Can grandparents look after grandchildren in Tier Two?

BORIS Johnson introduced a new three tier local lockdown system on October 12.

Regions across England have been placed into different Covid alert levels which has sparked fear over childcare arrangements. Here's everything you need to know.

Can grandparents look after grandchildren in Tier Two?

Tier Two, also known as Covid alert level "high", is reserved for towns and cities across England that are in need of additional restrictions.

For areas that are under Tier Two, the rule of six applies so grandparents can see their grandchildren in outdoor settings such as parks, beaches and playgrounds. Social distancing must be observed.

There is a ban on mixing between different households in any indoor setting in areas that have been placed under the second tier.

However, under the new rules, people can form childcare bubbles. These are designed to give working parents help with childminding responsibilities.

A childcare bubble is defined as someone in one household who provides informal (unpaid or unregistered) childcare to a child aged 13 or under in another household.

The childcare bubble must stay between the same two households.

You are allowed to form a childcare bubble and a support bubble.

A support bubble is defined by the government as "a close support network between one household with one adult in the home (known as a single-adult household) and one other household of any size".

Any lone parent with kids under 18 is classed as single and is eligible to be in a support bubble.

A single adult living on their own, even if they have carers, can also form a support bubble with another household.

You can't swap in and out of multiple households.

Single parents with kids can form a bubble with another house other than the one that includes your child’s other parent – so they can stay overnight, help with childcare or provide much needed support.

It means grandparents living on their own can see their grandchildren for example.

Can grandparents look after grandchildren in Tier Three?

In Tier Three, you can't mix between different householdsbut support bubbles and childcare bubbles are exempt from the rules.

Childcare bubbles can be formed regardless of which tier your region falls under.

The government website warns: "You must not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place."

If grandparents are already part of a childcare bubble then they can continue to see their grandchildren.

Family who are not part of a childcare bubble must not visit your home to help with childcare arrangements.

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