To inspire the parents of two year old children, mums and dads from Stockport have been telling their stories about how free childcare has helped their families.
Adele Baxter, aged 28, from Cale Green, was diagnosed with Chrohn’s Disease leaving her to manage her symptoms alongside being a full time mum to two year old Grace.
Adele was regularly using the services at her local Children’s Centre and it was here that she found out that Grace was eligible for up to 15 free hours of early learning and childcare.
Adele (left with Grace) said:
“I had been trying to manage my condition the best I could, but I knew that having reliable childcare would help me cope and give me some time to recover. The Children’s Centre checked a place was available for Grace and gave me a list of the different local places I could look at.
“I visited a couple of nurseries before deciding that Happy Days Nursery was best for Grace. She absolutely loves going and calls the staff her ‘best friends’. Because we’re quite new to the area it has also helped Grace meet up with children her own age regularly and the facilities are great. Grace particularly enjoys the outside play area – it’s like having her very own playground.
“At the moment Grace comes three afternoons a week during term time and as my health improves I’m looking at taking up a college course to re-train for work. Having this free place has given Grace an exciting and safe place to play and learn and has helped me look more positively into our future”.
Debi Warner, Manager at Happy Days Nursery added:
“Every family’s situation is different and it’s wonderful to see children come to our nursery who otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity; had it not been for the funded place. Likewise, I’ve seen how it has helped the parents; whether that’s supporting them in getting back into work or in Adele’s case, giving her the time to recover and restore her health. At the moment we have five funded two year olds and we will always try and be flexible so that as many children as possible can benefit from their 15 free hours. Parents can drop by any time to find out more.”
There are over 1,200 two year olds in Stockport who qualify for FREE childcare at nurseries, pre-schools or childminders across the borough. Families receiving certain benefits* or who have an annual household income below £16,190 are being urged to visit their local Sure Start Children’s Centre or call 0161 217 6028 to check if a free place is available for their two year old.
You can read all our parents’ stories and find out more about FREE early learning and childcare for two year olds at www.stockport.gov.uk/freechildcare