Following the Government’s announcement a week ago that England would enter a third period of national ‘lockdown’ measures in its fight to control Covid-19, many early years settings (including nurseries and childcare) remain open to all children.

To all those working as childminders, in nurseries and other early years settings in Somerset, you are providing vital support for not only the children in your care but also to the parents who would not be able to continue to work without you.

I would like to send a huge message of thanks to all the early years staff who have worked, and continue to work, so tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

We realise that you are all working hard to respond to the Government’s guidelines and challenges that the current restrictions place on you. We know that a significant amount of effort goes into producing risk assessments and plans for each setting to adapt to changing guidance and respond with safety of our children always being paramount.

Please know that your efforts and dedication are noticed and valued. We have not forgotten you.

As the old saying goes ‘Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures’ and your response to how we continue to care and educate Somerset’s future generations while we all work to defeat this devastating virus has been nothing short of extraordinary.

I know that I am joined by my colleagues and residents of Somerset in sending you our heartfelt thanks for all that you are doing.

Councillor Frances Nicholson, Lead Member for Children’s Services, Somerset County Council