Tda_3.2__Schools_as_Organisations

1.1 Entitlement and provision for early years education. An important part of the “Every Child Matters” initiative is that all three and four year old children are entitled to funding for part time early years education. The funding becomes available from the start of the term following their third birthday. There is also a provision to extend this funding to two year olds in cases where the children are classed as being “disadvantaged” due to social/economic reasons. The entitlement for children within the Somerset County Council area is for a total of 570 hours per year. There are some limits as to how it can be taken. They are; The maximum that can be claimed per week is 15 hours. The minimum claim for one day is 2.5 hours. The maximum claim for one day is 7.5 hours. The providers must be registered with Ofsted or the independent schools inspectorate, who will regulate and regularly inspect the service they provide. They must follow the “Early Years Foundation Stage” (EYFS) statutory framework, this ensures children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes good teaching and learning, thus preparing children for school years with a broad range of knowledge and skills. The different types of providers are: Pre-school or playgroup. Private day nursery. Childminder (must belong to Somerset childminding network). Maintained nursery school. Nursery or reception class in an infant, primary or independent school. Maintained nursery school. An academy. Foundation stage unit. A children’s centre nursery. The entitlement can be spilt between two different providers. Providers are entitled to charge parents for any hours accessed over the early years entitlement and for any extra services provided, however, these charges must be made clear in advance.