Bristol Families Not Taking Advantage Of Free Early Education For Two-Year Olds
Posted on: 28 Jul 2014Bev Driffield of the Mama Bear’s Day Nursery group is advising Bristol families that they may not be taking full advantage of the newly assessed criteria for free early education. These new parameters have been expanded, meaning that even more two-year-olds in Bristol could be eligible for free childcare.
A family run childcare organisation, Mama Bear’s Day Nursery was established in 2002 with the aim of making high-quality, affordable childcare available to families living, working or studying in the South West.
Bev has praised the government scheme which offers either year-round or term-time childcare, but unfortunately many families remain largely unaware of the funding available to them. The nursery group are therefore planning to hold drop-in sessions at its Soundwell nursery to inform parents of these changes to guidelines.
Bev said: “There are so many funding options available to families to help them with the cost of childcare but many just don’t know about them, and therefore are not making use of them which is a real shame.
“Free childcare places are now available at Mama Bear’s for even more eligible two-year-olds. The allocated childcare hours can now be spread across the year, making it easier on parents financially. It’s also great for the children who gain from consistent care and don’t have to settle back in to nursery life after longer holiday periods.
“Early education for two-year olds is so beneficial and can really help with a child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development as well as aiding speech and cognitive skills. The scheme is perfect for working parents but also great for families who need a few hours a week to do other things while their child is being looked after by professionals and surrounded by friends.”
“At two-years-old children are keen to learn new things every day and socialise with their peers. As soon as they are confident on their feet, children are ready to go exploring. It is so important to encourage toddlers to learn about themselves, their environment and the world we live in by providing a full range of resources and activities and sometimes this is not possible within the home. At Mama Bear’s we have worked hard to create a stimulating environment designed especially for that age-group. We have also invested in age-appropriate toys and devised activities aimed at developing two-year-olds in a fun and exciting way.”
A new purpose built room for two-year-olds has been created at the Soundwell nursery, and with spaces still available at the nursery for September, Bev is encouraging parents of two-year-olds to come along and talk to nursery staff about free childcare options.
Bev continued: “I’m hoping the changes to entitlement mean we can welcome more children through our doors who will benefit socially and developmentally before their move to Primary School.”
The Mama Bear’s open mornings will take place on Tuesday 29 July and Thursday 31 July from 9.30am-11.30am at the Soundwell nursery on Pembroke Road.
Each nursery is open weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm, or until 7pm on request, for 51 weeks of the year, closing between Christmas and New Year, and all bank holidays.
For more information or to register visit www.mamabear.co.uk or call Claire Godfrey on 07435 965604.
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
