Parents Urged To Take Up `Together for Twos’ Early Years Offer

Woolwich, London: Posted by WO Staff

Parents are being encouraged to take up the opportunity of free early years learning for two-year-old children as part of a Government funded scheme.

In the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the scheme is called `Together for Twos’ – and many families take advantage by sending their children to one of the many childminders, nurseries or children’s centres that run the scheme.

It means families on a low income or who are receiving certain income-based benefits can apply for 15 hours of free childcare a week with special tailor-made play and learning activities to help their children learn and develop key skills.

The scope of the scheme is wider than some parents might believe, in that the free early learning for two year olds covers not just nurseries and children’s centres, but also local childminders. Childminders are registered and inspected by education watchdog Ofsted, in the same way as nurseries and other early years provision.

Cllr John Fahy, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Research has shown that early learning has a range of benefits for young children,” adding “Together for Twos gives the opportunity for early socialising and interaction with other children and we would consider those eligible to consider it at any of the options available.”

Free early learning for two-year-olds, known as `Together for Twos’, is available for 15 hours a week for families on low incomes (below £16,190 gross) or on certain bene­fits. It is available via children’s centres, registered childminders, crèches, nurseries or pre-school play-groups. All childcare providers have a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted grading.

For details visit www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/free-early-learning or call the Families Information and Outreach Service on  020 8921 6921. If you prefer to make contact by email, please send to: fis@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.