I am aware that the guidance for childminders continues to be that childminders should not childmind in their home when someone living there has tested positive or has symptoms of COVID-19. This is because there is a higher risk of transmission to those attending the provision for childcare, as they are in close proximity to the case and for extended periods of time.
In light of the changes to the legal requirement to isolate, I understand that the Department for Education has reviewed and updated the guidance with advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and you can read about these here:
The guidance also outlines some options for childminders to continue working if there is someone who has tested positive or has symptoms of COVID-19 in their home.
I know that this can be challenging however, keeping children and staff safe is the Government's utmost priority and throughout the pandemic it has listened carefully to the latest scientific and medical advice when developing its guidance. I appreciate that this is not the news that many wanted but I am assured the Department will continue to work with UK Health Security Agency to keep guidance under review and make sure that the right control measures are in place.