Almost 1,000 two-year-olds are to benefit from free childcare a year early, after it was decided to bring forward trials in 10 areas in England to this September 2012 the government has announced. They unveiled the changes to introduce greater flexibility to allow more parents to take advantage of the scheme – already used by more than 800,000 three- and four-year-olds. It is intended that 150,000 of the most disadvantaged two-year-olds will receive up to 15 hours a week of free preschool education from September 2013, rising to 260,000 in 2014.(Ref www.guardian.co.uk)
There are different types of childcare options available for 0-5 year olds, these include:
• Sure Start Children’s Centre: Working with parent’s right from the birth of their child, providing early years education for children, full day care, short-term care, health and family support, parenting advice as well as training and employment advice.
• Nursery schools: Provide early learning and childcare for children between three and five years old. They are often based at Sure Start Children’s Centres or linked to a primary school. They follow the early year’s curriculum. The EYFS differs from Key Stage 1 it’s based on learning through play rather than formal education.
• Preschools and playgroups: Usually run by voluntary groups providing part-time play and early learning for