In addition to maintained schools a free part-time nursery place can also be accessed within the PVIC sectors. 

The following provision is available within the Wakefield District:

• independent schools
• private day nurseries
• local authority day nurseries
• pre-school playgroups
• childminders that are part of an accredited network

What is the ‘Early Years Free Entitlement’?
Every child is entitled to receive up to 15 hours of free nursery education every week, for up to 38 weeks per year. 

Term dates and eligibility
A child becomes eligible for a nursery place the term after their 3rd birthday.

How do the different types of providers offer the Early Years Free Entitlement?
A private nursery or a local authority day nursery will allow you to attend for just the free hours only.  However parents usually access additional hours.  The free entitlement will be deducted from your fees and you should only be charged for the additional hours that you access.

A pre-school playgroup will operate similarly to a schools nursery class.  They usually offer 5 morning or afternoon sessions and some offer the chance of accessing extra hours or taking the free entitlement over 3 days.

Independent schools are usually open for 35 weeks of the year.  They work similarly to a school nursery but children can attend for full days.  The Early Years Free Entitlement will be deducted from the schools termly fees.

A childminder who is eligible to offer the Early Years Free Entitlement will operate in the same way as a private nursery in that the free entitlement will be deducted from your fees and you should only be charged for the additional hours that you access.

How do I receive the Early Years Free Entitlement?
The funding is paid directly by the Council to your chosen provider. You should not be charged for the early years free entitlement.

If you choose to take up more than the 15 hours you will be charged a fee by your provider.  Where this happens, your invoice should show the free entitlement, and any amount charged for additional hours.

If providers’ fees are lower than the amount of funding given by the Council, they may choose to keep this money to support the education of your child.

Not all providers charge fees (eg. schools and voluntary pre-school playgroups).  These providers will keep the full amount of funding received from the Council.

How do I claim the early years free entitlement?
Ask your provider about claiming the entitlement.  They will be aware when your child is eligible, and will then claim the funding on your behalf.  If you access your free place in the PVIC sector, at the beginning of each term you will be asked to complete a form confirming your child’s attendance at your chosen provider.  Your provider will also be able to explain how you will receive your free entitlement.

How much do Wakefield Council fund towards the Early Years Free Entitlement?
For the 2011/12 financial year Wakefield Council pays all providers a base rate of £3.80 per hour to cover the Early Years Free Entitlement.  The maximum amount available is £2,166.00.  This is for 15 hours per week for 38 weeks. Some providers costs for delivering the free entitlement will be higher or lower than the Councils base rate.  However all parents should receive their Early Years entitlement free of charge and you should only be charged for any extra hours or services purchased.

Can I send my child to more than one provider?
Yes.  You can split the 15 hours between a maximum of two providers, but you must inform both providers of your intention to do this.  The Council will determine how the funding will be split between the providers.

Can I access a nursery place if I live outside of the Wakefield District?
If you live outside the Wakefield District and want to send your child to a Wakefield provider, then you will still be able to access the free entitlement.  Similarly, if you live in Wakefield and send your child to a provider in another area, then that council will fund your place.  However, you will have to follow the procedures of the council where your child receives the free entitlement.

Will this affect and claims for Working Tax Credits?
Yes.  If you are entitled to help with your childcare costs through the Working Tax Credits (WTC), then you will need to inform the Inland Revenue of a change in your circumstances.  This is because your childcare costs will reduce when you receive the free entitlement.  The amount you declare on the Tax Credit Form must be the actual amount you pay.  As soon as you are receiving the early years free entitlement, contact the Tax Credits helpline on 0845 300 3900.

Will this affect my Childcare Vouchers?
Maybe.  If you are currently using Childcare Vouchers, you may need to reduce the amount of vouchers you receive.  Please contact your voucher provider, or alternatively contact the Families Information Service on 0800 587 8042.

How do I recognise a good nursery?
The Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED) inspects all settings and publishes a report of its findings.  You can ask the setting for a copy of their last OfSTED inspection.  Alternatively, these are available on the OfSTED website www.ofsted.gov.uk  The Families Information Service also provides a checklist of suggested aspects, to ask about, to help you make your decision.

Wakefield District Families Information Service
For further information contact the Wakefield District Families Information Service on 0800 587 8042 or www.wakfieldfis.org.uk  The FIS also provides free information, advice and assistance to parents and carers who:

• Are applying for a school place
• Have a child who has, or may have, special educational needs
• Want to access childcare, other services and support for families