In the early education section
Nursery schools and early education
Early education (or nursery) will help your child to develop and learn within a safe and stimulating environment with fully qualified staff.
Giving your child this opportunity will enable them to mix socially with children of the same age group, and experience a wide range of activities both indoors and outdoors which will develop their confidence and build on the knowledge they already have.
Early education is available in a range of different settings, and you should choose the one which suits you best. The Local Authority provides nursery education through nursery schools and nursery units attached to primary schools, as well as being available as an integral part of ‘wraparound’ care offered in Children’s Centres. Private Nurseries and Pre-School Playgroups are also early education providers.
All early education providers are required to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage [EYFS] curriculum to ensure that whatever setting parents choose, they can be confident that their child will receive a quality experience that supports their development and learning.
Applying for a nursery place for your child
Private Nursery/Pre-School:
Telephone or go to the nursery of your choice and enquire whether they have any vacancies.
In all settings you will be shown around and have the opportunity to have your questions answered.
Maintained Nursery
Schools usually open their waiting lists for nursery to children over the age of 2. As soon as your child has had his/her 2nd birthday telephone or go to the school to arrange and appointment.
What questions should you ask?
When visiting a nursery setting, ask yourself:
- Are the staff friendly and welcoming to you and your child?
- Is the nursery clean, welcoming and warm?
- Are the children busy and enjoying themselves?
- Can you see a range of different activities?
- Are staff aware of safety procedures?
Questions to ask staff:
- How will the staff settle my child into nursery?
- How do staff manage children’s behaviour?
- How will I be told about my child’s progress?
- Does the nursery encourage parents/carers to be involved?
- If my child has particular needs, how will they be met?
Early Education Funding
Early Education funding (formerly Nursery Education Grant) is currently available in all private nurseries in South Tyneside and one Pre-school Playgroup.
Eligibility
Children become eligible to receive the nursery education grant in the term following their third birthday. The grant is not means tested - your private provider will ask you to sign a confirmation form each term so that they can apply to the Local Authority for the funding.
How the grant works
The grant is paid directly to the childcare provider to cover the cost of up to five 2 1/2 hour sessions per week for up to 38 weeks. The amount of grant is deducted from your bill each term. The grant is not payable during school holiday periods.
No parent should be asked to pay the full rate fee when their child is receiving free nursery education. You should only pay for the care your child receives before and/or after these five sessions.
Individual settings have their own payment scale, and you may be able to receive some help with your childcare costs from the Childcare Tax Credit element of Working Tax Credit. Nine out of ten families benefit to some extent from one or more of the Tax Credits, and if you have not already applied, your nursery provider can offer you further advice.