Information on Childcare Bubbles

As you will have heard, a third national lockdown has been ordered in England.

The implemented rules are similar to those introduced last March however support and childcare bubbles, which were introduced later on, can continue during the latest national restrictions.

If you live in a household with anyone aged under 14, you can form a ‘childcare bubble’. This allows friends or family from one other household to provide informal childcare.

What is a childcare bubble?

A childcare bubble is where one household links with one other household to provide informal childcare to anyone under 14. All adults in both households must agree to this arrangement. ‘Informal’ childcare means it is unpaid and unregistered.

How childcare bubbles relate to other types of bubble

A childcare bubble is different to a support bubble. Being in a childcare bubble does not stop you from forming a support bubble.

You can read the full government guidance on childcare bubbles here 

The updated lockdown guidance can be found here

Please remember, EEAST's occupational health service is here to help you. There are a number of services on this page which can help keep you healthy and well. 

We also outlined a series of helplines in this Need to Know article. 

Published 5th January 2021