FREE EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE FOR TWO YEAR OLDS IN STOCKPORT

Stockport’s low income families can now apply for free education and childcare places for their two year old children.

Stockport Council is providing the free places to help support low income families in the borough with their children’s early learning and development through play.

The scheme is available to two year olds from families in receipt of certain benefits and who have an annual household income below £16,190.

The scheme provides each eligible child with free sessions lasting between 2.5 hours – 10 hours a day, up to a maximum of 15 hours per week. Although, parents and guardians can purchase additional hours, if available.

Children aged between two and five will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). ‘Learning through play’ helps children begin to understand simple sentences, listen and enjoy rhymes and stories, express themselves through action and sound and begin to make and manipulate objects and tools, all in preparation for primary school.

Local Children’s Centres can help families check their eligibility for free places, register their child and get a list of accredited childcare settings which are part of the scheme, including playgroups, pre-schools, private day nurseries, local authority nursery classes, independent nursery schools and childminders.

Councillor Wendy Meikle,  (pictured left) Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said:

“There are many benefits to early learning and childcare for two year olds, such as improved communication skills, confidence building and access to new play activities. I am delighted that more families will now be able to access this offer. Not only does it give children new experiences but it frees up time for parents who might want the opportunity to get back into work or even spend quality time with younger children.”

There is no registration fee, no conditions of access and no fees charged for the free hours. To find out more and check your eligibility visit your local Council run Children’s Centre or library, visit www.stockport.gov.uk/2yearold or call 0161 217 6028.