Education and Learning

Early Years - All 3 & 4 year old children can access the Free Entitlement to Early Education for 15 hours a week over 38 weeks per year.

This funding is generally available the term following their 3rd birthday, however, the cut off dates are 31st March, 31st August and 31st December. Although some terms may start in April, September and January, children born on the first day in the month will not be eligible until the following term. Some 2 year olds are eligible if they meet the 3 and 4 year old eligibility criteria the term following their 2nd birthday.

This can be accessed via a range of providers: childminders, pre-school, day nursery, school nursery class, private nursery and independent schools. Contact your chosen provider directly to access this funding. If you think you may have an eligible 2 year old then please either contact us or apply on line. You can also find further information through Gov.UK here.

Working parents/carers may be eligible for an additional 15 hours funding making the total hours available 30. Please click on this link to Childcare Choices for further information, this link will also give information on Tax Free Childcare, which assists with the cost of childcare.

Most children start school full-time in the September after their fourth birthday. This means they’ll turn 5 during their first school year.

If you do not think your child is ready to start school at the usual time, they can start later - as long as they’re in full-time education by the time they reach ‘compulsory school age’; 5 years old.

You can leave school on the last Friday in June if you’ll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

You must then do one of the following until you’re 18:

• stay in full-time education, for example at a sixth form, sixth form college or further education college
• start an apprenticeship or traineeship
• spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training

If you would like information, advice and guidance around these steps – or broader careers guidance – please speak to your school careers leader. If you have left school but would like some additional guidance and support, please contact Alex Pye, our Careers and Participation Officer on alex.pye@westberks.gov.uk.

The Ethnic Minoroty and Traveller Service (EMTAS)gives guidance and advice to support pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds, including those for whom English is an additional language and supports schools to be inclusive.

Referrals accepted from any source.