MEC Fernandez welcomes the court ruling for re-opening of ECDs | Western Cape Government

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MEC Fernandez welcomes the court ruling for re-opening of ECDs

6 July 2020

The Provincial Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez notes and welcomes the North Gauteng High Court ruling stating that all private and NGO-run Early Childhood Development Centres may re-open immediately.

With the country moving to alert level 3, many parents have had to return to work, with no alternative care options for their young children, which has placed many children at risk. Furthermore, as ECDs remained closed since 18 March, the livelihoods of ECD workers were at stake.

“The National Department of Social Development has already drafted directions setting out safety measures for the reopening of ECDs. I appeal to the Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu to gazette the safety measures contained in these directives as a matter of urgency to help protect children and staff,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.

“In the interim I also urge all of those who intend to re-open, to abide by the ECD operating protocols and guidelines which can be found on our website. These measures include extensive safety training for staff, daily screening and handwashing on arrival for both staff and children, staggered arrival times per age group, and age appropriate education of children about Covid 19. While I welcome the judgment, ECD operators must prioritise the health and safety of the children in their care”.           

For the detailed guideline about the safe return of staff and children to ECDs, a checklist for parents, and a list of social service organisations to support for ECDs, click here.