Childminders unhappy after being denied home testing kits for Covid-19

However, childminders say they feel they are at greater risk than those working in dedicated premises such as nurseries, which will receive the kits.

They have also outlined practical problems with going to get tested regularly.

In addition, there is irritation that childminders working from home were invited to do training on using lateral flow tests, only to be then told they would not be getting kits at home.

Wigan Council says this was due to national guidance changing part-way through the process and stressed it still thinks those looking after youngsters should be a priority for getting tests to make sure they do not have Covid-19.

Colette Dutton, director of children’s services at Wigan Council said: “Wigan Council recognises the role and responsibility of childminders and the hard work they have demonstrated throughout the pandemic.

“As a result of a change in national guidance, the option to provide childminders with home tests is no longer available.

“While we work to change this, we have written to all of our childminders to update them of the latest position and will meet them virtually to talk through their questions.

“In addition, as childminders remain a priority for asymptomatic testing, we will amend the opening hours of at least two of our lateral flow testing sites to support our them to safely access the community testing facilities currently operational in the borough.”

The council said it had received advice from the Department for Education (DfE) which guided local authorities towards supporting childminders through community testing sites, with no mention of home lateral flow testing for them.

However, those affected by the guidelines have been left far from happy.

One borough childminder, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m furious. As this is being given to nurseries but not childminders it feels like someone’s decided we’re not as worthy.

“I also know people like teachers do lateral flow testing at home and then report back.

“We’ve been asked to attend a lateral flow testing centre but we’re working from home during the day and you can’t put somebody else’s children in the car to take them with you. That’s a no-go.

“I just feel it’s downright unacceptable to offer something and then take it away again, and I feel it’s very feasible for us to do the tests at home.

“We’re at more risk because we’ve got the children of key workers, who are at high, in our homes, and we’re not able to clean down spaces and wash the Covid off our clothes when we get home.

“Our safe houses aren’t safe, because they are also our working environment. Our children live here and our partners come from home work, and we’ve got children here touching handles and things every day.

“The Government just hasn’t taken our situation into account.”

If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.