Related Advice

• 2 Year Old Education & Childcare Funding
  Early education from age two has long-lasting benefits for children, and helps to promote a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social development. However the evidence shows that on average, disadvantaged families are less likely to make use of formal childcare provision than more advantaged families,…
• 3 & 4 Year Old Universal 15 hours and 30 hours funding
  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 this service to apply for…
• 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 April 2022
• 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 for children 0 - 11 years, or if your child is disabled and under 16 years old. If you're a working parent of a 3 or 4 year…
• Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
  The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) is additional funding for early years settings to improve the education they provide for disadvantaged three and four year olds.   Last reviewed April 2022  
• Childcare Providers
  Find out about the diffrent types of childcare providers in the Reading area. We are the only official organisation that holds Ofsted registered childcare provider information in Reading (e.g. childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, after school clubs, breakfast clubs, holiday clubs, creches), which is updated daily…
• Childcare Contracts and Complaints
  Your contract with your childcare provider Before your child starts at a childcare setting you will need to sign a contract with your chosen childcare provider e.g. childminder, pre-school day nursery etc. Signing a contract with a childcare provider is a legally binding document, which…
• 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 2021
• Baby Boost Programme (BFfC)
  Helping babies born in lock-down get ready for nursery Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) are offering the Baby Boost programme to all children born in Reading during the pandemic can now access a range of additional activities and support to get them ready for nursery and school. Parent carers can find out more…
• 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…
• 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…
• 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 2021  
• Disability Access Fund (DAF)
  From April 2017 the Disability Access Fund (DAF) came into effect.  Updated - March 2022
• Wraparound & Holiday Childcare, Parent and Childcare Provider ‘Rights to Request’
  Wraparound and holiday childcare is important for working parents, where there is a lack of childcare, parents or childcare providers have the "Right To Request" with their school.   Page reviewed January 2022  
• Graduated Response Documents for Early Years & Schools
  Graduated response documents for Early Years 0-5 year, and Schools 5 - 16 years. Updated - May 2021