Local Families Urged Not To Miss Out on Free Child Care


Early education places available with nurseries, pre-school and childminders

Local Families Urged Not To Miss Out on Free Child Care

Parents and carers in Hounslow borough are being urged not to miss out on a free early years education place for their child in September.

The free early education places can be accessed in day nurseries, pre-schools, school nursery classes and with childminders. Despite these early years settings opening their doors on 1 June, the number of children accessing their free early education place has been low with only 5% of disadvantaged children aged between two and three living in the borough have accessing their free early education place.

In addition 92% of eligible 3 to 4-year-old children have not accessed their free 15 hours and 84% of eligible 3 to 4-year-old children have not accessed their free 30 hours childcare.

Hounslow Council is concerned the low take-up means that children could be missing out on vital education and skills development, which will set them up for life.

Early language development impacts on children’s future success. Disadvantaged children who miss out on early years education, could start school with four or more months learning behind more advantaged children.

Childcare providers must follow strict government guidelines to make their setting safe including:

Enhanced hand hygiene and cleaning practice
Caring for children in small groups or ‘bubbles’ and minimising contact between these groups
Maximising the use of outdoor spaces
Physical distancing between adults and older children in the setting including parents at drop-off and pick-up times
Only allowing children access to equipment and toys that can be cleaned before and after use

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, at Hounslow Council said, “Unfortunately, very often, in early years education, it is the most disadvantaged children who miss out.

“We want to reassure parents that all our early childcare providers are following strict government health and safety guidelines and have put rigorous procedures in place to ensure the children are safe and protected.”

Mariana Levicka is a mum-of-two who lives locally and her daughters attend Lampton Park Preschool. She said, “I sent the girls back to preschool so they could connect with their peers. Lampton Park Preschool has put a range of safety measures in place, including regular hand washing and allocating the children to small groups, to protect them.

"The staff have been so professional and managed the situation brilliantly. My children come home very happy and stimulated. The preschool offers so many more activities than I could provide at home.”

Don’t leave it too late to secure your child’s place for September now or your child will miss out. To find out more about childcare in Hounslow please visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/fsd

Alternatively, you may prefer to email the Family Information Service about your childcare needs via fis@hounslow.gov.uk or call them on 020 8583 3470.


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July 24, 2020