Early Years and childcare

Includes entitlements, the support available and the latest childcare news

In this section

Working in childcare

Includes information on working in early years and wraparound childcare, careers and training, and setting up provision.

Early Years training and resources

Training opportunities through workshops for providers across a range of topics

Finding childcare

Help to find the right childcare

Promoting equality and diversity in Early Years

English as an Additional Language, racial incidents and Special Educational Needs

Help with the cost of childcare

Find the right funding and help towards childcare costs for your family

Early years information for families

Information to help parents and families access Early Years services

Pages in Early years information for families

Early Learning for 2-year-olds

Families with 2-year-old children who meet the criteria can apply for childcare funding

Funded childcare for working parents

Find out if you are eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare per week

Early Help

Early help, including #Help4All, gives support to families when things feel hard.

Home Learning Support for Parents

Information that can help you in supporting your child’s development at home.

Early Years entitlement for parents

All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to up to 15 hours of funded early education or childcare a week

Early Years pupil premium information for parents

Information on the criteria and how to apply for the pupil premium

Wraparound childcare

Information for families on childcare before and after school, and during school holidays

Provider training and resources

Includes Foundation Stage and recommended resources and training

Representation and communication with providers

Includes information about Early Years Communities, the Early Years Partnership and key contact information

Funding and entitlement information for providers

Includes information about Early Years Entitlement, Pupil Premium, funded hours and the Disability Access Fund

Pages in Provider training and resources

Early Years training and resources

Training opportunities through workshops for providers across a range of topics

Speech, language and communication recommended resources

Links to useful resources and information that can help you in supporting all children

Useful links for Early Years Providers

Useful links to different websites we work closely with to bring Early Years providers up to date and helpful information

Early Years Foundation Stage

The new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is mandatory for all early years providers

Pages in Representation and communication with providers

Early Years Communities

We have developed 11 Early Years Communities across the county to support practitioners who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage

Early Years key partner contacts

Helpful contact information for our key partners, including Somerset’s Area SENCos, Children’s Social Care Team and the Entitlements Team

Early Years SENCO Network

Groups that meet once each term for early years SENCOs to share updates, ask questions and take part in training.

Early Years contact information

Helpful local authority contact information for providers working in Early Years.

Early Years Partnership

A consultative group discussing strategic issues and financial matters relating to Early Years

Pages in Funding and entitlement information for providers

Grant funding for activities during school holidays

Community Inclusion and Activity Team support providers to deliver inclusive activities across Somerset

Early Years Entitlement information for providers

All 3 and 4 years olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early years entitlement, or nursery funding, a week

Early Years Pupil Premium information for providers

Information on the pupil premium and qualifying criteria

Funding for 2-year-olds in supported families, information for providers

Families receiving support can apply for childcare funding for 2 year olds

Disability Access Fund for early years

Money that is available to a nominated childcare provider once a year

Funded childcare for working parents – provider information

Eligible working parents can get up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged from 9 months, starting in the funding period after they reach this age

Early years providers guidance documents

Documents including the latest statutory guidance and Provider Agreement, and information on claiming, invoicing and charging

Complain about an Early Years or childcare provider

All early years settings (including childminders) must have a complaints procedure

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

Childcare Sufficiency looks at the supply and demand of childcare in Somerset

SEND Notification Form for Health Professionals

How to notify us of an Early Years child with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability (SEND) under section 23