Early education and childcare

Early education

All children, including children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are entitled to early education funding from the term following their 3rd birthday until they start school.

This is available for up to fifteen hours a week during term time.

• Entitlement to early education funding
• Disability access funding 

Childcare

Registered childcare services for children aged 0 to 18 years are usually paid for by parents through the following:

• Out of school childcare 
• Help toward paying for childcare
• 30 hours free childcare
• Funded childcare and early education for two-year-olds
• Free education for two-year-olds

A maintained list of early education and childcare provision is available below:

• Family information directory 
• Keep calm and carry on - preparing for the revised EYFS

Childcare entitlement videos

For further information about childcare entitlements, view the following clips:

Two-year funding

Universal 15 hours and 30 hours funding

Tax-free childcare

Ofsted reports

View the latest Ofsted reports for each childcare provider.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children with SEND needs

If your child has SEND needs they may qualify for Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Do you know that if your 2 year old receives DLA, they will automatically qualify for 570 hours of funded childcare, which can be used with an Ofsted registered childcare provision of your choice.

Contact Citizens Advice Swindon for support with applying for DLA: Swindon Citizens Advice

Contact the early years brokerage team for support with your two year funding application and help to find a childcare place: EY&CBrokerage@swindon.gov.uk

Contact

Early Years and Childcare Services
Swindon Borough Council
Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
SN1 2JH

E-mail: EY&CBrokerage@swindon.gov.uk   

Useful resources

• Swindon SENDIASS (Formerly Swindon Parent Partnership)