Childcare means the care and play experience for all children up to the age of 16 whose parents need it. Wiltshire County Council is striving to ensure there is sufficient childcare across the county which can include childminders, pre-schools and nurseries, crèches, breakfast and after school clubs and holiday playschemes.
The Extended Schools initiative means that all pupils should have access to wrap around care from 8.00am – 6.00pm which is not necessarily on the school site; however it is available within the local area.
Childcare needs to be available for all so all settings should be inclusive and able to cater for the needs of disabled children and young people and those with special educational needs.
Early Years Education is the learning experience of children from the age of 3 to the end of their reception year known as the Foundation Stage.
All childminders, pre-schools and nurseries are inspected by OFSTED and graded on the quality of care and early years education offered.
