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PRE-SCHOOL |
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A Sure Start for those early years
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 The
Early Education and Childcare Services is an integral part of the
services provided by the Local Authority Education and Cultural Services
Department.
There are several different areas of work within the Early Education and
Childcare Service including; the Wakefield District Sure Start Partnership,
the Wakefield District Children’s Information Service and the Wakefield
District Toy Library.
The Sure Start Unit is a new national Government
Unit and encompasses the work of the Early Education and Childcare
Service local Sure Start programmes, of which there are four in the
Wakefield District.
The Wakefield District Sure Start Partnership, previously known as the
Wakefield Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, consists of
a group of members representing a variety of organisations that have an
interest in early years, childcare and playwork.
The aims of the Sure Start Unit are to achieve a better outcome for children,
parents and communities by increasing the availability of childcare for
all children. To improve health, education and emotional development for
young children and to offer ongoing support for parents, including help
and advice on their aspirations towards employment
The Wakefield District Children’s Information Service provides
a service for parents and carers in the Wakefield District and can
offer help and advice on childcare, as well as information on early
years education and play related issues.
They offer a wide range of booklets on childcare issues and provide accurate,
up to date, impartial information and advice for parents and carers with
children aged 0-14, and up to age16 for children with special or additional
needs.
The service includes: |
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| nformation on play, childcare and early education
provision and covers: |
| Breakfast Clubs |
Childminders |
Crèches |
| Day Nurseries |
Early Years Education |
Holiday Clubs |
| Holiday Play schemes |
Independent Schools |
Maintained Schools |
| Nannies |
Nursery Schools and Classes |
Out of School Clubs |
| Parent and Toddler Groups |
Pre-school Playgroups |
Sitters |
| Wraparound Care |
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- They also provide an information service, offering advice
on:
- Local children’s activities including sports classes,
swimming lessons and youth clubs
- Considerations when choosing childcare
- Legal requirements for registered childcare providers
- Paying for childcare
- Assistance for individuals interested in a career in
early years education playwork and childcare and current
jobs available in the Wakefield District
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 The
Wakefield District Toy Library is the first of its
kind and the largest of its type in the country. It is a
partnership project run through the Library and the Early
Education and Childcare Services of the Local Authority.
Toys are available for children aged 0 to 14. The service
is currently available to early years education and childcare
settings but will be open to the public during 2004.
An important aspect of the Wakefield District Toy Library is its
ability to promote Play. Play is an essential part of a child’s
development. From birth onwards they are exploring the world around
them. Through play they learn about their environment, how to relate
to people, about objects and how to handle them. Regular borrowing
of appropriate toys encourages exploration and development of new
skills. Play is fun, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. |
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A
Sure Start For Those Early Years