Early Years and Extended Services

 

   

 

 

What is the Herefordshire Early Years and Extended Services 

Herefordshire Early Years and Extended Services is committed to making life better for children, parents and communities by bringing together:

We aim to create a working partnership between various providers and users of early years care and education. It brings together people from all private, voluntary and independent sectors, relevant agencies and the local authority.

Our aim is to improve outcomes for all children and families. The government is strongly promoting integrated services for children. Known as the Every Child Matters agenda, this means that all organisations who work with children will worl much closer than they have done previously. In particular the government wants to see all children:

What can the Herefordshire EYES do for you?

....as parents

....as employers

...as providers

  1. Pre-schools/playgroups                                                              
  2. As a childminder/childminder networks
  3. Out -of-school clubs
  4. Day Nurseries
  5. Parent and toddler groups/creches

....as someone interested in working with children

Guide to Early Years Education for 3 and 4 Year Olds

Your Questions Answered

From the term after their 3rd birthday, children living in Herefordshire are now entitled to a free place in an early years education setting located within the county. It may be possible to obtain a free place in a neighbouring county but free provision cannot be claimed in Wales.  Places in England are paid for as part of the National SureStart Unit Strategic Plan to deliver early education to 3 and 4 year olds.

 Where can I send my child to claim their FREE nursery education place?

To any pre-school or nursery in Herefordshire that is registered with the Herefordshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) to offer free nursery education places. This includes pre-school/playgroups, day nurseries, LEA nurseries and reception classes for children in the academic year in which they are five.

You will need to check to see whether a place could be available for your child at your preferred setting. Places are subject to availability and your child must be in attendance at the start of term.

You will be able to access a free nursery place only if your childcare provider is registered with the Herefordshire EYDCP and Ofsted.                       

All settings registered to offer free nursery education places follow the foundation stage curriculum from the age of 3 to the end of the reception class year at school.

How do I register for a FREE nursery place?

You will need to book a place for your child at a nursery or pre-school in Herefordshire. You must ensure that the provider you prefer is registered to receive the early education funding.  Once your child is registered, your provider will claim the funding for your child and the money will be paid direct to them. This money is not transferable.

It is important to make contact with the playgroup or nursery before you want your child to attend.  Your child may not get a free place if you register after the start of term.

If your child is already registered with, or attending a setting which is registered with Herefordshire EYDCP, then you don’t need to do anything.  Your provider will be able to tell you whether or not they are registered to claim.

How many sessions could my child be entitled to?

5, 2½-hour sessions each week for no more than 38 weeks per year. If your child attends a morning and an afternoon session during the same day then a one-hour break is required between sessions. If you need to know the value of these sessions please contact Herefordshire EYDCP.

When will my child be eligible?

To be sure of a free place your child should be registered at the start of the term, to be included in the head count.

     If your child was born between                                Eligible Term
  1st January         - 31st March                              Summer Term after 3rd birthday
  1st April              - 31st August                             Autumn Term after 3rd birthday
  1st September     - 31st December                          Spring Term after 3rd birthday 

 

 

 

 

What happens if my local playgroup offers fewer than 5 sessions a week?

It may be possible to share the 5 sessions between settings for example 2 sessions at a pre-school and 3 sessions at a day nursery or vice versa.  However, sessions cannot be split if a child is attending a LEA nursery.
 
What happens if my child attends more than 5 sessions per week?
If your child attends more than 5 sessions per week at one or more settings you will be expected to pay for any additional sessions                                                                                       
 If your child attends a LEA nursery for 5 sessions per week as    well as sessions at a private day nursery or pre-school/playgroup, all nursery education funding will be paid automatically to the LEA nursery.  You will be asked to sign a declaration to ensure that no more than 5 sessions are claimed.
 
 
 
 How will my child get to playgroup, nursery or school?
You will have to make your own arrangements for getting your child to playgroup, nursery or school.
When can my child start school?
Children are generally entitled to start school at the beginning of the term in which they become 5 years old (see Herefordshire Council Information for Parents Handbook).
Could my child start school earlier?
It may be possible for your child to start school earlier if his/her birthday is between January 1st and August 31st (check with your local school).
Would my child have to start school as soon as possible?
No.  you can wait until the beginning of the term in which your child is 5, without risking the school place allocated to your child.  Please talk to your school first, so that the place can be reserved.
What if my child has Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
All approved providers of early years education will work to the Code of Practice for children with Special Educational Needs.  For further information please refer to the Information for Parents handbook.
What types of setting are available?
·         Day Nurseries
Day nurseries care and educate children for the length of the adult working day.  Children can attend part time or full time, depending on their own and their parents’ needs.
·         Pre-Schools/Playgroups
These are normally run for a maximum of 4 hours and offer Foundation Stage Curriculum based care, education and structured play.
·         Nursery Units of Independent Schools  
  Such units are an integral part of an independent school and are open during term time.
·         State School Nursery Classes  
Nursery classes are attached to primary schools but usually cover a wider catchment area.  They are open during the normal school day, offering half-day sessions. Attendance at the nursery does not ensure or require your child to take up a place in the main school.
 ·         Private Nursery Schools  
Offers educational and day care facilities and may stay open all year.
·         Childminders  
Registered childminders provide childcare in their own homes.  Some childminders can now offer free early years education if they are part of an accredited network.  Contact Herefordshire EYDCP for further information.
 (See contact details for further information)
 
What should I look for in a setting?
You can inspect the most recent Ofsted report at the setting or on www.ofsted.gov.uk. You can enquire whether the setting has or is intending to participate in a Quality Assurance scheme.  You should be given information about the service and should be made welcome by the staff.
Visit the setting more than once to ensure that you feel comfortable with your choice.  (For more information to help you decide on the best place for your child we have published a list of questions which may help you, in the Information for Parents Handbook).
Points to remember
ALL the settings approved and listed with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership will be working with children towards the same learning goals in the Foundation Stage Curriculum.
 ALL the settings will be inspected regularly to check on the standard of education and care being provided.
 ALL the settings will follow the Code of Practice for children with special educational needs.
 ALL settings will send their staff for training every year, to maintain and raise their expertise.
 ALL settings will have the advice and support of a qualified teacher through the mentor teacher system.
 ALL settings will provide information on a wide range of topics including staffing details, educational activities available, discipline policy, health and safety procedures, term dates and admission procedures. They also carry public liability insurance.
 ALL settings will be part of a local partnership of providers, meeting regularly to discuss early years education to ensure it meets the needs of the local community.
 ALL settings will be happy to arrange for parents to visit and see for themselves what is available for their child.
 Claiming a free nursery education place for your child may affect your Working Tax Credit. Please check with the Inland Revenue and complete the necessary documentation with your provider.
 
 Who can give me more information
Contact your local playgroup, nursery, school or Herefordshire EYDCP.
 
To search for childcare go to www.childcarelink.gov.uk or call the CFIS on 01432 261681