2 year free childcare

[Childminder16]

Hi. What are peoples thoughts on the free childcare for 2year olds? Does anyone offer it? I'm wondering if it's beneficial for me as a childminder.

[loocyloo]

I offer it and usually have at least one child using it. Sometimes they are an existing child, sometimes new, some do extra hours, some just do the 15 (or less) funded hours.
I usually try and slot the shorter hours into what spaces I already have.
It's not always easy and I think alot of the time you are parenting the parents as well as the child. Some parents need support and reassurance that they are doing a good job, other times you need to 'signpost' the family towards other support. I really enjoy it and when you see the difference you can make its lovely.

I was part of a pilot scheme and had a child just 6 hours one day a week. Child came for one term prior to starting nursery. Before child came ... Child was quite isolated and didn't know how to socialise, had poor speech and a limited diet. Mum was also very isolated with some difficulties. Child was under supervision. With major concerns that child would not be able to attend nursery.
Child and mum blossomed with the care and support and child started nursery and has thrived. I saw them over the summer and child still remembers things we did. That was almost 3years ago.

Good luck if you go for it.

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I have had 4 children on the 2 year old scheme and have filled up all my gaps. Getting 15 hours per week over 48 weeks at £1.95 over my normal hourly rate.

Definately worth doing.

[hectors house]

When criteria changed in April I mentioned it to parent of a 2 year old who hadn't previously qualified, when she reapplied she did qualify, so I kept my mindee and as Chatterbox said got a £1.85 pay increase too.

His mum is thrilled she used to pay me about £60 a week and now only pays that for the month as he comes more than his funded hours and spreads it out over the year.

[Simona]

Hi. What are peoples thoughts on the free childcare for 2year olds? Does anyone offer it? I'm wondering if it's beneficial for me as a childminder.

It is really a personal choice
Some CMs are very happy offering it because when the child reaches 3 the funding is still adequate or even above their current rate....for many CMs the 2 year old' s rate is good but drops too low after that

Unfortunately despite the DfE clear guidance to LAs that there must be 'no condition's attached to CMs drawing funding for the 15 hours of Early Education....it is not Childcare....some LAs continue to add unnecessary conditions and CMs are saying 'no thank you'

Hope you can make the right decision for yourself and your setting