Council-run nurseries in Brighton and Hove close to all but vulnerable children and those of key workers

  • Meridian

  • Video report by ITV Meridian's Malcolm Shaw

All council-run nursery schools in Brighton and Hove have closed to all but vulnerable children and those of key workers.

The government says it's safe for early years settings to stay open, but the city council says it's been forced to take action to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

Privately-run nurseries across our region say, without financial support, their future is in jeopardy.

Early years providers like these are a lifeline for busy parents trying to juggle childcare while holding down jobs.  

Even more so during the pandemic when many people's working lives are in turmoil.

Nurseries are doing all they can to keep children safe but it seems many parents are worried about taking their children to playgroups.

Drop off time at Little Lambs Kindergarten in Hove this morning

It comes as primary schools in many parts of the country welcomed pupils back on Monday after the holidays. But after one day face-to-face teaching they closed again to the majority of children, who will now learn remotely.

The advice being given to the government is that younger children are less likely to pass on coronavirus than older children.

Coronavirus poses less of a risk to younger children and there is limited evidence it spreads in that age group. 

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