Are you a new or existing provider who is interested in registering to provide early education for 3 & 4 year olds & accessing the Nursery Education Grant?
If so, there are certain criteria you need to meet before starting the registration process.
- You must have received a satisfactory outcome in your OFSTED registration inspection. Any recommendations/actions arising from the report should be discussed with your Development Officer.
- Staffing must meet the National Standards i.e. staff have appropriate qualifications as listed in the QCA framework (e.g. NVQ Early Years, Care & Education 2/3).
- The environment is appropriate to the age and development of the children.
- Your setting has the capacity within its budget to resource the needs of a Foundation Stage Curriculum.
- You must demonstrate a proven commitment to professional development.
You will be expected to follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum published by the Qualification & Curriculum Authority. Click on the links below for copies of the appropriate documents or visit the QCA website for more information:
You will also be required to adhere to the ‘Code of Practice on the Provision of Free Nursery Education Places for 3 & 4 Year Olds’ which includes:
- offering nursery education at OFSTED registered premises within the Darlington Borough Council area;
- offering sessions of at least 2½ hours in length;
- offering eligible children at least one session per week for 38 weeks per year;
- identifying a setting based Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and operate a Special Education Needs Policy in line with the SEN Code of Practice;
- promoting the Early Learning Goals.
Please click on the link for a copy of:
OFSTED produce a useful document entitled 'Are you Ready for your Inspection?' which is a guide to inspections of childcare and nursery education. Please click on the link below for a copy:
Please note there is a time element involved and although you are eligible to claim the grant in the term following your registration with OFSTED, it may take up to a year to work through the process.
If you would like more information or would like to apply to register then please contact the Children's Information Service on 0800 9172121 or e-mail cis@darlington.gov.uk