Every Child Matters

As part of the Every Child Matters and the Childcare Act 2006 it was available and free entitlement for three and four   year olds to be offered for at least 38 weeks per year.   The minimum length of any session is two hours and parents must take up the entitlement over a minimum of two days per week. Schools and settings may make a ‘phased offer’, that is, the child could initially attend for a few hours per week and build up to the full 10 or 15 hours per week over the course of the year. There is no requirement for the extension to be offered ‘flexibly’, such as longer sessions over fewer days or for more than 38 weeks per year. Parents do not need to contribute to this but if any additional hours are required over the 15 hours then the parent will be charged  
You can choose to take this Free EY Entitlement at any of the following registered ‘providers’:
•Pre-school playgroup
•Private Day nursery
•Childminder (who belongs to a registered childminder network)
•Maintained nursery school
•Nursery or reception class in a primary or independent school.
•Children will receive the Free EY Entitlement from the term after their third birthday.

Play is vital for children. It’s through play that babies and young children learn, grow and have fun. It helps them understand the world and to develop socially and emotionally. Singing songs, reading together, playing games with letters and numbers, and having fun with friends gives them a head start. And that means not just a happy childhood. It also helps their confidence, so they can handle what life brings them.
The EYFS is based around four themes:

• A Unique Child.
• Positive Relationships.
• Enabling Environments.
• Learning and Development.
• Each theme is linked to an important Principle:

A Unique Child
• Every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.
Positive Relationships
• Children learn to be strong and independent from a...