The guidance released by the government today regarding the removal of bubble groups from early years settings is a positive and welcome step.

It shows a recognition there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution where childcare settings are concerned.

This decision will allow childminders, preschools and nurseries to operate safely in a way that is most suitable for them. 

That said, there can be absolutely no doubt that the safety of children, parents and staff is of paramount importance and this must take priority, which is why any decisions such as this should be taken on the basis of scientific advice.

Indeed, this advice needs to be shared with providers to support them in understanding the steps that they need to take to minimise the risk of infection and to keep everyone safe, without the use of bubbles. 

Bigger issues ahead

However, while a welcome step, this decision alone will not solve the crisis the sector currently faces.

Parental demand for childcare places continues to fall below the normal levels and nurseries, preschools and childminders continue to face the additional costs of extra cleaning.

And while the government has committed financial support to help schools with this extra cleaning, early years providers continue to bear the cost themselves. 

The sector was in a bad way financially before the coronavirus outbreak and this financial insecurity has been exacerbated over the past few months.

Recent analysis of the Early Years Alliance’s The Forgotten Sector report carried out by the Sutton Trust showed one in three childcare providers in disadvantaged areas could be forced to close - underlining how desperate the sector is for serious financial investment from the government.

Deaf ears

In fact, we’ve been calling for a long time for a commitment to short-term transitional funding for the sector to avoid wide-scale closures and mass redundancies - yet still, the government refuses to listen.

It beggars belief that in 21st-century Britain the case is still having to made to those in power about the importance of early years education in the development of our young children.

The sector should not be placed in a position where many providers are having to take personal loans or go into debt to be able to survive and ensure accessible and high-quality education is available for children across the country.

When all of the evidence is pointing towards a severe financial crisis within a fundamental area of our society such as childcare, the government should act with urgency to deliver the necessary funding required - and offer a long-term financial commitment to the sector that safeguards and guarantees the availability of high-quality childcare.

Neil Leitch is chief executive of the Early Years Alliance