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The impact of the pandemic on nursery schools – are we in crisis?

August 18, 2020  

What Has Been the Impact of the Pandemic on Nursery Schools?


The impact of the pandemic on nursery settings – are we in crisis?

During the peak of the pandemic, all nurseries were forced to close, only staying open for vulnerable children and children of key workers.

Not only did this cause financial difficulties for the nurseries, but families were left with no childcare. It resulted in the challenge of juggling working from home and looking after their children.

We discuss the impact Covid-19 has had on nurseries, children, and their families.

The impact of the pandemic on children and their families

Parents have reported being left feeling anxious, exhausted, and burnt out by the experience of home-schooling.

YouGov conducted a poll of 604 parents in Britain of children aged 2-4. It found that 45% of parents felt that the lockdown had negatively impacted their child's social and emotional development and wellbeing. Those whose children could not attend their nursery or pre-school were most likely to report this.

A recent study has also revealed that 46% of mothers being made redundant because of a lack of childcare provisions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

If more nurseries close because of financial difficulties, parents may struggle to find places for their children. In turn, this will create more stress and uncertainty around working arrangements. Concerns have also been raised about a rise in childcare costs because of providers closing and available places being in higher demand.

On the positive side, families have been given a unique opportunity to spend more quality time together and create memories since the outbreak began.

The impact of the pandemic on nursery schools

Despite nurseries reopening in England on 1st June, loads of parents have decided to keep their children at home for longer. This has placed a further financial strain on the early year's sector.

Research from early years analyst Ceeda shows that as of 8th June, early years providers in England were operating at average occupancy levels of just 37%. In spring 2019, they were operating at 77%. Parents and carers are worried about the transition back to the nursery and the strange environment their children will return to.

Before Covid-19, nursery staff already faced issues such as low pay. The pandemic has added to this problem by reducing the number of staff needed as the number of children who attend fall. Government support from the furlough scheme is ending in October. Early years providers will face the task of predicting when parents and carers will send their children back full-time and how many staff they will need.

Some nurseries have stated that without further help from the government they may have to close permanently, with nursery schools in disadvantaged areas at higher risk of closure.

What are the long-term recovery options?

A report from The Sutton Trust recommends the following recovery options for the early years sector:

  • A support package for the early years sector similar to support offered to schools

  • Increasing the Early Years Pupil Premium to a per-hour rate equivalent to the primary school Pupil Premium for at least the next year

  • Extending eligibility for 30 hours of childcare to those currently eligible for disadvantaged 2-year-old provision, including those out of work or on very low incomes

  • Long-term commitment to increased levels of funding

  • A ‘Leadership Quality Fund’, which settings could access by to attract, hire and adequately pay qualified staff

  • A system of community-based family support

The pandemic has caused high levels of uncertainty for the future of nursery settings.

What are your thoughts on how the government can help ensure a more stable future for the early years sector?

Let us know by leaving a comment below.


Submit your comment

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