally go in the recycling! Chloe is now creating her own web page to share her ideas too! We’ll let you know the address for that when it’s available.
Update 22/04:HMRC Furlough Scheme
Update 22/04:HMRC Furlough Scheme
HMRC Furlough Scheme.
The HMRC Furlough Scheme is now live:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme#how-to-claim
In essence, the government says that whatever proportion of a provider’s income is made up from private (non-government funded) income, this is the proportion of their wage bill settings can claim financial support for via the Job Retention Scheme.
So if a provider receives 60% of its usual income from private income and 40% from government funding, it can only claim support via the Job Retention Scheme for the provider for up to 60% of their paybill.
The government has said ‘usual’ income will be defined as the provider’s income in February 2020.
To make a claim, you will need:
- to be registered for PAYE online
- your UK bank account number and sort code
- your employer PAYE scheme reference number
- the number of employees being furloughed
- each employee’s National Insurance number
- each employee’s payroll or employee number (optional)
- the start date and end date of the claim
- the full amount you’re claiming for including employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum pension contributions
- your phone number
- contact name
You also need to provide either:
- your name (or the employer’s name if you’re an agent)
- your Corporation Tax unique taxpayer reference
- your Self Assessment unique taxpayer reference
- your company registration number
You’ll need to have this information to hand before your start to make a claim, if you’re inactive online for 15 mins while making the claim you’ll be kicked out and have to start again, you cannot save your application and return to it at a later time to complete.
Update 21/04: Islington Council: Home Working for Early Years Practioners;Frontline19;Can Woodfield Tackle Everest?
Update 21/04:Islington Council: Home Working for Early Years Practioners;Frontline19;Can Woodfield Tackle Everest?
Islington Council: Home Working for Early Years Practioners.
Islington Council have put together a list of resources for Home Working for Early Years Practioners. Some of the stuff is specific to that borough, but there’s some good suggestions for Early Years professional development including: podcasts, forums, blogs, websites and online training resources.
FREE online mental health and emotional wellbeing services to support frontline NHS workers.
To support NHS workers Frontline19 are offering free online mental health and emotional wellbeing services services, including video counseling.
If you know anyone, or have a parent at your setting who could benefit from this please pass on this link.
Domestic Abuse Support Fundraiser: Can Woodfield Tackle Everest?
If you can, please support our friends at Archfield & Woodland as they raise money for a vital cause in an ingenious (but exhausting!) fashion:
“It is being widely reported in the news that the level of domestic violence during the lockdown period has drastically risen, including deaths due to domestic violence or abuse. Refuge, the national domestic violence charity saw a 700% increase in their website views from one day to the next after a media push letting people know how to access support during lockdown.
You can see the press release here: https://www.refuge.org.uk/refuge-sees-700-increase-in-website-visits/
We of course know that many children will be living in the homes of which this domestic abuse or violence is happening and have no escape in school or other activities.
SO we have decided to create ourselves a challenge, aiming to raise some much needed funds for Refuge to enable them to support families during the COVID pandemic.
Any of you who have walked from the very bottom of Archfield to the very top will know that it feels like a mountain in itself. We are going to use this to our advantage, the core staff team at Woodfield have volunteered to climb the equivalent of Mt. Everest over 10 working days (Over 52,000 steps!).
We still have a number of children and families attending each day and we only have around 20% of our team within the core staff and the fact we are only counting the stairs up, 1,000 stair climbs (52 stairs a pop) is no mean feat in 10 days (our core team are also working around 60-80% of their usual working hours)! From our research it usually takes around 40 days to climb Mt. Everest.
We recognise that these are tough times financially for some but there are other ways to support us even if you cannot donate yourself.
We would really appreciate it if you share our JustGiving page (link below) so we can reach a wider group of potential donators. If you are able to, please donate anything you can to our fundraising page and share it on your social media or with friends or family to spread the word!
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WoodfieldTackleEverest
We start our challenge today and will complete it as soon as possible within the 10 working days! PLEASE help us to help some of those who need at most during these strange and difficult times.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page to keep updated on how we are getting on!”
https://www.facebook.com/archfieldhousenursery/
17/04: Ofsted:invoices for Annual Fees;Additions to the list of critical workers that can access childcare;Sport England:Stay in Work out
17/04: Ofsted:invoices for Annual Fees;Additions to the list of critical workers that can access childcare;Sport England:Stay in Work out
Ofsted
Invoices for annual fees issued from 3 April 2020 will now have a due date of 30 September 2020, so that you have freedom to delay your payment during this time. Your annual fee date will not change.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ofsted-coronavirus-covid-19-rolling-update#early-years-and-childcare
Additions to the Critical Workers list
Additions have been made to the list of critical workers that can access childcare and school provision for their children.
· researchers are included if their work is critical to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response
· pharmacists are included in the list of health and social care staff that are essential to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response
· staff who work for the embassies of other countries, and who are essential to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response, are included in the definition of local and national government
· parliamentarians and essential parliamentary staff are also included in this list
Sport England: Stay in, work out
Sport England have produced a round up of free & reputable resources for home exercise with their #StayInWorkOut campaign: Tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home.
https://www.sportengland.org/stayinworkout
Tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home.
15/04: Updates from Ofsted & ACAS, Resources from Flamingo Chicks, St Paul’s A.P. appeal
15/04: Updates from Ofsted & ACAS, Resources from Flamingo Chicks, St Paul’s A.P. appeal
Ofsted Updates: Childminders & registrations
(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted)
Childminders looking after the children of key workers
Childminders and childcarers looking after the children of key workers on domestic premises can apply to work from non-domestic premises for up to 50% of their time. If you would like to do this, email your application form to regulatoryteam@ofsted.gov.uk. We will review the details and contact you as quickly as possible to discuss your request.
Closing or resigning registrations
At this time, you do not need to let us know if your early years or childcare setting is closed due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), whether that’s because you are not caring for any children of critical workers or vulnerable children, or because you are ill.
You should tell us if you are resigning your registration. To do this, email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk from your email address that we have on your registration and include your unique reference number (URN). You can find this on your registration, your inspection report(s), and on your setting’s Ofsted reports page.
ACAS: Webinars
You can find a recording of their most recent Coronavirus webinar event on their webinars webpage:
Live Twitter Q&A sessions
If you have questions or concerns about time off work, pay, remote working and what steps you can take to reduce the spread of the virus, you can also join Acas experts on live Twitter chats which are being run each Friday over the coming weeks.
Send your questions in advance to @acasorguk #AskAcas.
https://twitter.com/acasorguk
A reminder of guidance and updates published recently:
A summary of recent employment law changes (from April 2020)
National Minimum Wage update
New Furlough letter template available to download
New home working advice
Flamingo Chicks: dance classes to keep disabled children moving
First of its kind virtual dance classes to keep disabled children moving during lockdown!
Linked to the national curriculum for added learning.
Adaptations are provided throughout, including ways parents/carers/teachers can support children with limited mobility and ideas to translate different movements. They are also Makaton signed.
FIRST UP… SPACE THEME: watch it now!
Our first review…“There is so much online content out there BUT it is extremely hard to find physical activity resources for disabled children. I’m so pleased they now have this! I absolutely love this resource – what a fantastic way for children to get some activity and movement into their day, as well as being great fun.” Stephanie Wheen, Paediatric Physiotherapist and Gympanzees CEO.
PLEASE HELP US REACH ALL 770,000 DISABLED KIDS IN THE UK BY SHARING!
Ideal to be shown at home as well as in schools, hospitals or hospices. Here are two example social media posts:
Getting disabled kids dancing during lockdown! Free, accessible #activelearning from @flamingochicks at www.flamingochicks.org/athome #balletnotbarriers
Travel to space with @flamingochicks’ #activelearning dance classes. Designed specifically for disabled children and their families, Makaton signed and adapted for a range of abilities: www.flamingochicks.org
*Plus* resources for added learning:
- Sensory Science experiments with Dr Sarah Bearchell
- Sensory arts and crafts with Designer, Sam Williams
- Inclusion themed stories read by celebrities (with Makaton)
- Guided relaxation for parents/carers
St Paul’s Adventure Playground Appeal:
Many of you will have heard the sad news about the fire in St Paul’s Adventure Playground over the weekend.
Undaunted, the Adventure Playground team are already organising to restore the damage & come back even stronger.
A Crowdfunder page set up by one of the playgrounds young volunteers, Stan Jones, has already raised £15,413! – If you want help too the page is here:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-rebuild-st-pauls-adventure-playground
Mark Millar from TV’s DIY SOS has been on the site to help with the reconstruction efforts:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/diy-sos-star-mark-millar-4041278
09/04 Thank you to Bristol’s Childcare Providers!; HSE- Paediatric First Aid; ACAS Updates; Voscur ; Time Capsule Worksheet
09/04 Thank you to Bristol’s Childcare Providers!; HSE- Paediatric First Aid certificate extensions; ACAS Updates; Voscur suspends fees & offers resources; Time Capsule Worksheet
Thank you to Bristol’s Childcare Providers!
BAND would like to celebrate and thank all the childcare providers in the City who are going above and beyond to keep childcare places open for key workers and vulnerable children.
From the 26 pre-school, nursery, afterschool & holiday playscheme settings we managed to contact today there are nearly 300 children attending.
We’re getting numerous stories of groups taking in new children, opening over bank holidays and extending their opening hours and days to ensure that the children are having a great time and their key worker parents/carers can carry on doing their incredible work that’s so important right now.
Thank you childcare workers, you’re doing an amazing job and are not forgotten.
Paediatric First aid Certificate extensions:
If your paediatric first aid certificate is due to expire, see advice from the Health and Safety Executive. It has announced a 3-month extension to the validity for all certificates coming up for renewal on or after 16 March 2020.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ofsted-coronavirus-covid-19-rolling-update#early-years-and-childcare
ACAS: Job Retention, Furlough, Holiday
Here’s a brief update on resources available to help employers during the Coronavirus pandemic. Including a new furlough letter template and an invitation to register for an upcoming Acas webinar.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme This HMRC advice page helps you find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
Furlough letter template
ACAS have produced a free-to-download template for employers to use to confirm that there is an agreement to temporarily furlough a worker or employee.
https://www.acas.org.uk/furlough-letter-template
Using holiday
View updated Acas guidance on using holiday, including advice on bank holidays.
https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/using-holiday
See all the ACAS advice on COVID-19 here:
https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus
Voscur suspends fees & offers resources
Voscur support, develop and represent Bristol’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. They have suspended all their fees and charges until the end of April, this includes membership fees.
The Voscur website (www.voscur.org) is publishing lots of Corona related COVID-19 guidance, information and resources for all VCSE groups. This advice covers anything coming from Bristol Council or national govt. plus quite a lot on safe volunteering etc. They’re also uploading videos and making training available online.
https://www.voscur.org/resources
FREE DOWNLOAD: COVID-19 Time Capsule
Natalie Long, a graphic designer (https://www.facebook.com/LongCreations/) has made a free Corona Virus Time Capsule worksheet download for anyone to use.
Natalie says on her website:
“We are all living through history and something I have said I wanted to do from the beginning is make a keepsake of this moment for us to look back on. I have saved newspapers, art work done by my kids, taken photos of all our days and kept a diary. BUT I have also been working on a “time capsule” work sheet for my daughter, son and I to fill out. This will be available as a FREE resource for any of my fans.”
You can Download the worksheet here:
https://letsembark.ca/time-capsule
Update 03/04 Safeguarding- Government advice & policy annex template, links to Bristol CC inclusion resources
Update 03/04 Safeguarding- Government advice & policy annex template, links to Bristol CC inclusion resources
- A draft document prepared by BAND for settings who are currently operating, in response to and following guidance from the govt. (March 27th) re: Safeguarding:
➡ The link below will download a Microsoft Word Document to your computer, please check you browser download folder once it is complete.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): safeguarding in schools, colleges and other providers:
- From the City Council Inclusion Service, lots of links to children’s resources (look out for the Lego challenge!)and mental wellbeing apps, food banks and emergency info:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/web/bristol-local-offer/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know
Update 02/04 Corona virus advisory webinar for employers/Bristol CC commissioning
Update 02/04 Corona virus advisory webinar for employers/Bristol CC commissioning
From ACAS:- new date released – 9 April
This webinar provides practical advice for employers to help manage the impact of Coronavirus in the workplace. We have scheduled our next event for 9 April, 10.30 – 11.30am.
You can register your place online
The page also contains a recording of our most recent event (March 31st).
From Bristol City Council, for organisations who hold or are bidding for BCC contracts:
https://www.voscur.org/insight/news/bristol-city-council-commissioners-respond-voscur%E2%80%99s-request-flexibility
Update 31/03: BCC Furlough Template, Support for Childminders, Cyber Fraud awareness
Update 31/03: BCC Furlough Template, Support for Childminders, Cyber Fraud awareness
From Bristol City Council, this template document designed for schools may help childcare settings when considering furloughing of staff:
Pandemic Staff Risk Assessment Whole School Overview
From Early Years Educator, news of support for Childminders: https://www.earlyyearseducator.co.uk/news/article/coronavirus-government-support-for-self-employed-throws-lifeline-to-childminders?utm_content=Read%20more&utm_campaign=Newsletter%20%20310320%20%28Non-s
From the S.W. Regional Cyber Crime Unit, with so many of us trying to work from home a timely reminder about Cyber Security:
COVID-19 Themed Phishing/Fraud
We are urging organisations and the public to stay alert to phishing emails and spoof websites, and many other scams as criminals are exploiting fears surrounding the Coronavirus. There has also been an increase in phishing via text message.
Normally, our advice is aimed strongly at organisations, but the current situation isn’t normal. With increased home working, increased isolation of potentially vulnerable people, and increased COVID-19 related phishing attacks, we need to raise awareness of how to stay safe not only against traditional cyber dependent attacks, but cyber enabled/fraud/scams as well.
The chances are a lot of the people reading this newsletter have families, or are a part of community and volunteer groups, as well as working in organisations with links to people who fall into the above. We need you to raise awareness of the protective advice too, so please help us to help others. Below is some advice to help stay protected against phishing, and common social engineering tactics generally.
ADVICE
> Check that the message makes sense
This applies not only to the grammar and spelling, but also to the message as a whole – does what you are being asked to do sound right? Would that person typically ask you to do this action in this way?
> Always confirm that a message is genuine by calling the person or organisation involved
Avoid using any numbers featured in correspondence, look these up separately.
> Never click on links and attachments, unless you are 100% sure that they have been verified.
There is almost always another way to check (e.g. by using your web browser).
> Stop and think before engaging with any correspondence
This applies not only to emails but to calls/texts/social media messages. Criminals look to apply pressure in some way to force people into making mistakes, so take a step back, don’t be rushed, and get a clear perspective.
> Only use official sources (e.g. Government website) for information around Coronavirus
> Watch out for fake login pages/URL spoofing
When visiting a page/logging in, check the URL in the address bar to ensure that you’re on the correct page, and everything operates as it should do. For added peace of mind, you can bookmark important sites and only visit those sites via that bookmark.
> More information
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) released a great article summarising the above situation, you can find it on their website at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/cyber-experts-step-criminals-exploit-coronavirus
> Reporting
If you have been a victim of a cyber crime, please report it to Action Fraud, which is the UK’s national cyber crime reporting portal. You can report through phone (0300 123 2040) or on their website at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Reporting helps build intelligence for law enforcement, which can aid investigations as well as informational campaigns to prevent others from becoming victims.
Action Fraud operate a 24/7 live cyber reporting line for organisations! Further details at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/campaign/24-7-live-cyber-reporting-for-businesses
Unique Voice: Home Activity Pack
Unique Voice: Home Activity Pack
Here’s a free Activity Pack for you to download from the lovely people @ Unique Voice. Over 20 pages of games, activities & creative ideas you can do at home!
Advice & information sources 26/03
Advice & information sources 26/03
Social Distancing for Open Settings
Flamingo Chicks – Helping Children Understand Coronavirus-
https://flamingochicks.org/athome/
MIND – Supporting your Mental Health & Wellbeing
https://mind.turtl.co/story/mindwork-march-2020/
Sec of State for Children & Families – letter to providers
Bristol City Council’s Families in Focus, Social Care and First Response Teams.
Bristol City Council’s Families in Focus, Social Care and First Response Teams.
Dear Friends, please find below details we’ve received about continuing services from Bristol City Council’s Families in Focus, Social Care and First Response Teams.
Bristol City Council Families in Focus Team
Families in Focus is continuing to operate as normally as we can do during these unsettled times. We are moving from face to face to telephone and online contact, but our Strengthening Families Team and Family Support Workers are doing their best to continue to offer support to families across the area. As a team, we are still accepting new referrals and are working out ways to find alternative ways of ensuring that Team Around the Family and Team Around Schools meetings carry on virtually.
As always, if anyone would like information or advice, please feel free to call us on: 0117 352 1499 or by email at FamiliesinFocusNorth@bristol.gov.uk
Bristol City Council Social Care Team
The North Social Care Team are, as far as possible, continuing to deliver their statutory services. Most meetings are being arranged virtually, but some face to face meetings will still go ahead on an individually risk assessed basis.
Bristol City Council First Response
First Response is continuing to operate as usual with a possibly reduced service depending on their day to day staffing. They are currently stable, but people should anticipate possible delays where they may be working with reduced staffing levels.If you need to report your concerns about a child as a member of the public, contact the First Response Team on 0117 903 6444. If calling outside of normal working hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615 165.
Professionals working with children should complete the First Response form to report their concerns. Information around this can be found within the following link: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/social-care-health/first-response-for-professionals-working-with-children
COVID-19 Information for settings 23/3
COVID-19 Information for settings 23/3
As things stand now (Monday 23rd) we think the current position is/will be when the Coronovirus Emergency Bill is passed early this week:
- If you are in receipt of FEEE funding then you need to remain open to provide childcare for keyworkers/SEND children when requested by parents, unless instructed to close by the Local Authority or Government.
- All Ofsted registered provision can remain open for keyworkers children and vulnerable children only, the decision based on the number of key workers children they usually take and the number of staff they have available. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers
- Settings which fail to comply and remain open for ‘other’ children could have their Ofsted registration removed
- Schools can have their hours changed as needed by the Secretary of State or Local Authority.
- Settings can claim back 80% of salaries of any workers who they have to lay off / ‘furlough’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Update & useful info 19/03
COVID-19 Information for settings 23/3
Although the BAND office is closed we are still able to respond to email and voicemail messages, email address are here.
We will mail info. on issues around key workers and finance to members, & put on our website and social media, as soon as clear guidance is available.
Some Useful Links
- COVID-19: guidance for educational settings
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice
- ACAS Coronavirus: advice for employers and employees
- https://twitter.com/educationgovuk
PACY
PACY have some really useful information about sources of support which they are regularly updating as new information is coming in…might be useful for some settings as it has listed all the different types of financial support that employers and staff can potentially access during the crisis.
Home Schooling Resources
Twinkl, a company used by many Bristol schools for resources have recently announced the following offer:
As the Coronavirus spreads, we’re aware that more schools are closing and pupils’ learning is being disrupted. Parents, carers and teachers are looking for ways to ensure the continuity of education during school closures so that no children miss out on valuable learning time.
To support you during this period, Twinkl is offering every teacher in England access to all Twinkl resources with a One Month Ultimate Membership, totally free of charge. We’re also extending this to every parent and carer in your school so your pupils can still have access to high-quality learning during any periods of disruption. Setting this up is really easy to do – go to www.twinkl.co.uk/offer and enter the code UKTWINKLHELPS.
World Jungle
Due to the current Covid-19 crisis we are going to be offering online classes in Pilates, Yoga, Dance Fitness, Drumming, Zumba and Mindfulness and Online Retreats
We will also be offering specific chair based movement for those with disability or who cannot manage standing classes.
World Jungle are offering free online classes to support you during the Covid-19 crisis, all classes will be offered through the free Zoom Platform and we can provide instructions for you on how to access and use this platform.
https://www.worldjungle.org.uk/online-classes
All classes are 40 minutes (that’s the limit for Zoom’s free option). Classes are free but you are welcome to donate if you are able.
Please do email or call us on 07889 512644 if you need support to access the classes – we are having a test meeting on Thursday 19th March at 10am before our first class starts on Friday at 10am.
Thanks,
The Team @ BAND
Bristol Council Early Year’s Service Statement: COVID-19, closures & entitlements
Bristol Council Early Year’s Service Statement: COVID-19, closures & entitlements
“We have been contacted by several settings asking about the funding for the Free Early Education Entitlement if you need to close due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Bristol City Council is following the advice from the Department of Education and Public Health England Health Protection Team which is that no childcare or education setting should be closed without direct instruction from Public Health.
The current guidance from the Department for Education can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-educational-settings-about-covid-19
We can confirm that if a setting is instructed to close by the Public Health England Health Protection Team, Bristol City Council will not ask the setting to return the funding they have been paid for the Free Early Education Entitlement.
However, should a setting choose to close without an official instruction from Public Health, any funding will need to be repaid.”
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Fundraising News : Moto in the Community
Non-mobile baby injury protocol update (2019)
Community Asset Fund – Sport England
Fundraising News: Community Asset Fund
Online Consultation: Safeguarding & Community Safety Partnerships Transformation
Makaton Enhancement Training
Get Inspired!: Crafty Behaviour 2019
Resilience & Mental Health and MAKATON – Spaces available
Fundraising News: The Hilden Charitable Fund
Safer Internet Day 2019
Growseed.co.uk – Seeds for schools offer
BAND visit to France: The Erasmus+ programme.
Fundraising News: The Lush Charity Pot
Youth Sector Support Fund
Back in the Day – BAND @ 40!
Tampon Tax Community Fund – Quartet Community Foundation
Fundraising Blog: The Big Lottery Partnerships
Fundraising Blog: Bristol Water
Fundraising Blog: Quartet Stoke Park Group Friend’s Fund
Esafety News from BSCB
BAND Blog
40 things to do – 40: Make a giant 40 and take a picture
40 things to do – 39: Build the biggest rolled up paper tower
40 things to do – 38: Have fun with slime
40 things to do – 37: Put on a puppet show
40 things to do – 36: Go Pond Dipping
40 things to do – 35: Tie Dye a t-shirt
40 things to do – 34: Build a Windmill
40 things to do – 33: Create a dance routine
40 things to do – 32: Go on a treasure hunt
40 things to do – 31: Make junk drums
40 things to do – 30: Bubble Painting
40 things to do – 29: Obstacle Course
40 things to do – 28: Make a bird feeder
40 things to do – 27: Write a song
40 things to do – 26: Play Hide & Seek
40 things to do – 25: Paint with ice
40 things to do – 24: Have a water fight
40 things to do – 23: Make a Robot
FUNDRAISING BLOG: Big Thank you to Little Lives
Healthy Eating Week
40 things to do – 22: Build a S(B)andcastle
40 things to do – 21: Find a Gromit
40 things to do – 20: Hunt for bugs
40 things to do – 19: Make a trail with sticks
40 things to do – 18: Make a picture in a stream
40 things to do – 17: Grow Some Cress
40 things to do – 16: Make a den inside
40 things to do – 15: Make a daisy chain
40 things to do – 14: Climb a Hill
40 things to do – 13: Build a den
40 things to do – 12: Play Pooh Sticks
40 things to do – 11: Make a bug house
40 things to do – 10: Bake a cake
40 things to do – 9: Make a grass trumpet
40 things to do – 8: Paint a rock
40 things to do – 7: Climb a tree
40 things to do – 6: Fly a kite
40 things to do – 5: Jump in puddles
40 things to do – 4: Create a secret code
40 things to do – 3: Walk 2 miles
40 things to do – 2: Build a dam
40 things to do – 1: Visit a museum
National Walking Month 2018
Data Protection & GDPR- where to find advice
Childcare Vouchers
Scarlet Fever in Bristol (March ’18).
Fundraising Blog: Somerset Crimebeat Trust
Fundraising news: Ford Britain
Play throughout the ages
Is it time to let children play outdoors once more?
FUNDRAISING BLOG: The Garfield Weston Foundation
We Need Your Help in developing the Playwork Apprenticeship Standards
FUNDRAISING BLOG: UnLtd, Sport relief & Spirit of 2012
BANDNews-Back Issues: Safeguarding Bristol’s Children
FUNDRAISING BLOG:Blue Spark Foundation
FUNDRAISING BLOG
BANDNEWS – BACK ISSUES: Cooking Corner: Ice Cream in a Bag
BANDNEWS – BACK ISSUES: Learning from the death of four year old Chadrack Mulo
BANDNews-Back Issues: Lockdown Procedure
BANDNews – Back issues: A Grand Day Out
BANDNews – Back issues: Building Relationships Across Generations
BANDNews-Back issues: Movement in Mind
BANDNews-Back issues: Rates Boost Childcare Equality?
BANDNews-Back issues: Short Changed?
BAND Fundraising Resources
Co-op Membership Funding – Music Workshops
BAND Equalities Conference: All together now.
Safer Internet Day 2017 – 7th February
Early Years Designated Safeguarding Leads Network Meetings.
Makaton Enhancement course, February: Spaces available
Band Annual Report 2015-16
Spaced Out!: Space activities for kids
Bristol -Time to stand up for children’s play!
BAND visit the Play Bus Sensory Truck
Craft Skills 21st September 2012
Photos of the PAWS Fire Workshop led by the Ape Project
Bristol Adventure Playgrounds
Bristol’s drive towards inclusion
Theme Time
Get Hunting!
