Wiltshire Council has worked with local childminders and activity providers to create a childcare and activity directory for use by critical workers during the upcoming Spring half term holidays.
The directory has been shared with health partners initially to ensure Wiltshire residents working to support the COVID-19 response have access to childcare provision. There is a charge for all provision detailed in the directory.
This information will also be available to any parents looking for paid-for childcare during the June half term holidays who require this. Parents are asked to email email hidden; JavaScript is required for details of providers in their area or visit wiltshire.gov.uk/child-care-choosing-a-pre-school-or-nursery and scroll down to Spring half term childcare and activity directory.
Local providers have provided details of the activities they are offering, including charges, accessibility and location, to help parents plan how to keep their children busy during the half term holiday.
Wiltshire Council has also asked all providers to ensure they have the necessary protocols and checks in place to enable them to adhere to the latest government guidance on social distancing. Parents are reminded to always thoroughly research any childcare provision themselves before booking places for their children.
Lucy Townsend, Director for People, said, “The pressure on the NHS and other agencies at the forefront of responding to the coronavirus pandemic has decreased but we know there will still be families looking for childcare for their children during the half term holidays.
“We published a similar directory of provision available during the Easter holiday and this was used by over 30 families struggling to find suitable childcare.
“This is not an exhaustive list, but it does provide a range of paid-for childcare provision from across Wiltshire which we hope parents and carers will find useful.
“We are grateful to the providers who have come forward and we hope families will find this extremely useful.”
The government has said that people who need childcare during the school holidays for a child under 14 can form a childcare bubble with one other household. Ideally this should be with somebody who live locally. Additional guidance on forming childcare bubbles can be found at: www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-childcare-bubble-with-another-household
Families are advised to keep up to date with latest government guidance as they plan their half term holidays.