Easter childcare for key workers

Learning and childcare hubs for the children of key workers will remain open across Scotland over the Easter holidays.

The move will help support key workers in the NHS and other key sectors on the frontline of the response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

All of Scotland’s local authorities will keep learning and childcare hubs open in their areas to support children and young people. The number of hubs that are open, and the types of support they provide, will vary between each council area in response to local demand.

Education Secretary John Swinney said: “I am very grateful to colleagues in education and childcare who are working so hard to deliver this service.

“Clearly these are unprecedented times and this will be a very different Easter holiday period for teachers and pupils across the country. I would like to thank all of those who have volunteered to provide support over this time.

“Our key workers are on the frontline of the response to coronavirus and it’s only right that we do everything we possibly can to support them.

“By keeping learning and childcare hubs open in our local authorities, we can make sure children are safe and well looked-after while their parents are doing critical jobs helping our communities.”

Guidance on key workers

Key workers whose children already attend learning and childcare hubs will be contacted by their local authority to explain the arrangements over the spring break.

Local authority websites are being updated regularly with the latest information on the learning and childcare hubs and should be contacted directly for further information if necessary.

Stick to advice: STAY HOME THIS WEEKEND

With warm weather forecast this weekend people may feel tempted to head out more, but please stick to government guidance. You are saving lives by staying at home.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Don’t travel unless it is essential and particularly avoid using public transport this weekend.

“I know that during the warm weather this weekend people may feel tempted to make the most of it and head out to nearby green spaces more than they have in recent weeks.

“But I want to urge everyone to continue to follow government guidance; that means not travelling too far to exercise or walk pets, staying 2 metres away from other people when outside, and only making journeys when absolutely essential.

“Please remember that anyone can get coronavirus and anyone can spread it – so stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives. As the Prime Minister has said, we will beat coronavirus, and we will beat it together. But to do that we need to stick with the guidance in place, and not break the regulations set to help tackle this outbreak.

“And for those people in the transport sector continuing to work day in and day out to ensure frontline workers can get to work, I want to reiterate my heartfelt thanks at the efforts and dedication you’re showing in helping with this nationwide effort.”