Vaccinations for Early Years Workforce

Email dated 15.02.2021

Dear Colleagues,

We are aware that the sector has faced great confusion today following the issue of an updated National Careers service list, indicating that nursery workers and childminders are now classed under Social Care.  Social care | Explore careers (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk) The LA had no advance notice of this update. Many providers have understandably interpreted this as meaning that early years workers are now eligible to be prioritised for vaccinations.

Please see e-mail message below from Alison Hurley, Director of Education and Skills, clarifying the position. We are aware this is not the news you will be hoping for and wish to reassure you that we continue to lobby on your behalf.

With best wishes and take care,

The Early Years Team 

Message from Alison Hurley, Director of Education and Skills

Unfortunately, it does seem that the previous position still stands and education staff, including nursery, are still not yet eligible to receive a vaccination.  Approval for additional priority groups is a decision that is made by each local area’s vaccination oversight group (CCG).  Unfortunately, the fact that there have been changes in the careers framework for nursery workers, doesn’t appear to have meant any changes to priority for vaccinations.

It is the oversight group that register any eligible workplace and issue the required letter, confirming a member of staff can receive a vaccination.  These are cross-referenced at the vaccination centre, so anything that falls outside of this process will be challenged.  Therefore, locally issued letters from schools or settings are not valid.  

Unless the DfE confirm anything differently today, I am afraid this will remain the position for the time being.    I am continuing to make a case for education staff and particularly those who work directly with Clinically Extremely Vulnerable children and will update you when the position changes.

Sorry I couldn’t provide better news.

Best wishes

Alison Hurley