Nurseries update sent in Tweet

NUrSerIeS across Scotland will be closed until at least January 18, the Scottish Government has announced – on Twitter.

officials were yesterday accused of posting the vital news for parents and carers on an ‘ obscure’ social media page with just 9,117 followers.

The news will mean thousands of families in Scotland will be forced to seek additional care plans for their children.

The account said there was an ‘important update’ about childcare following the tough new restrictions announced by miss Sturgeon.

It said from Boxing Day ‘ childminders can open to all children and should operate in accordance with Level 4 guidance (Level 3 in island authorities).’

‘Nurseries and all other childcare providers across Scotland should only open to key worker and vulnerable children from Boxing Day until at least 18 Jan. We are meeting sector reps on monday to discuss impacts and will publish guidance ASAP.’

The announcement was made less than 24 hours after Nicola Sturgeon told a live press conference schools would be closed in Scotland until January 18.

Last night opponents raised concerns over why such an important announcement was made on social media rather than directly to parents. Scottish Tory education spokesman Jamie Greene said: ‘We all accept the virus is unpredictable and the situation fast- changing but this will have come as a bombshell to many working parents. For this to be released through an obscure Twitter account on a Sunday morning is not good enough.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The account is a recognised and well used way to provide quick information.

‘Information about childcare was also updated on the Scottish Government website and, as the tweets made clear, further discussions are to be held and more detailed guidance made widely and publicly available as soon as possible.’