Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated Monday 23rd March 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
In these uncertain times we would like to offer as much support and clarity as we can. Government updates are only known to us when they are announced to the public. Following these updates we assure you that we will continue to do all that we can to make considered, well thought out decisions and will update you as soon as we are in a position to offer full and informed communications. While this may mean that at times we appear quiet, we assure you that we are diligently working to do all we can in these unusual times.
We hope that the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) will help you navigate all the information we have shared with you, including our most recent parent letter.
Should your question remain unanswered please send this to Kirsty Miller, Customer Relations on Kirsty.Miller@lgdngroup.com or by calling 0207 622 0484 and we will respond to you as soon as we are able. Our team is working with you, for you and cooperation and understanding will see us through.
We thank you for your support, we continue to do all we can to support you.
Questions relating to key workers and children considered vulnerable
I don’t know if I am a key worker, how do I find out?
Detailed descriptions of jobs classed as key workers can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
In summary, key people are all:
- those working in the NHS, whatever their role everyone is needed and included.
- All emergency service workers.
- Those involved in supply chains for food, consumables, PPE etc.
- Skilled trades who maintain electricity, gas and other utilities.
- People involved in keeping the infrastructure of the country maintained and in working order.
- All educators, including nursery colleagues and teachers
What constitutes a vulnerable child?
Children that are vulnerable are those with Special Education Needs, including children that need support with behaviour management. Other vulnerable groups of children are those with English as an additional language, those in receipt of 2 year or EYPP funding, with parents in the armed forces, where court orders or restricted access arrangements are in place and those that are, or who have previously been looked after by the local authority or who are known to Social Services. This is not an exhaustive list, but the examples highlight what considerations should be considered to deem a child as vulnerable.
I am a key worker and a Little Garden parent, when can I come to my nursery?
Please come in as usual and we look forward to welcoming you.
I am not a key worker but my partner is a key worker. Can our child attend the nursery?
Please come in as usual and we look forward to welcoming you.
I am not currently a Little Garden parent but I am a key worker. Can my child attend one of your nurseries?
Please contact your local Little Garden nursery. As you will appreciate we are prioritising our existing families who are key workers, but your local nursery will do everything it can to welcome new families in your position and are ready to discuss your needs with you during the week of 23rd March.
Questions relating to our opening for week commencing 23rd March
I am a key worker and my child goes to Little Garden, when can my child come in?
Please bring in your child as usual, we look forward to welcoming you.
Who are we opening to?
On Monday we are open to children of key workers and children who are considered vulnerable. We also invite new families of key workers and vulnerable children, to contact their local Little Garden nursery to discuss their childcare needs during the week of 23rd March.
When will we open for new children who are children of key people or who are vulnerable?
During the week of 23rd March we will welcome new children. We are taking this gradually so that children enter a calm and stable environment, very much needed when they are experiencing so much change in their lives. We are getting ready for you and your local Nursery Manager can advise when you can come.
Why are you not opening on Monday for all children of key workers and children considered vulnerable?
We are opening on Monday to our existing eligible families and will respond to demand from new eligible families as quickly as we can. Please be patient with us as we prepare to accept new eligible families, as we will need make sure that:
We have enough essential basic items in place for everyone e.g. appropriate hygiene equipment, food etc
We are fully staffed to welcome you
Your child joins a calm and welcome setting, much needed now more than ever
Questions relating to fees
Can I get a refund of my fees for the days in March my nursery was closed?
No, we are not offering refunds for March fees for the period of closure. We are committed to paying our colleagues in full for the month of March as well as certain other nursery related costs.
If I have not yet paid my March fees, do I still need to pay?
Yes, March fees are to be collected.
What happens if I have already paid my April fees?
We understand that we have collected April fees by Direct Debit for many parents. We are currently in discussions with our insurers, landlords, local authorities, bank, and other related parties in order to ensure the future sustainability of your nursery. These conversations are developing day by day, along with the further daily announcements we are receiving from the government. Our aim is to have a clear strategy of how we will support our nurseries and our colleagues financially over the coming weeks by Friday 27th March; as these plans become clearer we will of course share them with you as soon as we are able.
I currently receive funding for my childcare and I believe I am a key worker. Will I still receive the Early Years Funding when the new term starts in April?
Yes, based on all advice received from the government thus far our understanding is that Early Years Funding will continue as normal for the new term and beyond.
We are proud to open for those who need us, and will continue to play our part in the community and the greater society need at this time. I would once again thank you for your understanding and your support to our colleagues and to your nursery.
Please keep healthy and safe.
Warmest Wishes
Andy Morris
Chairman
