Updated guidance for early years and childcare providers
We have updated our guidance for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, to include information on the side effects of children receiving a vaccination or teething.
Vaccines may cause a mild fever in children. This is a common and expected reaction and isolation is not required unless coronavirus (COVID-19) is suspected.
Parents and carers should monitor side effects from a vaccination or teething and if they are concerned about their child’s health, they should seek advice from their GP or NHS 111.
If coronavirus (COVID-19) is suspected, providers should follow the advice in the system of controls.
Claiming exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) – deadline for claims
The second window to claim exceptional costs is now open. Our guidance on claiming exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) provides instructions on how to claim exceptional costs related to coronavirus (COVID-19) that were not claimed during the first window which closed on 21 July 2020.
Claims for exceptional costs incurred between March and the end of the summer term can be made through the online form.
The deadline to submit a claim during the second claims window is 22 December 2020. This will be the final opportunity to submit a claim. There will be no opportunity to request extensions to this claims window or to resubmit a claim after that date.
The information below has not changed since our last update
Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline – opening hours
The Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline is available to answer questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to education settings and children’s social care.
Please listen carefully to all of the available options before selecting the most appropriate option for your nursery, school, college or university.
Please select option 1 or 2 if you require specific advice on the action to take to respond to a positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your setting. This option will take you through to a dedicated team of NHS Business Services Authority advisors who will work through a risk assessment with you to identify close contacts and will inform you what action is needed based on the latest public health advice.
Please select option 3 or 4 for any other questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to education settings and children’s social care.
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm
Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm
Look up your unique organisation number (UON)
If you have not received your unique organisation number (UON) for ordering new coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits you can can look it up using your unique reference number (URN) or your UK provider reference number (UKPRN) or by calling the Test and Trace helpdesk on 119.
Department for Education guidance
Our guidance to support education providers, local authorities and parents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be accessed using the links below: