Support bubbles

A support bubble is an exclusive close support network between two households. It means you can have close contact with that household as if they were members of your own.

From 2 December, you can form a support bubble with another household, if at least one has:

• only one adult; (including a household where any children are under the age of 18)

• only one adult carer (i.e. living with any additional adult(s) in the household that have a disability and require continuous care);

• a child under 1 (regardless of how many other adults are in the household) ; or

• a child under 5 with a disability that requires continuous care (regardless of how many other adults are in the household)

Childcare bubbles

A childcare bubble is where one household links with one other household to provide informal childcare to a child or children aged 13 or under. They can provide the childcare in either or both of the homes from the 2 households. ‘Informal’ childcare means it is unpaid and unregistered.

All adults in both households must agree to this arrangement.

The childcare can be provided where necessary in any location – public or private, indoors or outdoors.

You can only use a childcare bubble for childcare – that is, where the child’s parent or regular carer is not present. You cannot use a childcare bubble to mix with another household for other reasons.

There is more information on childcare bubbles HERE.