Keyworker childcare over Easter

Childcare for the children of keyworkers continues to be on offer over the Easter holiday period - to help parents and carers play their part in Orkney’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Since the Scottish Government's decision to close schools and council-run nurseries, Orkney Islands Council has provided keyworker childcare at a number of locations.

With parents making alternative arrangements when possible – to help keep the number children at each school and nursery to a minimum – it has been decided to offer this service at three sites from now on.

Stromness Primary will offer keyworker childcare for primary and secondary age children from Stromness and the West Mainland. Papdale Primary will provide the same service for the children of keyworkers from Kirkwall and the East Mainland, and can also offer care for nursery-aged children.

Childcare is available for keyworker parents who require it between 08:00 – 17:30, seven days a week.

In addition, Peedie Breeks will also be used for day care of very young children and, in some instances, care for children outside usual school hours.

The new arrangements came into effect earlier this week and will be in place during the holiday period and the weeks to follow.

If parents and carers have not previously made a keyworker childcare application to the Council, but now need the service, please get in touch here.

Parents and carers who have already registered for the service have been notified of the new arrangements.