Support for cared for children in the Early Years

The virtual school sees the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as much a priority as other key stages of education. From age 3, each early years cared for child has an allocated virtual school advisor and it is expected that all cared for children from the age of three, will have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) updated on a termly basis either by their setting’s Designated Teacher (if in a setting) or the virtual school advisor.

For details of educational provision for early years in Cheshire East please see the Family Information Service (FIS) website. It is expected that all cared for children will access provision rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED.

Children from 9 months

Extended entitlement (working parents)

Up to 30 hours per week if:

• each parent/carer earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage
• each parent/carer earns under £100,000 per year
• includes those on maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, or starting a new job

The amount of funded childcare you can get depends on:

• your child’s age and circumstances
• your income (and your partner’s income if you have one)
• your immigration status

Two year olds

The entitlement of two year old’s funded hours depends on the circumstances of their parent/carer.

15 hours per week (38 weeks per year) if:

• family receives certain benefits (for example, Universal Credit with income under £15,400, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance)

Child has an EHCP , is looked after, adopted, or has been awarded  DLA

Extended entitlement (working parents)

Up to 30 hours per week if:

• each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage
• each parent/carer earns under £100,000 per year
• includes those on maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, or starting a new job

The amount of funded childcare you can get depends on:

• your child’s age and circumstances
• your income (and your partner’s income if you have one)
• your immigration status

Three and four year olds

Universal entitlement

• All children get 15 hours per week (38 weeks per year) from the term after their 3rd birthday

Extended entitlement (working parents)

Up to 30 hours per week if:

• each parent earns at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum Wage
• each parent/carer earns under £100,000 per year
• includes those on maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, or starting a new job

The amount of funded childcare you can get depends on:

• your child’s age and circumstances
• your income (and your partner’s income if you have one)
• your immigration status

More information around funding and how to apply can be found on the Best Start in Life webpage.

From April 2015 all cared for children age three or four years who are accessing the free early education entitlement have been eligible to receive funding. This funding is currently an allocation of up to £387 per year, depending on the number of hours which the child attends a registered nursery or childminder. This will be issued to the setting attended by the child, and the setting will be required to ensure that  PEPs are returned which give sufficient detail about the planned expenditure, how the impact will be assessed, and to also provide data on progress. 

Transition to Reception

Transition to Reception should be planned during the Summer term  PEP prior to the child starting school. Good practice would be to involve staff from the receiving school where possible.

Carers/ Social workers should ensure that they are familiar with the school admissions process and application date for Reception places. Cared for children have priority when places are allocated. Outstanding and Good schools should be prioritised.

If a child is born during the summer term it may be possible to defer their entry to school. In these cases, a discussion should always be held with the virtual school to ensure it would be in the best interests of the child.

Reception children are eligible for Pupil Premium Plus (PPP) which is held centrally by the Virtual School. To access  PPP the school should identify a planned need for funding at the Autumn term  PEP meeting and apply to the Virtual school for payment.

A formal assessment of a child’s progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage is made at the end of Reception known as the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile. 

Concerns about development

For children aged 0 to 2 years or not attending a setting, the first point of contact should be their health visitor. The health visitor will be able to make a referral to the Early Years Forum. Visit your local Family Hub to see what support is available.

For children aged 2 to 4 years in a setting, the setting should complete a request for an Early Years consultation from the Portage Quality and Inclusion service. Request for Consultation with the Early Years and Childcare team using our online portal. For children in school please contact the school (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) SENDCO.

If you still have concerns, contact the virtual school.