PRE-SCHOOL AND ANTE PRE-SCHOOL CHILDCARE
Childcare for Pre 5 children - What you are entitled to
Free part-time pre-school education places are available for all pre-school year children and children in the year before their pre-school year. They are eligible from the beginning of the term following their third birthday.
Pre-school education can be provided within:
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a local authority nursery school
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a nursery class in a primary school
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a local authority day nursery
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a private day nursery
- a playgroup
Do all childcare services offer free pre-school education places?
Centres providing pre-school education places must be registered with Glasgow City Council.
In addition, Glasgow City Council co-ordinate the delivery of places and centres working in partnership with them. This means that certain private and voluntary establishments co-operate with Glasgow City Council in the provision of this service.
You can check which services provide free part-time places with the Early Childhood & Extended Childcare Services or you can ask your childcare provider. You may need to look at which services are available in your area and decide which service might best suit your child’s needs.
Inspection of centres providing pre-school education
All providers of government funded pre-school education for 3 or 4 year olds are currently inspected by The Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care , and HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE). The staff follow national guidelines for the education of children aged 3 - 5 years that encourage learning through play,and the service must meet standards laid down by HMIE. Within Glasgow we also offer pre-school education in Gaelic Services/Units within some nurseries.
What times are available to you?
For children in their immediate pre-school year, you are entitled to five sessions per week. Sessions usually last for around 2½ hours each. You may be offered sessions in a variety of combinations of mornings and afternoons and the number and pattern of sessions available may vary from provider to provider. You may be able to get a different pattern of sessions to suit your child or your pattern of work.
How will the place be paid?
Providers offering free places receive a grant from the Scottish Executive facilitated by Glasgow City Council. From August 2008, this grant is available for three terms:
Term 1 - August 2008 - December 2008
Term 2 - January 2009 - 31st March 2009
Term 3 - April 2009 - June 2009
Children eligible for 3 terms funding are as follows:
For children in their deferred entry year (5 year olds) born between 1st January 2004 - 28th February 2004, parents will be able to access grant from August 2008.
For children in their pre school year (4 year olds) born between 1st March 2004 - 28th February 2005, parents will be able to access grant from August 2008.
For children in their ante pre-school year (3 year olds) born between 1st March 2005 - 31st August 2005, parents will be able to access grant from August 2008.
Children eligible for 2 terms funding are as follows:
For children in their ante pre-school year (3 year olds) born between 1st September 2005 – 31st December 2005, parents will be able to access grant from January 2009.
Children eligible for 1 term funding are as follows:
For children in their ante pre-school year (3 year olds) born between 1st January 2006 – 28th February 2006, parents will be able to access grant from April 2009.
Does this grant cover all costs of your pre-school education place?
The grant covers only the cost of the five, 2½ hour sessions per week, the cost of any additional hours attended must be met by the parent/guardian. The grant does not cover the cost of any snacks or lunches.
Establishments may request that you contribute towards a toy fund. It should be noted that toy fund contributions are totally voluntary and at the discretion of parent/guardian. You must ensure that the provider clearly informs you of any additional charges that you have to pay over and above the grant award. The provider should detail clearly all charges and identify how they are made up. Please ensure that you receive a receipt for any money that you pay to the establishment.
What is the actual cost of the grant awarded?
The grant is for five, 2½ hour sessions per week, over the three terms (38 weeks) will be determined by the end of August 2008 and notified to all partners and parents. If your child attends less than the five sessions, the grant awarded to the provider will be reduced accordingly.
Should you wish to use some sessions in a Glasgow City Council nursery in addition to a private provider then you can, provided you do not claim any more than 5 sessions per week.
Information and Advice from:
Early Childhood & Extended Childcare Services
Wheatley House
25 Cochrane Street
Glasgow G1 1HL
Phone: 0141 287 7972 / 5223
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