Petition · past parliament · Department of Health and Social Care
End social distancing for under 5s
Closed
247 signatures
What the petition asks
Many babies and toddlers are being kept away from extended family and peers, many baby and toddler groups have stopped, and families have lost support. We believe this is causing damage, and the Government must end guidance recommending social distancing for under 5s.
Social distancing for under 5s should end because:
- 30% of pre-school children do not attend formal childcare (currently the only setting where social distancing has been relaxed for children).
- A study of parents of children under two showed 48% felt their child had become more clingy since lockdown.
- Evidence has shown the first 1,000 days of a child's life are essential for providing a firm foundation for their future.
- Under 11s in Wales and Scotland no longer need to socially distance.
- 30% of pre-school children do not attend formal childcare (currently the only setting where social distancing has been relaxed for children).
- A study of parents of children under two showed 48% felt their child had become more clingy since lockdown.
- Evidence has shown the first 1,000 days of a child's life are essential for providing a firm foundation for their future.
- Under 11s in Wales and Scotland no longer need to socially distance.
Timeline
| 7 Sep 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 7 Mar 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
247
Status
Closed
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
7 Sep 2020
Closed
7 Mar 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.