Childcare at Sheerness Children & Families Centre

• Our pre-school activities can be found in our Calendar click here to view.
• We sometimes offer a creche for our activities; these activities can be found on the activities calendar.
• For information on the Sheerness Neighbourhood Nursery click here.

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The Early Years Foundation Stage - Setting the standards for Learning, Development and Care for children from birth to five

All childcare providers are required to use the The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure that whatever setting parents choose, they can be confident that their child will receive a quality experience that supports their development and learning.

The EYFS brings together: Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage (2000), the Birth to Three Matters (2002) framework and the National Standards for Under 8s Daycare and Childminding (2003), building a coherent and flexible approach to care and learning. For more information please click here.

The different forms of childcare explained

• Are self employed and provide care for between one and six children under 8 years old, in the childminder's own home
• May care for additional children aged between 8 and 15 years old
• May drop and pick up children from school or playgroup, and can provide flexible opening times for overnight and weekend care
• Accredited childminders can offer Nursery Education Government Funded places for 3 & 4 year olds

Day Nurseries

• Are private providers offering care for children from 0-5 years
• Children are cared for in age groups, and take part in a wide range of group activities
• Have fixed opening times, and most are open all year round, excluding weekends
• Accredited nurseries are eligible for flexible Nursery Education Government Funded places during term time for 3 & 4 year olds.
• Some Nurseries are able to provide out of school care for children over 5 years

Maintained Nursery Settings

• Are based on school sites
• Offer teacher supported learning though play, based around the Foundation Stage Curriculum, for 3 and 4 year olds prior to their entry to school
• Open during term time only
• Offer Nursery Education government funded places for 3 & 4 year olds

Pre-Schools (Playgroups)

• Provide sessional and wrap-around care, and learning through play for pre-school children
• Offer an introduction to group play away from Parents or Carers
• Some may offer Nursery Education Government Funded places during term time for 3 & 4 year olds

Crèche

• Provide short term on site care, often based in shopping centres, sport or learning facilities
• Children are cared for while parents attend specific training, sport or leisure facilities
• Most provide care for children aged 0-8 years

Approved Childcarers

• Offers childcare in the child’s own home
• Can be a particular benefit for parents who work unconventional hours, and for children with additional needs
• Parents may benefit from tax credits

Useful Information about childcare

Depending on the childcare provider, children are normally eligible for Nursery Education Government Funded places the term after their 3rd Birthday.  The places are limited to 2.5 hours per day upto a maximum of 5 times a week during term time only.  Please enquire at your setting for more information.