Childcare provisions in place for the children of key workers aged 4-12 in Carmarthenshire will come to an end on July 17th, the same day that schools will close.
The Welsh Government has maintained that it has no expectation for local authorities to keep providing childcare throughout the summer holidays, with necessary childcare arrangements having to be made in the same way as previous years.
There are some options in place to provide support for children and young people during the summer holiday period.
Provision is available for vulnerable children as identified through the Education and Children’s Services Department, with support based on each individual family’s circumstances.
The families of key workers with children in the preschool age range (0-3) can continue to access the Coronavirus Childcare Assistance Scheme up to August 31st, however the closing date for new applicants is July 12th.
The providers of private childcare are now able to reopen if they are able to implement and maintain social distancing measures, allowing an increased range of provision for families over the summer. The Family Information Service website has a list of providers which have confirmed they are open, or intend to open over the summer. This list is continually updated. For further information or advice please email childreninfo@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call the Family Information Service on 01267 246555.
It is now possible for two separate households to join together and form one exclusive extended household, which will allow for families to reunite, and aid in establishing support care arrangements.
Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Glynog Davies said: “It has been a very difficult time for families over the past few months and I would like to thank them for their support and patience during this time.
“I would also like to thank all the staff at our childcare hubs and our schools as well as all the private childcare settings for all their hard work and dedication in looking after key worker children and vulnerable children during the pandemic, without them our frontline staff would not have been able to continue to respond to the crisis.
“As restrictions begin to lift and we go into the summer holidays, our childcare hubs will now close. Our Family Information Service is supporting private childcare providers to re-open safely to all children; and families who need information on childcare during the summer months can visit the website or contact the team directly for advice.
“We will continue to do all we can to support both providers and families during this time.”
