Tier 2 explained for families
CAN GRANDPARENTS LOOK AFTER THEIR GRANDCHILDREN IN TIER 2?
The care from grandparents is a vital one that many families cannot afford to lose, and allows parents to continue to work.
Initially, back in March, many grandparents were classed in the vulnerable category which meant looking after grandchildren was out of bounds.
However, the government advice has since moved away from this notion.
When the country was split into different tiers on Monday, October 12, new childcare bubbles were announced.
This means parents can allow their parents into their childcare bubble, to look after their children.
However, there are limitations introduced under the new childcare bubble rules.
WHAT IS A CHILDCARE BUBBLE?
You are allowed to form a childcare bubble, regardless of which tier your area falls into.
The Government states that: “A childcare bubble is where someone in one household provides informal (unpaid and unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household.”
These rules have been brought in place to help parents struggling to find adequate childcare in Tier Two and Tier Three, where mixing between households is not allowed indoors, anywhere.
However, the childcare bubble is restricted to be only between the same two households.
People can only form one childcare bubble. The government website states: “For any given childcare bubble, this must always be between the same two households.”
CAN MY CHILD STILL GO TO NURSERY OR PRE-SCHOOL?
Yes. Formal childcare, like childminders and clubs registered with Ofsted, is allowed. Playdates and parties are banned.
CAN CHILDREN FROM SEPARATED HOUSES SEE BOTH PARENTS?
Yes. Children under the age of 18 who live between two separated parents can move between those houses to ensure they can still see both parents, regardless of which tier those households are in.
CAN MY CHILDREN STILL GO TO FOOTBALL, DANCE CLASSES AND GYMNASTICS?
Yes. Indoor organised sport and physical activity which is Covid19 secure and follows social distancing rules can continue even when a region is in Tier 2.
Youth groups and activities, and children’s playgroups are all still allowed to function with more than six people, as are outdoor exercise and dance classes, and organised outdoor sport.
CAN I HAVE A SUPPORT BUBBLE IN TIER 2?
For single parents, a support bubble can be a lifeline. A support bubble is the linking of one single-adult household and another household of any size.
A single-adult household is a household which includes just one adult, or an adult with children.
People who have formed a support-bubble together can mix freely in their households, have overnight stays and visit public places together, as if they lived under the same roof.
The government says that support bubbles should be formed with households who live locally, where possible, to prevent the potential transmission of the virus between different areas.