Free early education

You can contact your chosen provider direct to discuss availability of places, your child’s start date and attendance pattern.

You can get information and advice on local childcare provision through the families information service either by:

• contacting the families information service helpline at fis@blackburn.gov.uk or (01254) 667877
• calling in to your local children’s centre and asking to speak to a member of staff. Please note not all childcare providers deliver the two year old offer. You will need to check this when you contact them

You may be able to split your 570 hours with more than one provider, contact your preferred provider or the families information service at fis@blackburn.gov.uk or (01254) 667877

In most instances you should be contacted by the provider at least one term before your child’s free early education is due to start.

Your chosen provider may advise you that there are no suitable places available. If this is the case you should approach another provider. The families information service can provide details of alternative childcare providers.

It is a good idea to look around more than one early years provider as each one may offer different services that suit you and your child. You may want to take your child with you when you visit to see how staff interact with him or her. Try to visit when children are there so you can see if they are happy, busy and enjoying the activities.

Inspections

All providers that offer free early education are registered with and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) or the Department for Education. You can ask the provider for a copy of their registration certificate and their inspection report, or you can download these from the OFSTED website.

Attendance

When a place is offered you will be expected to make sure your child attends regularly and on time. If your child does not attend regularly and there are unreported absences, you may lose your place.

Additional payments

You do not have to pay anything towards free early education, but you may be asked to pay for additional activities such as outings or meals which are optional. The provider should tell you about any charges before your child starts there.

Finding the best provider

Search for  provider

Things to look for:

• The children appear confident and settled. They are involved in what they are doing and enjoying themselves.
• The staff have a caring and friendly relationship with the children, they are involved in their play and there are no raised voices.
• The setting is safe, well lit and clean.
• That there is a broad range and generous supply of toys and equipment easily available for children to choose from.
• There is enough space for children to play.
• There is a quiet area where children can rest and sleep if they need to.
• There are comfortable areas where children can relax.
• There are toys, books and displays that represent and promote different cultures and lifestyles in a positive, non-stereotypical way.
• There are clean, appropriately sized toilets and hand basins that allow for independence and privacy.
• There is a secure, safe and stimulating outdoor play area.
• The provider is able to offer activities and development opportunities that support individual children’s needs in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The Early Years Foundation Stage sets out the learning and development stages for the children as they grow from birth to five years. For those working in the Early Years – whether in a nursery, pre-school, childminder or reception class in school – the EYFS outlines what they need to do to support your child. A copy of the EYFS can be downloaded from GOV.UK
• Children need to develop stable relationships with the adults caring for them. That is more likely to happen with providers where there is a low turnover of staff.
• Staff should offer to show you around the setting although this may need to be pre-arranged with the provider concerned.

Staff

Guidance on the required qualifications for staff is detailed in the Early Years Foundation Stage document which can be downloaded from GOV.UK.

Ofsted registered providers are required, as part of their registration and inspection process to ensure children are safeguarded by proving staff employed to work with children are suitable to do so.

It is important that the adults working with children enjoy their work. Their job is to support parents in providing young children with a variety of stimulating and exciting opportunities to learn and develop to the best of their abilities.

Activities

Children need to have access to interesting activities, both quiet and active. Activities should be developmentally appropriate and give children opportunities to extend their learning.

Resting and sleeping

Some young children may still need to rest during their time at nursery. Rest areas should be quiet and have suitable furnishings.

Food and drink

Ask if children have fresh fruit and vegetables, and are able to drink water when they need to or want to. Ask if the provider is able to cater for children with special or specific dietary needs. All food and snacks should contribute to a healthy diet. You may also want to request a sample menu.

Dealing with challenging behaviour

Challenging behaviour needs to be dealt with sensitively. Providers should have a written policy on promoting children’s welfare and safety and should aim to understand and help children manage their behaviour appropriately.

Other children

Friendships are very important to children. Being part of a regular group can help. However children can also benefit from being with others older or younger than themselves. The providers should do all they can to support special friendships and encourage children to mix with others.

Progress and achievements

You should expect to be given regular updates on your child’s progress and achievements. Ask your provider how they will do this.