Tier 1, 2 and 3 Covid childcare rules and bubbles explained
28 October 2020, 12:48 | Updated: 23 November 2020, 15:11
Can grandparents look after grandchildren in tiers 1, 2 and 3? And what are the rules with childminders and nursery? Here’s a look at childcare rules in the new coronavirus alert system.
The coronavirus pandemic has led Boris Johnson and the Government to divide England up into three tiers with different rules and restrictions in each - so what does this mean for childcare and bubbles?
With areas and regions in the UK to face tougher Covid restrictions, one of the biggest questions is what does this mean for childcare, especially for parents who rely on friends and family for help.
So can grandparents look after their grandchildren in tiers 1, 2 and 3? What’s a childcare bubble? And can you still use nannies and childminders?
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Here’s what the childcare rules and restrictions are in the coronavirus tier system:
What is a childcare bubble?
As stated on gov.uk - a childcare bubble is 'where someone in one household provides informal (unpaid and unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household'.
This means a friend or family member, often grandparent, can still look after your child as part of one childcare bubble and they must be used for childcare only.
Can grandparents look after their grandchildren?
Yes, as long as they complete a childcare bubble as the rules state above. They must always be between the same two households.
What are the rules for nurseries and childminders?
The government guidance states that youth groups, childminders, playgroups and many other childcare settings are currently exempt from the rule of six and are still available in all three tiers.
Are the childcare rules the same in tiers 1, 2 and 3?
The tiers of restrictions for education and childcare are different from the Covid alert level tiers so it's best to check local guidelines.
All decisions on childcare restrictions are made separately and each area will be told of any changes to the local circumstances.
