We need a plan to protect early years

WE’RE pleased to see plans for private, voluntary and independent nurseries to have access to testing announced in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

However, the early years are still being largely left out of the conversation and there has been little mention about the impact of the pandemic on young children who are extremely vulnerable to both the short and long-term consequences because of the critical stage they are at in their development.

A lack of consistent information from Government throughout the pandemic has caused anxiety and confusion among children, parents, the sector and the public. It also remains unclear what the facts are around transmission between the 0-5 age group and adults, and what it is safe for young children to do.

We’ve heard some harrowing stories from our networks about how children are being treated out in public, with some being verbally abused, denied entrance to shops, and pulled away from other children. This isn’t anyone’s fault, but a serious side effect of unclear guidance during this crisis.

Now that we have a plan for the country to emerge from lockdown, we need more information about transmission rates among the 0-5 age group – and between this group and adults – and much clearer communication on this group moving forward, so that we can make informed choices that protect young children and their futures.

Maccs Pescatore, CEO of Montessori Centre International, London