3 minute read
Useful Information for Parent Carers 19
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
Advertisement
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).
What are children’s centres?
Children’s centres are places where parents with children aged 0 – 5 years old can share the challenges and joys of parenthood. They offer a range of activities and support services to help you with all aspects of parenting to make sure your child gets the best start in life. Wiltshire has 13 children’s centre buildings located across the county offering families of 0-5 year olds a variety of services. Children’s centre services are also provided in a range of venues in local communities so that families can access support close to where they live. Children’s centre services in Wiltshire are run on behalf of Wiltshire Council 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 • Family support services • 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 • Messy play, rhyme time sessions, stay and play sessions
Families with children with additional needs
• Children’s centres can provide support to parents and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). • Each children’s centre will be able to provide information on Wiltshire’s SEND Local Offer • Some centres hold support groups, and most have sensory rooms fully equipped to provide a safe, comfortable and colourful environment for you and your child to play together.
For more information on your local children’s centre and the services provided, please contact the centre on the telephone numbers listed below.
Children’s Centre North Wiltshire – The Rise Trust Address Telephone No.
Calne Children’s Centre Prince Charles Drive, Calne, SN11 8TG 01249 823247
Cricklade Children’s Centre Bath Road, Cricklade, SN6 6AX 01793 759187 Spring Rise Children’s Centre Frogwell, Chippenham, SN14 0DH 01249 464008
The Rise Children’s Centre St Paul’s Primary School, The Oaks, Chippenham, SN15 1DU
Royal Wootton Bassett Children’s Centre Byron Avenue, Wootton Bassett,
