Schools, early years and childcare

Early years

• Children learn more in their first five years than at any other time in their lives.
• The early years are the foundation on which children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development is based.
• This is why Medway Council is committed to providing high quality nursery education, childcare, play and family support services.

Nursery education

Nursery education provision in schools, pre-schools, day nurseries and with accredited childminders is regularly inspected by Ofsted (www.ofsted.gov.uk) and is supported by a team of early years advisers who ensure high quality care and education.

Childcare

Parents who are working need good quality care for their children. Childcare provision in Medway includes day nurseries, pre-schools, registered childminders and for school-age children, out of school clubs and holiday play schemes. Medway Council's Family Information Service can provide parents with up to date information and advice about the availability of local childcare (www.childcarelink.gov.uk). Working parents on low and middle incomes can apply for a rebate of part of their childcare costs through Child Tax Credit (www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/tmatax-credits.shtml).

Working in partnership

Medway Council is developing new nursery education and childcare services in partnership with private and voluntary organisations, the health service, businesses, parents and carers. The Medway Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership publishes an Early Years Development and Childcare Plan.

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