Services for Children including Education, Early Learning and Childcare
In the UK, the law states that fulltime education is compulsory for all children from the term after their 5th birthday until the age of 16, but there is an expectation that young people will remain in education, employment or training until the age of 18.
Early Learning and Childcare
Many children start their early learning before 5, as all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours per week during term time.
Three and 4 year olds whose parents work are entitled to up to 30 hours per week.
Some 2 year olds are eligible for up to 15 hours per week
Choosing Early Education or Childcare
Choosing early education and childcare is down to personal preference, budget, age and needs of your child.In England an organisation called Ofsted makes sure that childcare settings are of a good standard. In Nottinghamshire we are fortunate that most of the childcare settings have been graded as Good or Outstanding.
Childcare settings can be:
A registered childminder working in their own home
A pre-school playgroup – often in a village hall
A day nursery
A nursery attached to a local school
For school aged children breakfast clubs, afterschool and holiday clubs are all available.
Details of what is available can be found here:
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/early-years-and-childcare/find-childcare 
Before you decide on a childcare provider, it is a good idea to visit your shortlisted settings. You may choose to see more than one setting and visit more than once to help you decide. Think about taking your child with you to meet the childcare setting. You will be able to see:
– how they get on with other children
– how the child carer interacts with your child
More information about the different types of childcare, funding support and top tips to think about when choosing childcare can be found at Notts help Yourself
www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk 
Children Centre Service
Children’s Centres have a range of services for families with children aged 0-5 years old and for those expecting a baby, who live in Nottinghamshire. Some of these are at our purpose-built centres, but many take place in community venues, parks and in the home.
Children’s Centre Service staff have expertise in family support, developing parenting skills, promoting health and wellbeing, early years development, community development, communication and language and supporting adults back to work. Children’s Centres work with partner organisations to make sure families are supported
in whatever area they need.
Each Children’s Centre Services team has its own programme of weekly activities, home visit appointments and other services which vary according to the needs of their local area.
To find out more about the Children’s Centre Service and the support they can offer you take a look here:
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/care/early-years-and-childcare/childrens-centre-service 
For more information on everything linked to being a parent, please take a look at the Parent Carer Zone on Notts Help Yourself
www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk 
Applying for a school place
You will need to apply for a school place for each child, using the registration process. Please do not contact schools direct. Use this link to apply for a school place for all
children in your care:
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-admissions/apply-for-a-school-place 
It is your responsibility to arrange for your child(ren) to get to school. Transport to access school is only arranged in exceptional circumstances. Use this link to apply for transport to access school
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/travel-to-schools/under-16-mainstream-travel-assistance 
Free School Meals
Nottinghamshire wants to make sure as many eligible children as possible are claiming their free school meals. We use the Department for Education’s free school meal checker to determine eligibility. For more information about how to apply please visit
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-meals/free-school-meals-and-milk 
Advice and Information for parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
If your child has Special Educational Needs or Disabilities, a great starting point is the SEND
Local Offer on Notts Help Yourself. www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk 