CHILDCARE providers and early years settings have been thanked for their vital role in the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, has heaped praise on the private, voluntary and independent providers of childcare across Bradford District for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

On March 20, all childcare providers across England joined schools in having to shut to everyone except vulnerable children and youngsters whose parents are key workers.

Providers of childcare for pre-school age children across the district have been working with the Council to ensure that there are enough childcare places for all under 5s who need one and qualify.

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Key workers with children under 5 looking for childcare as a result of the closure of schools and childcare settings can use the Bradford Childcare Finder to help in their search for providers in their local area. Anyone requiring further help to find childcare is asked to email sufficiency@bradford.gov.uk and a member of the team will then be in touch.

Councillor Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “We owe our early years’ providers a big thank you for responding to the government’s call to continue to maintain childcare provision for the children of Bradford’s key workers and the vulnerable during the pandemic, including the Easter period.

“I applaud their energy and efforts to work with us to make sure key workers can continue in their vital roles, safe in the knowledge that their young children are being well cared for by professional and dedicated staff.

“These are very testing times but providers have shown a great willingness to adapt and work with us in our shared aim of keeping children safe and families and communities supported during the battle against the virus.

“I also wish to acknowledge the hard work from staff at the Council to support the district’s nurseries and childcare settings to keep going, offering advice and guidance round the clock.

“Finally, to all those families who, because of the closure of schools, nurseries and early years’ providers, are staying at home, I thank you too. By staying at home we can all help ease the rate of the spread of the infection. It is the best way to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and protect the NHS.”