01 April 2020

Working alongside our partners to deliver childcare for key workers

 Now childcare arrangements are in place for priority Category 1 key workers, as well as support plans for some of the most vulnerable children across the local area, Aberdeenshire Council is focusing its efforts on the extension of provision for all keyworkers by working alongside partner providers. 
 
The intention is to support local private nurseries, playgroups and childminders to remain in operation. A number of them are registered to provide childcare for children from 0 to secondary school age and the local authority is now providing a service to link families with suitable options. These providers, while prioritising Category 1, are also able to consider childcare requirements for category 2 and category 3 key workers. 
 
Director of Education and Children's Services, Laurence Findlay underlined the importance of accessing this provision only in exceptional circumstances. 
 
He said: "While we are doing everything we can to support key workers in difficult circumstances, there should continue to be a presumption that if parents can make their own childcare arrangements then they should continue to do so. If one parent is a key worker and the other is not, for example, then the non-key worker would normally be expected to provide childcare. 
 
"It's imperative we all stick to the guidance set out by the government as far as possible. We are, however, happy to discuss exceptional circumstances with families on a case-by-case basis."
 
These providers work in partnership with the council, so if your child already receives funded childcare (aged 3 – 5) or is of primary school age then you can access this provision for up to 30 hours per week for free. These services are generally open from 7.30am to 6pm. 
 
Key workers who have already completed the online registration form requesting childcare do not need to do anything – you will be contacted to make arrangements in due course. 
 
If you have not yet registered and would like to request more information about childcare availability in Aberdeenshire and information on funding, please email earlyyears@aberdeenshire.gov.uk  
 
For more information, visit: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/schools-covid-19/