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Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

"We welcome today's update which offers some further clarification for providers who have been on the frontline throughout this crisis but are concerned that this latest update includes the removal of the phrase: ‘Essential workers, which includes anyone involved in education or childcare, have priority access to testing’ from the guidance on engaging with the NHS Test and Trace process.
 
Despite being key workers and working in very close contact with young children, we know that many providers have struggled to access coronavirus tests in recent weeks, leaving many settings short-staffed and worried about the long-term impact of this crisis.
 
If the government is seriously committed to supporting early years providers through this crisis, it is imperative that childcare staff are given priority access to tests, alongside teachers and other key workers, to help them get back to work and prevent further outbreaks. 
 
In an already underfunded sector, this crisis could see even more providers forced to close over the coming months. We need the government to act now with an urgent financial package of support for the early years.”