EY: Department for Education. COVID 19 updated guidance for childminders

From 17 March 2022, if someone in a childminder’s household has tested positive or has COVID-19 symptoms, childminders can continue to childmind at home. Childminders are advised to follow the steps below to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

• The person who has tested positive or has COVID-19 symptoms should avoid contact with the children being cared for in the setting.
• Where possible, use separate toilet and handwashing facilities.  If this is not possible, maintain extra cleaning and hygiene routines, particularly after the person has used the facilities.
• Notify parents and carers of the children attending the setting, and any assistants, about the person who has tested positive or has COVID-19 symptoms, as soon as reasonably possible and maintain open communication with them throughout.
• Consider the need to reduce the spread of COVID-19 with mitigations such as ventilation and extra cleaning and hygiene routines. They should be applied where practical and safe to do so. Additional guidance is available in Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.
• Comply with health and safety law by reviewing your risk assessment. The risk assessment must demonstrate that the provision of childcare in your setting is safe and how you will put into place any additional but proportionate measures

Childminders can also consider using alternative places to childmind such as other childminders’ houses, where possible.