Nottingham City Council are heading out into the community to reach out to parents who may be eligible for free childcare this week.
The roadshow will be visiting five local communities to raise awareness about the Early Learning Programme, which provides free early education for 2 year olds.
Staff from the council’s Families Information Service will be on hand to inform parents about the free childcare places for eligible families and give information about other kinds of support available to them.
There will also be information about services for three to four year olds, such joining the local library and schemes like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which provides free books for under five year olds.
Video: Councillor David Mellen talks about the roadshow.
Childcare providers from across the city will also be there, including representatives from local children’s centres, play groups and nurseries.
Eligible children can receive up to 15 hours a week of free childcare in the form of day nurseries, childminders and playgroups.
Since the programme first started in 2006, more than 5,000 children in Nottingham have had access to free Early Learning support.
Cllr Mellen said: “Nottingham City Council and its partners in the Early Learning Programme, are working hard to build up enthusiasm for learning, especially in areas where early educational take up can be lower.
“Starting childcare early can give a child a head start in life, helping them learn and develop through interaction with other children in fun playtime activities.
“Parents benefit from good childcare too by being able to return to work sooner or find training.”
Children are eligible if their parents receive certain benefits or earn no more than £16,190 a year.
The roadshow will run from August 17 to 21 and will visit the following places:
- Monday 17 – Clifton, Shopping Parade, Southchurch Drive
- Tuesday 18 – St Ann’s, St Ann’s Valley Centre
- Wednesday 19 – Bestwood/Top Valley, shopping area off Brownlow Drive
- Thursday 20 – Broxtowe, outside Spar shop on roundabout with Strelley Road and Broxtowe Lane
- Friday 21 – Bulwell/Bulwell Forest, upper market place
