Useful Information for Parent Carers Inclusion funding for settings

Early Years Inclusion Support Funding is a financial contribution for early years settings towards the inclusion of children aged 0-5 who have a disability or difficulty that creates a barrier to their learning.

The funding is ‘Needs Led’.

An Early Years Inclusion Officer and your setting will discuss any additional support required, in partnership with parents. The funding can be used by the setting for training, resources or support which is additional to or different from what is normally expected to be provided within your setting. It is neither the expectation nor intention that the additional funding will provide 1-1 continuous support.

For more information about Early Years Inclusion Funding

01225 757985

Email contact: earlyyears@wiltshire.gov.uk

TAX FREE CHILD-CARE

Tax-Free Childcare is a new UK-wide government scheme to help working parents with the cost of childcare.

It was rolled out to parents from early 2017.

● Eligible parents (both parents will have to be in work, and each expecting to earn at least £115 a week – and not more than £100,000 each year) will be able to open an online childcare account. The money held in these accounts can only be used by parents to pay for registered childcare (Preschools, childminders, day nurseries and school based care that is paid for, such as after-school clubs)

• For every £8 parents pay in to their childcare account, the government will pay in an additional £2 up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children). Parents will then be able to use the funds to pay for registered childcare - but only if their childcare provider has signed up to the scheme.

• When the scheme was introduced, childcare providers will have been sent a letter inviting them to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare. The letter contains a code, which they’ll need alongside their ten-digit Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number to sign-up. (If they’ve lost the letter, they need to get a new one sent by calling 0300 123 4097).

Children’s Centres 0-5s

A children's centre allows local families with young children to enjoy facilities and receive support that they need, including free parenting support. Services are often provided in a range of venues in local communities. In Wiltshire they are run by two voluntary organisations: Spurgeons and The Rise Trust.

Services offered from centres include:

• General information, advice and support for parents of young children

• Information on how to access childcare provided by nurseries or childminders

• Easy access to children’s health services, including midwives and health visitors

• Support for children with special needs including sensory rooms

• Links with Jobcentre Plus, local training providers, further and higher education institutions

• Provide support to parents and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Rise Trust

Childcare helpline

If you have any queries relating to childcare, need information or advice, contact Wiltshire Council’s Early Year’s Team: