Half term holiday childcare for parents working to support the COVID-19 response

Wiltshire Council has been working with local childminders to provide a directory of half term paid for childcare for those working as critical workers during the holiday.

Details of the provision has been shared with health partners initially so Wiltshire residents working directly to support the COVID-19 response can access childcare provision during half term.

Now these details will also be available to any parents looking for paid-for childcare during the February half term who are having difficulties. Parents are asked to email schoolholidayprovision@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) for details of providers with vacancies in their area.

The first option for any parent needing childcare during the February half term school holidays is to consider forming a childcare bubble locally.

The government has said that people who need childcare during the school holidays for a child under 14 can form a childcare bubble (opens new window) with one other household - ideally who live locally. 

However, if a childcare bubble is not possible, Wiltshire Council is able to share details of local childcare providers, fees and locations with contact details, with those who need to access childcare in order to work.

Wiltshire Council has asked local providers to send details of their activities including charges, accessibility and location to help parents plan how to keep children busy during the half term holiday.

Wiltshire Council has also asked all providers to ensure they have the necessary protocols and checks in place including procedures that enable them to adhere to the latest government guidance on social distancing. Parents are reminded to always thoroughly research any childcare provision themselves before booking places for their children.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills said: "We know that there will be families who will be looking for childcare for their children during the February half term holidays. This is not an exhaustive list, but it does provide a range of paid-for childcare provision from across Wiltshire which we hope people will find useful.

"We are grateful to the providers who have come forward and we hope families will find this extremely useful."

Families are advised to keep up to date with latest government guidance as they plan their half term holidays.