Time to Start Application Process

1.  Aims for the scheme

·  To improve outcomes of the most disadvantaged children in the borough by providing free good quality, childcare places

·  To improve outcomes for families by providing access to appropriate services

·  To increase the take up of the free nursery entitlement for three and four year olds

2.  Applications

Children can be referred as soon as they are 2 years old.

All referrals will be assessed by the Early Years Team on a weekly basis.

An application form must be completed and sent by email to or by post to Early Years Admin Team, Education Support Centre, Field Road, Bloxwich Walsall WS3 3JF.

Invoices for payment must be sent by post to Sue Cox, Walsall Children’s Services, 2nd Floor, Civic Centre Walsall WS1 1NG

All referrers and parents will be informed of the decision within 2 weeks of the referral being submitted to us.

3.  Criteria

Families must be in receipt of one of these benefits

·  Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

·  Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element

·  Extra Working Tax Credit relating to a disability

·  Pension Credit

·  Income Support

And the child must have identified needs in one of these areas

·  Speech/language needs

·  Domestic violence

·  Parent/sibling with a serious health condition

·  Difficult family circumstances/special cases

·  Developmental delay

·  Hostel/temporary accommodation

·  Serious health condition

4.  Provision

4.1 The childcare offer is a maximum of 15 hours per week. Childcare providers should currently be rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. Providers will receive £4.50 per hour. There is no funding for transport or meals. If you require a buddy please contact us as soon as possible. Children will be eligible for this place until the term after they are three years old.

4.3 Information will be shared with the local Children’s Centre in order to co-ordinate an appropriate package of family support.

5.  Further information

If you have any queries about the new process please contact

Jenny Mander / / 01922 686535
Kim Stokes / / 01922 686536

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