Looking after grandchildren after July 4th

Yes, this affects many of us with small grandchildren I’m sure. I listened to this being discussed on the radio today as I have a GS who is nearly two. The changes after 4th July are ‘guidelines’ so they were saying that although it’s not strictly within the new rules people should use their judgement. If you are fit, fifties (they said) and healthy everyone involved should assess the risks if no alternative childcare is available. This is already the case for key workers. It is indeed confusing that two households including little ones will be able to mix indoors, socially distanced, but small children can not be looked after by grandparents.

I think to follow it strictly would mean no childminding but I'm hoping it won't be.long coming.

This is such a grey area how can you keep your distance with young children? So how do you provide childcare when parents are a work? Any clues please?

But surely that is only if you as the grandparent are a single-person household (support bubble)

Can anyone direct me to the Government source for the statement that grandparents can look after grandchildren after 4th July? I can't find it anywhere.

From July 4, bigger bubbles are allowed. Effectively three households - one plus single plus another one!

But we still need to maintain social distance and couldn't therefore be responsible for a child?

There's the problem. A small relaxation like two households including the single person in the support bubble, can now meet if they can socially distance, gets rewritten as three households can become bubbles with close contact.

Then it gets repeated on gransnet and people say they're confused.

Where did you get your info from Kate?

Can anybody please put up the link or direct us to where the Government have said clearly that two grandparents from the same household can finally meet with their grandchildren with no social distancing after 4th July? We, like many others, have not hugged or seen our little ones for many months. There is very confusing information on here. It gives us hope that the wait will soon be over but clarity would make us all feel better. Our grandson is 2 & a half so social distancing is not possible as he doesn't understand.

Patsy6 - I fear that, despite the attached photo of 'breaking news' information provided by the BBC on 23rd June during the Government briefing, grandparents are not permitted to see their grandchildren, or indeed anyone else outside their household (support bubble) without social distancing. I have asked the BBC for clarification following this claim but they have yet to get back to me. I have searched all available government guidance and as far as I can see, it will not be possible after 4th July under current guidance/legislation.

Sorry - that photo isn't very clear on this thread. The wording is 'Parents in England able to get childcare from friends & family from 4 July'. The screenshot is from 17:24 on 23rd June.

I think that photo says it all. You can't socially distance with small children and my DD ( teacher in P1 Scotland) has been told that P1 (4/5 year olds) and nursery children will not be expected to do this in August when schools return in whatever form it takes.

Use the Cummings rule - instinct and common sense. Don’t wait for the government to allow you to do anything.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do-after-4-july

There's nothing specific in there about grandparents and childcare.

All I can say is that as a professional childminder I have been looking after two early years children (keyworkers, 2yrs and 4yrs) and no social distancing is expected. I'm 63.

The only change I've made is that I don't brush their teeth at the moment, that felt like a step too close for my liking in March and I've stuck to it.

Make of it what you will!

vegans rock- you're absolutely right. The Cummings rule to follow your instincts, supported by the Johnson advise to use your common sense is now what passes for government advice during this pandemic.

The official guidance must be confusing because every facebook group, forums like this one and radio phone ins I've heard are full of questions like, can I look after my grandchildren. I know I can't look after mine because Im over 70 and take immune suppressants. Well, I could resume day care and would love to but, at what level of risk? The children are considered not to be super spreaders. They are at school and nursery two days each week, their parents at work. They have begun to see other family members and to meet up for walks with close friends and their children. The idea of a safe bubble is a non starter for most of us.

That guy has done a tremendous amount of damage by 'following his instincts' and being approved for 'using common sense'! No wonder people are copying his behaviour!

MamoandPapa - Thanks for replying and everyone else too. It would be so nice if we could have it clear from Boris & Co but I guess it isn't that straightforward as there are many different scenarios.

Confusion arises when people follow what other people “ think” is the case. As I posted on another thread the only way to find out is to read the guidelines on the gov website. It’s very longwinded but does cover everything.

I've read the guidelines on the government site and it doesn't state anywhere about grandparents looking after their grandchildren

Children under 12 in Scotland dont need to socially distance since last Friday ,Grannies can get cuddled ,but our numbers are much lower and deaths are few Children over 12 still need to distance as the rate of infection from them isn't yet clear