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Coronavirus

Due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, some of the organisations listed on here are still in the process of posting service updates. Many phone lines and websites are still available, but some contact details have changed. Try the organisation's own website if you're having difficulty getting through.

If you have any queries, please email us at dos@reading.gov.uk or fis@reading.gov.uk

Early Years & Childcare

Childcare ChoicesView all services in this category

Key Workers' Childcare (COVID-19) & Settings Opening from 01/06/2020

Coronavirus ~ Latest advice for all residents (with links to Easy Read tab) ~ News Page

Good quality childcare is beneficial for all children. It can play a hugely important role in your child's development, allowing them to become independent, to mix with other children and to learn new things. But choosing the right childcare can be a difficult decision for every parent, particularly if your child has a special educational need or disability (SEND).

The Family Information Service (FIS) offers comprehensive information for parent/carers looking for appropriate childcare, support in finding childcare for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and provide assistance with finding appropriate childcare via our brokerage service. Contact FIS 0118 9373777 (option 2) fis@reading.gov.uk

Free Early Education and Childcare - Information on free childcare for 2 year olds (including how to check your eligibility), this includes children who receive Disability Living Allowance or have either a Statement of Special Educational Needs or and Education Health and Care Plan, free early education sessions for 3 and 4 year olds.

Under 'view all services' you will find a list of childcare providers who have completed their Local Offer, which provides parents and carers with additonal information on how that childcare setting can support a child or young person with SEND. To view all childcare settings in Reading visit - Family Information Service -Childcare

Last reviewed September 2020

Related Advice

  • Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment, Identifying and Assessing SEND
    Special Educational Needs/Disabilities If you are concerned your child is finding school work difficult or not making progress, it is always best to talk to their teacher. Some children may need extra help with their education, and schools have responsibility for meeting children’s needs, ensuring…
  • Childcare for Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in Reading
    OFSTED registered childcare, is available in Reading for children with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND).  Reviewed September 2020
  • 2 Year Old Education & Childcare Funding
    Your child may be eligible, if you are on a low income, some types of benefit or meet certain other criteria, you might be eligible to apply for 570 hours funded early education or childcare per year (15 hours per week over 38 weeks) for…
  • 3 & 4 Year Old Free Early Years Funding (including 30 Hours Childcare)
    COVID19 - Funding Update below 30 Hours Childcare, Extended Entitlement -  Since September 2017 - The government has committed to doubling the amount of free childcare from 15 to 30 hours a week for working parents of three and four year olds. Childcare Choices - Use…
  • Tax-Free Childcare: Helping Working Parents Pay for Childcare
    The government introduced Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) in 2017, a UK-wide scheme to help working parents pay for childcare. If you're a working parent of a 3 or 4 year old and living in England, you could also get an extra 15 hours free childcare from…
  • Childcare Costs
    If you're returning to work, you'll need to think about the various factors affecting how much you can afford to pay for childcare, and what funding options are available. Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for information on help available for childcare costs.  Last reviewed May 2020
  • Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
    If your child is eligible for free school meals, they may also be entitled to a sum of money paid to their school or childcare setting to boost their learning.   Last reviewed March 2020  
  • Early Years Inclusion Funding
    A new Early Years National Funding Formula (EYNFF) for 3-4 year olds takes effect from April 2017. As part of this, there is a requirement for authorities to establish a special educational needs inclusion fund for early years in order to help providers address the…
  • Graduated Response Documents for Early Years & Schools
    Graduated response documents for Early Years 0-5 year, and Schools 5 - 16 years. Reviewed November 2019
  • Brighter Beginnings - Early Years Inclusion Award
    The Early Years Inclusion Award is an outstanding achievement that settings can receive once they have demonstrated they are an inclusive setting to all children including those with additional needs. This award validates that settings are meeting the requirments for the SEND Code of Practice…
  • Disability Access Fund (DAF)
    From April 2017 the Disability Access Fund (DAF) came in to effect.  Updated July 2020
  • Nurseries
    To find out more about Day Nurseries please see below. Visit our advice and guidance page Nursery Schools & Classes for details of other nurseries. Last reviewed June 2020.
  • Childminders
    Childminders provide childcare in their own homes, and are OFSTED Registered, to find out more, please see below.   Last reviewed June 2020.
  • Nannies / Home Childcarers & Au-pairs
    Nannies or home child carers Nannies are employed by families to look after their children in the family’s home; they will be accountable for all aspects of the children’s childcare. Families are responsible for checking the nannies have the correct qualifications and checks before starting.…
  • Out Of School Care
    Out of School Care - includes breakfast clubs, after school clubs and holiday clubs, please see below to find out more. Last reviewed June 2020.
  • Pre-Schools
    Pre-Schools provide sessional hours, generally during term time. To find out more please see below. Last reviewed June 2020.
  • Childcare - Frequently Asked Questions
    Frequently Asked Questions - Finding the right services for your child can be stressful so we've compiled a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions that might help you.    Last reviewed June 2020  
  • Early Years Team Supporting SEND
    Team members visit settings annually to ensure they meet the welfare requirements of the EYFS which include developing the Universal Provision set out in the Graduated Approach, and ensuring that settings are meeting the legal requirements of the SEND Code of Practice. Early Years Team…
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