Changes to restrictions
Can I look after other people's children?
Yes. From 14 September, you can have up to six people in your home or garden from other households (this includes children). This means that, if you are a single parent with an only child you can collect up to 4 other children from school.
We have added a cap to that no more than 4 fetch requests can be raised or accepted.
What if I take them to the park?
Can I take them in my car?
- Share the transport with the same people each time.
This should be simple, as you will be connected to a limited number of people on the app with whom you share childcare. - Keep to the small group of six people.
- Open windows for ventilation.
- Travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow.
- Face away from each other.
- Consider seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
- Clean your car between journeys using standard cleaning products - make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch.
- Make sure the driver and passengers wear a face covering.
Whilst primary school children (under 11) are exempt from wearing masks, it is a good idea to have some for car journeys as it is a confined space.
Can I host a sleepover?
Yes, if your children want to have your friends to stay, they can. Sleepover guests can only stay overnight if the total number of people in the home does not exceed six people.
Take particular care to maintain good standards of hygiene, especially when using shared facilities like bathrooms.
People in the same support bubble can stay overnight with each other in larger groups as they count as one household.
Can grandparents help with the school run?
Yes. We already have a number of grandparents using the Fetching app and we know they enjoy spending that time with their grandchildren - as well as helping with childcare.
After-school clubs have more than six
Can my child still play their team sport?
Team sports that do not have approved guidance should not be played if you cannot socially distance from people you do not live with. Instead, people should train together and take part in activities such as fitness sessions outdoors and in groups of no more than six people.
When playing sports informally with people you don’t live with, stick to a group of six.
Childcare shared
The government acknowledges that, whilst people should try to maintain social distance from people they do not live with, this is not always possible when providing care to a young child. You should still limit close contact as much as possible, and take other precautions such as washing hands and clothes regularly.
To find out more about how the Fetching app is helping people get back to school safely, read our blog.