Fed up parents demand rethink over singing for tots saying confusing Covid-19 rules have "gone too far"

Fed up parents have demanded a rethink over the latest guidance on singing for under 5s claiming it has “gone too far”.

Children enjoying singing Christmas carols

Angry parents in the Capital have issued a fresh plea for all singing in nurseries to be allowed, after the council issued guidance saying nursery kids can sing but only if it’s outdoors.

Frustrated parents say it’s cold comfort for kids who will be forced to sing Christmas carols out in freezing temperatures, and they say rules “have gone too far”.

It comes as nursery workers said they were told kids can’t get presents at parties this year.

Edinburgh council said that children can sing outside in small groups, following the latest guidance issued on 2 November.

But parents say they have had enough and now plan to demand a review of early years guidance to stop restrictions on singing, toy quarantines and playing in sandpits.

Lucie Tinsdale, an Edinburgh mum and early years lead for UsForThem said: "We think early years should be taken out of these over-the-top restrictions altogether. We will be writing to the Government demanding a review of the early years guidance. It is clear it’s not underpinned by evidence for the things they are asking our children not to do. Yet there’s plenty research showing how important things like nursery rhymes are to reading and writing. Surely more damage is being done by not singing than by letting them get on with it.”

“Parents are worried. Singing is crucial to development and is an important part of much-needed joy in activities at this time of year. It’s gone too far.

"These rules are causing grief. We’ve had parents join the group because they are worried about the singing rules. It’s unclear, confusing and not necessary. Kids are already showing worrying effects of these restrictions in their play, not wanting kids near them. It’s driven by fear and is making them unsettled.”

The group said they have heard from nurseries who ask children to stand and face the wall if they are singing.

Nursery workers have raised fears about guidance on singing and nurseries told the Evening News they were advised this week that they weren’t allowed to give children presents at parties. But the council says the tradition of staff handing out presents is going ahead, with strict conditions.

One worker from a council-run facility said: “We’ve been told it’s okay for kids to hum but not to sing. We think singing outside in bubbles is fine, but it’s not clear either way. They put the onus on us to interpret guidance. Staff just want a simple yes or no. This week we were told we can’t give them presents, as wrapping paper surfaces are a risk. The kids spend all day playing with the same stuff, it doesn’t make sense.”

An Edinburgh City Council spokesperson said: “Our nurseries and early years settings follow the latest Scottish covernment guidance. This advises that singing shouldn’t happen indoors as an organised, large group activity but recognises that children sing naturally in the course of activities and play, and should not be discouraged from doing so. Presents are allowed this year, a Santa sacks will be individually wrapped 72 hours before and delivered to classrooms.”

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