Community full menu:
Education and learning full menu:
Childcare & Early Education
Free early learning and care places
Children's Information Service - May 2009
CFIS@kirklees.gov.uk
When is my child entitled to a free early learning and care place?
Your child may access a place from the term after their
3rd birthday.
| If your child's 3rd birthday falls between |
He or she will become entitled to a free place from |
| 1st January and 31st March |
1st April (or the start of the summer term) |
| 1st April and 31st August |
1st September (or the start of the autumn term) |
| 1st September and 31st December |
1st January (or the start of the spring term) |
Where can my child receive early learning and care?
Free places are available at registered early years settings,
which includes private day nurseries, playgroups and
pre-schools, independent schools, accredited childminders
working within an approved network and local authority
maintained daycare settings and schools.
The Children & Families Information Service can send you
a list of settings in your area and you can contact them
on 01484 223041.
When you have received your list you will need to contact your
chosen setting(s) to discuss your requirements and to book a
place for your child.
Will all early years settings in Kirklees be able to offer 15 hours?
Not all settings will be able to offer 15 hours. However those
which can may also offer the free entitlement more flexibly to
suit work, training or other family commitments.
This could mean different combinations of hours over fewer days,
for example 6 hours on 2 days and 3 hours on another day.
How can I use my entitlement?
If you want to use the full 15 hours this can be spread over a
minimum of 3 days. The minimum you can use in one day is
2 hours. The maximum you can use in one day is 10 hours and
in two days is 13 hours.
When can I use my entitlement?
You can use your free entitlement between the hours of 8am
and 6pm, although this will not be possible in every case as
some settings are open for fewer hours.
What if I need more than 15 hours each week?
You can have more than 15 hours each week but the setting
will charge for the extra hours used.
Can I use my child's entitlement at more than one setting?
Yes, you can use your child's entitlement at a maximum of 2
settings. Settings will share relevant information to ensure
continuity of the curriculum and that the needs of your child
are met.
Do I have to complete any forms?
Yes, you will be asked to complete a Parent Declaration Form
in all settings except schools. In a school you will be asked
to complete a registration form instead.
Please note once you have completed a
Parent Declaration Form you cannot change your claim until
the start of the next term. If you choose
to move your child to another setting
during the term you may be asked
to pay until the start of the next term.
What if my child attends a setting outside Kirklees?
Each local authority provides free
places for all 3 and 4 year olds
attending the settings in their
area. The setting or local authority will be
able to tell you how to claim your
free hours.
What if I can't find a place to suit my needs?
If you don't find childcare that meets your needs from the
initial list provided, you can contact the Children & Families
Information Service to let them know that you're having
problems finding a place. The Childrens and Families Information Service can offer further
assistance to help you in finding suitable childcare and can
be contacted on 01484 223041 or email cfis@kirklees.gov.uk.
What about school places?
From September 2009 all reception age children will be offered
a full time place to start in the autumn term.
If you wish you may choose to keep your child's part time
place in the current setting and defer your child's entry to
full time school; for further details contact School Admissions.
Please note acceptance of a part time nursery place does
not guarantee a reception place in the same school.
To find out how and when to apply for a school place please contact
the School Admissions Service on 01484 225007 or 01484 225008.
How can I find out which settings can offer this?
The Children & Families Information Service can send you a list of private, voluntary and independent
settings for your area.
A list of schools with nursery classes in your area is in the  Guide for Parents (PDF 2.1Mb), which lists all schools and explains the admission process.
Where can I find a printable version of the information on this page?
Contact details
For further information please contact the Children & Families Information Service on:
Email: CFIS@kirklees.gov.uk
Telephone: 01484 223041
Kirklees Children & Young People Service is committed to ensuring its communication is clear, plain and
available to everyone. This information can be made available in languages other than English, in large print,
audio CD, audio tape and Braille.
|
Facebook
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
StumbleUpon
Reddit