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<p>We appreciate that the wraparound childcare sector, like many sectors, is facing
unprecedented financial pressures as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is for
this reason that the government has made a range of financial packages of support
available for businesses to access throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes
tax relief, business loans or cash grants through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
and the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, as well as a £594 million discretionary
fund for councils and the devolved administrations to support local businesses that
may not be eligible for other support, during the current national lockdown. More
information on this can be found here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support</a>.</p><p>Additionally,
we have encouraged all local authorities to consider which local grants could be used
to bolster this part of the childcare sector in their areas, to safeguard sufficient
childcare provision for children of critical workers and vulnerable children. This
includes funding streams such as the holiday activities and food programme. The expanded
programme, which comprises a £220 million fund to be delivered through grants to local
authorities, will be expanded to reach all local authority areas over the Easter,
summer and Christmas holidays in 2021.</p><p>The National School Breakfast Programme
continues to be funded, and our suppliers Family Action along with Magic Breakfast
are working closely with participating schools to make sure that children can still
receive healthy breakfasts during this period, including for children staying at home.</p><p>Family
Action have reported that more than 1,000 schools in disadvantaged areas are registered
to receive breakfast deliveries from this programme during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p>
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