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Free childcare scheme to launch for NHS workers
A new scheme offering free childcare for NHS workers launches tomorrow.
A platform providing free childcare to NHS workers is being launched tomorrow.
Bubble, a babysitting platform, has teamed up with medical students to provide the free service nationwide as part of the effort to tackle the early part of the pandemic crisis.
Ari Last, founder of Bubble, says the idea came about after a LinkedIn conversation with a doctor which brought home the problems NHS workers were having with childcare. “One doctor not being able to do an evening shift because of childcare issues could be the difference between life and death,” says Ari.
At the same time he had noticed a movement of medical students whose courses had been cancelled and who were not qualified enough to help out in hospitals had started to offer free childcare on Facebook. “They saw the childcare crisis and how people were not able to do their shifts and they thought this was a way they could help,” says Ari.
He reached out to the movement – https://www.nationalhealthsupporters.co.uk/ – and asked if Bubble could help get that offer more secure and scaleable through the Bubble platform.
The Bubble platform uses sophisticated technology to match babysitters with those looking for childcare. Babysitters undergo thorough checks and the same will apply to the free service. It includes background checks, references and a DBS check. Sitters, who include anyone who wants to offer their services to help the NHS, also have to fill in a childcare questionnaire and are provided with educational material.
The site has been registering voluntary babysitters over the last few days and goes live for parents tomorrow. Ari says that within an hour of launching for babysitters 800 people had signed up for the voluntary site, including teachers and nursery workers whose workplaces are closed. Bubble will verify that parents are NHS workers and has introduced a special voluntary section of the site to enable parents to book for free.
Ari says Bubble is making no money from the service. They just want to do their bit to help the country at this time. “The number one priority right now is for NHS workers to be able to do their shifts. We are working with epidemiologists and medical students to minimise any risk and to issue guidance,” he says, adding that he is trying to engage the Government in plans to expand the free scheme to other key workers and low-income families in a sustainable way.
Find out more here – https://bubble.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
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Comments [14]
K C says:
Hello Mandy,
This is a cleverly worded headline that is a bit misleading. I was looking for information regarding free childcare NHS workers, and found your article. I will check out bubble, however its not the free childcare that I was looking for. I don’t see why NHS workers are not being offered free childcare. They work long, unsociable shifts that don’t match nursery hours. Surely if free childcare was available it would get more nurses back in hospitals. Especially if some of them are single parents.
Mandy Garner says:
I’m not sure how it is misleading. The article dates from during the pandemic and is related to the pandemic situation.
Veena Aggarwal says:
Hi my husband is a nhs doctor and I m a key worker too, though working fro home. I also come in the group of clinically extremely vulnerable. I am looking for a childminder who can do the school run and after school for my 3 year old 3 days a week. Is that something possible through this app.
Mandy Garner says:
The best thing is to contact them directly.
oseinene Ajagbe says:
Hello, my baby is 3months , can u benefit?
Jane Taylor says:
Childcare.co.uk also offer NHS Workers free childcare services. https://www.childcare.co.uk/news/nhs
samita says:
hi, does this apply to people who just started working for NHS and not a doctor and such?
Mandy Garner says:
It says it is for NHS workers rather than just doctors, but you could contact them to check.
NurseLa says:
I’m I’m a similar situation. What about increasing costs of childcare as I’ve been asked to do more shifts at work, is there help towards playing nursery for my 2year old? I know they need nurses more then ever but I can’t see the point in doing more shifts if I’m then paying £56 of that out in nursery fees a day!
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, Are you a member of a union? This is something that they or other lobby groups should address. You might also consider petitioning your MP.
Fran says:
I work In the hospital, as a single parent I have no choice other than to take annual leave and unpaid as my department manager says that I can’t get furloughed, this was 3weeks a go. . Is this right? (Nursery has closed)
Mandy Garner says:
Have you contacted your local authority’s education department? They should be able to direct you to a nursery that is open. The government is also giving local authorities greater flexibility over early years funding so the funding will follow the child if they move nursery.
Susie says:
Hi there,
Sorry this isn t a direct question for Bubble, but it is related. I am a teacher at a closed primary school. My son is still working, and his partner is a key worker in the food industry. They need a child minder for their two year old and 8 month old children. As a teacher, and a young, fit grandparent, can I look after them without getting into trouble? Who can I ask permission to do this please?
Many thanks,
Susie
Mandy Garner says:
Hi, The guidance says grandparents over 70 and with underlying health issues should not look after their grandchildren. It also aims to limit social contact between households as much as possible. Key workers should be able to get childcare through their local authority. They should ask the local authority in the first instance as alternative childcare should be available, depending on circumstances.