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Information, resources and regular news updates for childcare providers in Sandwell.
Latest News
*NEW*
Coram Family and Childcare Childcare Survey 2023 is the 22nd annual survey mapping the cost and availability of childcare in England.
The average price for 25 hours per week of nursery childcare for a child under two is £148.63, a rise of 5.6% since 2021.
Help paying for your childcare
Share this video with families.
Funded Childcare
Codes
Codes are only issued with ELT and 30 hours applications. Providers should not advise parents taking up 15 hours NEF that they need a code.
30 Hours funding renewal reminder
Please remind families to renew their code to ensure that they can continue to access funding for their 3 and 4 year olds. Renewal must take place every three months and can be done via the HMRC website
Funding will not be able to continue without the relevant code, cut off dates for the funding are always as follows:
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31 March
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31 August
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31 December
All codes must be given to providers before the cut-off date to ensure continuation of funding.
ELT 2 Year Old Funding
Families that qualify for a 2 year old free childcare place should be encouraged to apply.
Parents may need more information or assistance with the application process. Direct families to the Family Information Service for one to one support with the online application form.
Apply for a 2 year old free childcare place
“Golden tickets” are sent out to all eligible parents who qualify for a two year old place, this is based on the data we receive from the DWP.
Parents do not need to apply online if they have received a "Golden Ticket"
From 1st September 2022 families with No Recourse to Public Funds may be eligible for free childcare for 2 year olds.
DfE Guidance on assessing 2,3 and 4 year old funding for Afghan families under Government resettlement programmes.
Assessing eligibility and funding for afghan families
ARAP and ACRS families will have recourse to public funds and could be eligible for the free early education entitlements where they meet the published eligibility criteria.
Tax Free Childcare
Parents can use Tax Free Childcare to pay for any form of care or supervised activity for a child that is not part of the child’s compulsory education. The childcare must be registered or approved.
Early Years Support
Sandwell Early Years supports childcare providers with information, advice and guidance. Find information on EYFS framework, OFSTED regulations, DfE guidance, business support, marketing and social media. Find out more
Contact Sandwell Early Years
email: EarlyYears_Team@sandwell.gov.uk
telephone: 0121 569 4960
Running a childcare business
Find out more about managing a childcare business including marketing, paperwork and buying and choosing equipment.
Contact the team at Sandwell Early Years for support with training and development, policies and procedures, recruitment and sustainability, 2,3 and 4 year old funding and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Contact Sandwell Early Years for business and Ofsted registration support
Craft Corner
Craft Corner has lots of craft activities, ideas and inspiration. Find out more
Early Years Newsletter
Sandwell Early Years Newsletter is full of news and useful information for early years providers and practitioners. Check out the latest newsletter.
Sandwell Keeps Talking
Sandwell Early Years Toolkit for Early Years Practitioners.
Sandwell Keeps Talking has a focus on Speech, Language and Communication as we know there are now many more gaps for our children within this area, and you are the best people to help them catch up. Find out more