It's really important to make sure that children have the skills to do well at school, and parents have a big part to play in this. But you're not alone – our School Readiness team will work with you to make sure you know how to give your child the best chance of being ready for school.
Playing and interacting with your child is important for their development, so we offer play sessions at our Children's Centres. We can also work with you in your home if you need more specific support.
Childcare and early education are a great source of learning and skills for children, so it's important to find out what's available to your children. All families are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare for children aged 3 and 4, no matter how much they're earning or whether they're working or not. Some families are also entitled to more hours, or free childcare for 2 year olds. You can use the government's Childcare Choices website to find out more, or speak to the School Readiness team.
The School Readiness team also works with childminders and other providers of childcare to make sure they offer the best care possible, and also keep children safe. So when you choose a childcare provider, you know you're getting the best for your child.