Tag Archives: Childcare

Free early learning for two year olds

Some families can get up to 15 hours free early years learning for their two year olds with a day nursery, childminder, play group or Childrens’ Centre. The children learn to make friends and gain confidence that helps them get ready for school.

Families getting tax credits, benefits and  special needs may be eligible. Check on page 25 here.

Use the Families Information Service (FIS) to find early years & childcare to suit the needs of your family:

Family Information Directory

In the West Norwood area free 2 year old places are offered at: Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Abacus Early Learning Nursery, Chapel House Day Nursery, Bright Horizons Day Nursery & Preschool, Ana-Bela’s Day Nursery and local childminders.

All children aged 3 to 4 are eligible for 15 hours free early up to 38 weeks a year until they start the reception year at primary school.

To contact the FIS direct phone 020 7926 9558 or email fis@lambeth.gov.uk

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Filed under Education, Home, Kids, Lambeth Council

Local Childcare Survey

london childcareDoes your family use or need childcare? If so please fill in this quick online survey by Monday 6th October: www.surveymonkey.com/s/IPPRsurvey. And there is a chance to win a £50 shopping voucher!

Lambeth & Southwark Childcare Commission, chaired by Tessa Jowell MP, is looking for ways to improve childcare in our area  and carrying out reasearch with The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

Childcare in London is hard to find and expensive. The Family and Childcare Trust’s  recent report highlights the shortage of affordable childcare in London   http://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/News/london

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Filed under Education, Kids

Toddler groups

photo of toddlerFortunately for families in West Norwood there’s plenty of places to get out and about with babies and young children.

If it’s playgroups you’re after then St Luke’s Church on Knights Hill SE27 0HS offers Conker Club on Monday mornings from 10am during school term times –  a fantastic stay-and-play for babies and toddlers with a multitude of toys, books and puzzles, a dedicated ‘soft area’, activity tables and a rough-and-tumble area with gym mats for the more adventurous child.  Admission is a £1.50 donation and tea, coffee, squash and biscuits are provided.

The Cherry Tree Children’s Centre on Barston Road SE27 9HE (running between Chestnut Road and Idmiston Road) runs Baby Rhyme Time from 10am on Tuesdays, a drop-in group with singing and a story each week – being a Surestart centre, activities are free of charge.

The Salvation Army at 246 Norwood Road SE27 9AW (opposite Beamish & McGlue) runs a playgroup on Tuesdays at 10am – admission £2 donation.

Many of these play sessions are very popular so arrive early to avoid disappointment.  However, for a slightly more relaxed start time, Chatsworth Baptist Church in Chatsworth Way SE27 9AN runs a lovely stay-and-play on Fridays from 10am for children 12 months and under – a £3 contribution is welcome.

And don’t forget the One o’clock club at the top of Norwood Park SE19 1EA – free of charge and open 12.30pm to 3.30pm on Mondays , Tuesdays & Fridays.

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Filed under Churches, Community / voluntary, Kids