You should think about how you are going to reopen - the barriers and the ways they can be overcome, using a solution focused approach to problems.
Ask parents what their barriers are as well - they might come up with some useful suggestions you haven't thought about yet.
Do speak to parents as well as writing - for example, don't frighten them with 'you must pay xx if you don't attend' statements in a letter - have a conversation about affordability first!
You will find a lot of free advice and support on the Childcare.co.uk Coronavirus Toolkit page -
https://www.childcare.co.uk/childminders/coronavirus-toolkit
If I've missed anything you need, please let me know and I will add it to the page.
Colleagues have asked me for a 'return to work' sample letter they can adapt - so here's mine... I hope you find it useful.
Sarah | Knutsford Training & Consultancy
..............................................................................................
Return to childcare letter to parents
Your contact details
Date:
Dear xxxxxxxxx
Following the Government’s announcement that we can reopen our setting, we are returning to work from: xxxxxxxxx
We have completed a comprehensive Coronavirus Risk Assessment which includes additional hygiene and infection control measures – please ask if you would like to see a copy.
We are setting everything up to keep everyone as safe as we can and will send you a copy of our new Arrival and Departure Policy shortly.
The Government are advising us to work with small ‘bubbles’ of children, so our policy for dropping at and collecting children from other settings is currently: xxxxxxxxx
If you, or any family members are currently shielding, we do not expect your child to attend our setting. Arrangements for payment of your childcare invoice from June 1st are as follows: xxxxxxxxx
Please note that if you or any of your social ‘bubble’ are displaying coronavirus symptoms (new continuous cough and / or high temperature and / or change to taste or smell) you must self-isolate for 14 days – a negative test result will allow you to stop self-isolating, so please apply to be tested as quickly as you can.
Thank you for your continued support. We are doing everything we can to ensure we offer your child care in as safe and healthy a setting as we can. Please let us know what hours / days you need for your child from xxxxxxxxx so we can plan for our return to work.
All the best,
Signed by you