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

Help Paying For Your Childcare

Government help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.

There are a number of options that you may be able to access depending on your circumstances and meeting eligibility criteria:

• Tax Free Childcare: For every £8 you pay into an online account, the government will add an extra £2, up to £2,000 per child per year.

• 15 hours Free Childcare for 2 year olds: 15 hours per week for 38 weeks, totalling 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider.

• 15 hours Free Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds: 15 hours per week for 38 weeks, totalling 570 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider.

• 30 hours Free Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds: 30 hours per week for 38 weeks, totalling 1,140 hours per year, that you can use flexibly with one or more childcare provider.

• Tax Credits for Childcare for Under 17 year olds: 70% of childcare costs, up to a cap.

• Universal Credit for Childcare for Under 17 year olds: Up to 85% of childcare costs.

For more information, visit their website: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

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 www.therisetrust.org/

Childcare helpline

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

0300 003 4561