CONCERN has been sparked among early years providers around low take-ups and bookings from parents.
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) believes the break down of information channels and play groups, resulting from the pandemic, has left parents with little understanding of accessing early education, childcare and entitlements.
In order to overcome some of these perceived barriers, and to clarify the unknown for parents and carers around accessing early education funding, WCC is targeting parents around Warwickshire with the information.
WCC education spokesman Jeff Morgan said: “There are huge benefits for young children accessing early years education whether that is through a nursery or pre-school. These include socialising with other children, developing all important social skills and learning through play.
“In addition to the benefits for children, there are huge benefits for parents too as childcare provision will provide them a break after 3 long months of lockdown restrictions and allow them to return to or seek employment.”
The following funded places are available to parents and carers around the county in line with the specified criteria:
Funding for two-year olds – Parents may be able to claim up to 15 hours funded childcare per week over a minimum of 38 weeks for their two-year-old from the term after their second birthday. Click here for full details.
Funding for three and four-year-olds (universal hours) All children are entitled to 15 hours funded childcare per week from the term following their third birthday over a minimum of 38 weeks. These hours can be accessed via day nurseries, pre-schools, maintained nursery schools and classes and some childminders.
Families do not need to apply for this as the early years provider will complete all necessary information and paperwork with the parents.
Funding for three and four-year-olds (extended entitlement hours/ 30 hours) – Working parents may be entitled to an additional 15 hours funded childcare per week over a minimum of 38 weeks per year from the term following their child’s third birthday. Apply via HMRC.
Parents wanting to find out if they are eligible and apply for tax-free childcare and 30 hours free childcare, should watch this video for step-by-step guidance on what you need to do to apply: 30 Hours Free Tutorial – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-38fMXaGSk&feature=youtu.be
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) – Childcare providers may be able to claim extra funding for a child to enhance the quality of children’s early education.
Children will be eligible for the Early Years Pupil Premium if parents are in receipt of one or more of a number of benefits or credits (EYPP criteria). If parents are in receipt of one of these benefits or credits, they can complete the EYPP application section on the Parental Declaration Form that their early years provider will have asked them to complete.
Disability Access Fund (DAF) – to be eligible for DAF, three and four-year-olds must meet the following criteria: The child is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – (a copy must be given to their childcare provider) and the child receives some or all of the universal 15 hours entitlement.
To claim for the Disability Access Fund (DAF), you must fully complete and sign the DAF application section on the Parental Declaration Form provided by an early years provider.
Click here for more information about early education funding.
