TIER 3 may have left many parents and carers in the North-East wondering how they are going to look after children when they cannot mix with other households. 

Even in Tier 2 areas, like North Yorkshire, households cannot mix indoors. This makes it difficult for working parents to aks someone to watch their child when they are unable to.

But there are several ways parents and carers can access childcare, regardless of which tier they are in. 

A child can be looked after by a registered provider, a professional provider in the home like a nanny, via wraparound care, playgroups and youth groups for older children.

Another option for parents are carers is to form a childcare bubble. Here's everything you need to know. 

What is a childcare bubble?

Childcare bubbles are allowed in all tiers, no matter if you're in the North-East with the toughest restrictions or North Yorkshire where rules are more relaxed.

A childcare bubble is where one household links with one other household to provide informal childcare to a child or children under 14.

Informal childcare is where it is unpaid and unregistered, so when a friend or family member watches your child.

Childcare can be in a home or public place and children can stay overnight.

You can however only have one childcare bubble, with one other household. 

Who can be in my childcare bubble?

Anyone can be in your childcare bubble as long as it is just one other household and solely for the purpose of childcare - socialising is off the cards.

There must be an agreement between the households to stick to the bubble, meaning grandparents with multiple sets of grandchildren can only look after one set. 

Similarly, children with two sets of grandparents can only have one in their bubble.

Can I change my childcare bubble?

If you decide to change your childcare bubble but you should have a 14-day break between the two.

This means following the Tier 3 or Tier 2 rules on meeting people depending on whether you are in the North-East or North Yorkshire.

If someone in your previous childcare bubble develops Covid symptoms or tests positive within 48 hours of when you all last met, everyone must isolate for 14 days. 

Can I have a childcare bubble for older kids?

No, you can only form a childcare bubble if there is a child under 14-years-old. 

Once all children in a household are 14 or above, the childcare bubble is not allowed.

What if a child's parents live separately?

You can mix indoors where necessary with the other parent to allow your child to move between homes.

A child moving between parents who live separately does not count as a childcare bubble, meaning both you and the other parent can form a childcare bubble with one other household. 

While there are no official restrictions, people are urged to try and form a childcare bubble with a household that lives close by to minimise travel.

Can I be in a support bubble and childcare bubble?

Yes, childcare bubbles are separate from support bubbles meaning you can be in both - as long as you meet the correct criteria.

Your two bubbles don't need to be the same household but you are not allowed to see your childcare bubble socially, they are for childcare only.

What if someone in my childcare bubble develops coronavirus symptoms or tests positive?

If anyone in your childcare bubble develops symptoms or tests positive for coronavirus, follow the stay at home guidance.

If you share custody of your child but have separate childcare bubbles, members of both bubbles should stay at home if someone in either household develops symptoms or tests positive for coronavirus.