Childcare
Childcare
The local authority is committed to promoting high standards of childcare that meets the needs of families in York. All Ofsted registered early years providers, including nurseries, childminders, pre-schools and reception classes in schools must meet the requirements of the SEND Code of Practice 2014 (0 to 25 years), the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
This gives children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), greater support, choice and opportunities. Providers must:
- involve you and your child in decision-making and ensure you receive the information and support you require
- respond effectively to your child’s emerging needs
- work together with professionals and services to have a coordinated approach to ensure positive outcomes for your child
- demonstrate an approach to caring that enables all children to fully participate in learning activities
In addition, providers have a duty placed on them by the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for children with SEND.
Read more about:
- childcare for children with SEND
- Early Years childcare funding
- Coram Family and Childcare Trust guide
- finding childcare in York
Childcare for children with SEND
There are a range of childcare options available for your child, some of these will be for children of all abilities, while others will be specialist services only for disabled children. Childcare is available both for children pre-school age and around school hours to provide families the freedom needed to work or train for work.
It may be necessary for your child to attend a specialist childcare setting. Some providers will be attached to a special school or a school for hearing or visually impaired children and others will be managed by the council, such as enhanced children’s centres, or may be run by a charity. For specialist early years services, your child would usually need to be referred by a social worker or healthcare professional. Alternatively, the setting may be named in your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Visit the Raise York website which outlines the different types of childcare available to familes.
Early Years childcare funding
Help towards the cost of childcare is available for children from 9 months old.
Some families may be eligible for up to 30 hours towards the cost of childcare from when their child is 9 months until 4 years. Families not eligible for the 30 hours may be eligible for up to 15 hours Early Learning Funding for 2 year olds. There is a universal 15 hours for all 3 and 4 year olds. Visit Raise York website - how to reduce the cost of childcare to learn how to reduce the cost of childcare and to get more information.
Families who have children with special educational needs and disabilities may also be eligible for the Disability Access Fund or other funding available. Read more about the financial support available to you at Raise York website - how to reduce the cost of childcare.
Coram Family and Childcare Trust guide
Coram Family and Childcare Trust have created a helpful guide to childcare for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in England. The guide provides information on your childcare options; tips on choosing childcare; detailed information on the Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessments and plans and the financial support available for parents of children with SEND.
Finding childcare in York
Use the Childcare and Service Directory to find available childcare in York. If you would prefer to speak to someone to discuss your options, contact the Family Information Service, who supports families to find Ofsted registered childcare in York and inform you of the different ways to reduce the financial cost of childcare.