In 2004 a law was passed to entitle all three and four year olds in the UK to a free place at a nursery or other preschool setting. In September 2010 the Government extended these hours from 12.5 to 15 for up to 38 weeks of the year. This ensures that all children are able to benefit from early years education and the developmental opportunities this will lead to.
There are several different types of childcare available for children aged 0-5, these include:
Sure Start Children’s Centres, who work with parents from the birth of their children and provide the child with early education, full or short term care and they also provide health and family support and parenting advice.
Nursery Schools enable children between the ages of three and give to have early learning opportunities, they are often linked to primary schools, or based at a children’s centre.
Preschools and playgroups are usually ran by voluntary groups and provide early learning and play opportunities for under-fives.
Childminders are able to look after under 12s in the childminders own home. They are able to take care of up to six children who are under 8, but only 3 or less can be under 5.
Nannies provide care for children in the parental home and are able to look after children of any age.
Explain the characteristics of the different types of schools in relation to educational stages and school governance
All children between the ages of 5 and 16 and entitled to a free school place at a state school. The majority of state schools have to follow the national curriculum. There are four different types of these;
Community schools are controlled by the council and are under no influences from a religious group or business.
Foundation schools have more freedom than community schools, and can change the way they do things.
Academies are run by an independent governing body and therefore follow a different curriculum.
Grammar schools are run by the council or by a trust and have the ability to select their students based on intelligence and achievement. They often have an entrance test.
Explain the post 16 options for young people and adults.
When a young person finishes year 11 there are several different options available to them. They are now required by law to stay in education until 18, although there are many different ways of