Early Years Foundation Stage and Childcare.

Early Years and ChildCare Team

Cheshire East Early Years and Childcare Team work across all localities in Cheshire East.

The team works to fulfil the duty of the Childcare Act 2006 that requires all LAs and their partners to develop  a broad and inclusive strategy that has a focus on the provision of high quality early learning and care. They can also offer advice to anyone considering starting up a new childcare business .

The team of Early Years Consultants are at the forefront of  providing  information, advice and training to the Early Years workforce and supporting the quality improvement of all settings. Early Years Consultants  have a strong focus on improving the quality of learning and development and  improving outcomes for children and families through support, advice and challenge. This  involves  working with leaders, managers and practitioners who work with children from Birth – 5.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)  – established under the Childcare Act 2006 and revised in 2012 seeks to provide:

• Quality and consistency in all early years settings, so that every child makes good progress and no child gets left behind.
• A secure foundation through learning and development opportunities which are planned around the needs and interests of each individual child and are assessed and reviewed regularly.
• Partnership working between practitioners and with parents and/or carers.
• Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, ensuring that every child is included and supported.

To find out more about the revised Early Years Foundation Stage framework go to the Foundation website

High quality provision has a number of essential characteristics:

• the leadership, qualifications and quality of the workforce and their understanding of Early Years pedagogy, anti-discriminatory practice and equality;
• the importance of the home learning environment and the involvement of parents in supporting and extending children’s learning and development
• a safe and stimulating environment both indoors and outdoors which promotes physical, mental and emotional health and well-being and provides continuity of care.

Parents looking for Childcare

If you are a parent looking for information about childcare or services for young children in Cheshire East please contact the Cheshire East Family Information Service (details below)

The  Cheshire East Family Information Service (FIS) provides information, advice and guidance for parents, carers, children and young people aged 0 - 19 years and for professionals working with them. FIS is a free, impartial one-stop-shop service for parents/carers and young people aged 0–19, providing accurate and detailed information on services in Cheshire East, regionally and nationally. From childcare to tax credits to guidance on bullying, the Family Information Service can assist for all manner of queries, big or small.

Contact FIS on 0300 123 5033.

Contact the Early Years and Childcare Team

Email the Early Years and Childcare Team  or telephone us on 01625 374182 or write to:

The Early Years and Childcare Team
Oakenclough Children’s Centre
Colshaw Drive
Wilmslow
SK9 2PZ

The Early Years and Childcare Team operate an  EYFS and  SEN Helplines. These are available on the following days:

• SEN - Monday 1:30 - 4:30pm
• EYFS   - Tuesday 1:30 - 4:30pm

The number to call is 01625 374162.