Early Years & Childcare

Childcare Choices

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Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) - Brighter Futures For Children for information on activities running over the school holidays for eligible families

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).

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

Last reviewed March 2023

Holiday Activity Fund

Holiday Activity Fund (HAF) - find out more by visiting Brighter Futures for Children 

Free Early Years Childcare Education Funding

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 an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), free early education sessions for 3 and 4 year olds.

Reading Family Information Service (FIS)

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

Information for professionals - Under 5s services (early years) BFfC

What is the role of the Early Years and SEND Team? 

The Early Years and Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teams work in parallel to focus support and advice to Early Years Providers to ensure high quality, inclusive provision that reduces inequalities and improves outcomes for children under five in Reading.

Portage advisors also provide support to children under five with SEND and their families, within groups and at home, with a focus on individual achievement.

Find out more click here to visit the Brighter Futures for Children website.

Information for parent carers - SEND Under 5's - BFfC

Information on support for children under 5 is also available on the Brighter Futures for Children website, click here to view the page.

Related Advice

SEND Guide for Parent Carers Childcare for Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in Reading Targeted 2-Year-Old Education & Childcare funding 3 & 4 Year Old Universal 15 hours and 30 hours funding Tax-Free Childcare: Helping Working Parents Pay for Childcare Expanded Childcare Support from April 2024 Childcare Costs Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) Early Intervention Funding (EIF) Early Years Inclusion Funding Graduated Response Documents for Early Years & Schools Brighter Beginnings - Early Years Inclusion Award Disability Access Fund (DAF) Baby Boost Programme (BFfC) Day Nurseries Childminders Nannies / Home Childcarers & Au-pairs Out Of School Care Pre-Schools Childcare - Frequently Asked Questions Early Years Team Supporting SEND Child Development
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Contact the Team

Family Information Service

fis@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

SEND Local Offer

localoffer@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2 0118 937 3777 OPTION 2

Adult & Carers Support

CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk 0118 937 3747 0118 937 3747
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