Is your child two?

Many two year olds go to an early years setting, some even get a free place. If your financial circumstances have changed due to Covid, your two year old could now be entitled to a free place.

Your child may be entitled to 15 hours per week free early education for 38 weeks per year or 11 hours for 50 weeks if you have a low household income. If you are in receipt of Child Tax & Working Tax Credit and have an annual income under £16,190 before tax, or receive Universal Credit: parents entitled to Universal Credit who have an annual net earned income equivalent to and not exceeding £15,400, you may be eligible.

Nurseries and childminders have adapted their settings to be Covid-secure. Including enhanced cleaning routines, twice weekly testing and smaller group sizes. Ratios for children and practitioners are 1:4 in group settings for 2 year olds and 1:3 in childminder settings and children have key workers to build positive attachments.

Accessing early education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, and supports children’s social and emotional development. Research from Effective Pre-School, Primary and Secondary Education (EPPSE) has shown children who had early years education gained higher English and mathematics GCSE results and were more likely to achieve five or more GCSEs at grades A*C. Children who had experienced high-quality pre-school education are also better at self-regulation and social behaviour.

You could take some time for yourself whilst your child has fun learning, perhaps take an adult learning course, catch up with friends or just have a cuppa! Although parents may have family at home that can provide one to one care for their child, research has shown that there is a huge importance on the home learning environment particularly in the development of early speech, language and communication. However along with the educational benefits of attending a high quality early years setting, children benefit most when they have a balance of the two. Children also do not have to take up the full 15 hours per week.

Michael Jarrett, Associate Director, Children and Families saidThe government funded entitlement for 2 year old provision (for eligible families) is a huge commitment in supporting the educational outcomes for children across Slough. Slough’s early years providers including childminders provide high quality early education that supports the educational outcomes for children.

“Many families have already taken up their entitlement and their feedback confirms that their children really enjoy attending early education provision, and parents report that they have time to take up other pursuits including training, part time work or simply time for themselves. Every child that takes up a free place has the potential to achieve higher educational outcomes at the end of their GCSEs, and as a council we want every child to grow up to be happy, healthy and successful and therefore bright futures really do start in early years."

Speak to your local provider or contact Slough Family Information Service for more information on 01753 476589, or visit https://www.sloughfamilyservices.org.uk


 

Published: 8 April 2021