Families not taking advantage of free early education
A Bristol-based day nursery group says families are not taking full advantage of the free early education now available for two-year-olds in the city.
Bev Driffield from the Mama Bear’s Day Nursery group is advising Bristol parents that the criteria for free places has now been expanded meaning even more children will be eligible.
While many families with two-year-olds are largely unaware of the funding available to them, Bev has praised the government scheme which offers either year-round or term-time childcare.
The nursery group is holding drop-in sessions at its Soundwell nursery in order to inform parents of the new 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.”
Mama Bear’s Soundwell nursery has recently been refurbished and expanded and a new purpose-built room for two-year-olds has been created. 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 next Mama Bear’s open mornings are taking place on Tuesday 29 July and Thursday 31 July from 9.30am-11.30am at the Soundwell nursery on Pembroke Road.
Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is a family run childcare organisation which was established in 2002 with the aim of making high-quality, affordable childcare available to families living, working or studying in the South West.
There are now 19 nurseries across the South West in Somerset, Devon and Bristol which aim to provide children with their first vital level of education to give them a head-start when they start at primary school.
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.
