Overview

This toolkit provides information for all partners; parents, childminders and schools that require further information for the 30 hours blended offer. There are exemplar documents that you are able to take a look at and adapt and also some very useful frequently asked questions that provide you with further insight into the blended offer approach.

30 Hours Funded Places

Schools will offer various approaches to the 30 hour funded places. Most schools are able to offer the full 30 hours, whilst others will offer the blended approach and stretched hours. Schools and childminders should ensure they continue with EYFS best practice, continuity and work as a partnership.

What is the blended approach?

Parents may wish to take 15 hours at a school-based provision and additional time with a child minder. Check the admission information for which childminders work with schools. Information about vacancies and school collections are available on the Childcare Choices website: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/early-years-nursery-childcare

Eligibility

Use the government website to check Childcare Services for your child: https://childcare-support.tax.service.gov.uk/par/app/applynow

You can use this website to check 14 weeks before a child turns 3. If eligible, you’re entitled to an extra 570 hours of free childcare a year to use flexibly, so 1140 hours in total.

Capacity

Each Nursery or Childminder will have their own session capacity. Some may offer full-time places, whilst others may offer part-time. Should you wish to take the blended approach, this is an agreement that can be made between all involved: parents, school and childminder. School policies usually state full-time or part-time places only. They will also have set hours of learning for morning and afternoon sessions.

Things to consider

Places will be offered on condition of eligibility and according to the admission criteria. Schools will have their admission criteria on their school website. Waiting lists for schools and childminders will be kept in order of admission criteria. Decisions on lunch will need to be made based on the school/childminder’s policy. 30 hours places can start if the school or childminder has the capacity and the child has turned three before the start of the term.