MEC Fernandez welcomes ECD preopening assessments | Western Cape Government

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MEC Fernandez welcomes ECD preopening assessments

23 June 2020

The provincial Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez has welcomed the developments in the ECD and Partial Care sector, including the preopening self-assessment, but has called on the national department to commit to timeframes for the reopening process.

In a circular shared with the sector, Partial Care facilities and programmes have been asked to participate in the self-assessment process which will gauge the state of readiness for re-opening.

The self-assessments can be submitted online. For those who cannot complete the online assessment form, the paper copy of the self-assessment form can be submitted to the nearest local or regional office of the provincial Department of Social Development, or to the social service organisations rendering partial care services the area of operation. On submission of these forms, departmental or social service organisation officials may conduct verification of these self-assessments.

The self-assessment is a series of questions and statements based on the minimum health, safety, and social distancing measures on Covid-19 that a facility must comply with before reopening and receiving children, once a reopening date is announced. It must be noted that the submission of the assessment does not mean ECDs are automatically allowed to open. The reopening date will be announced by National Social Development Minister, Ms Lindiwe Zulu.

Furthermore, staff at Partial Care facilities and programmes are now allowed on the premises to ensure preparations commence, while adhering to the Regulations governing all workplaces.

“While these developments are encouraging, I urge the national department to move at greater speed in finalising timelines and protocols for the reopening of these facilities. The impact of the closures have meant that many vulnerable children have had to go without the meals they would’ve received at the facilities, that they have been without a safe spaces as their parents returned to work, and that these facilities’ ability to generate income and sustain themselves has been negatively impacted,” says Fernandez.

ECD and Partial Care centres who need guidance in completing the forms may contact the social service organisations in their areas. The circular, self-assessment forms, as well as the list of social service organisations can be found on the Department’s website under the heading State of Readiness: Reopening of Partial Care Services

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development

Media Enquiries: 

Esther Lewis

Head of Communications

Department of Social Development

E-mail: Esther.Lewis@westerncape.gov.za