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Rough Guide to Free Childcare for Children in England (2023 Edition)

Today we provide a rough guide to free childcare schemes available in England. There are many different ways eligible families can obtain at the very least some free childcare, so today we look at the various Government schemes and options available. The good news is that there is even one that’s available to pretty much everyone — and it’s quite generous. We’ll take a look at that childcare funding scheme first.

‘Universal’ Free Childcare Hours for 3- & 4-Year-Olds

(The “15 Hours” Scheme)

Up to 570 Free Childcare Hours Available

  • With Universal Free Childcare, children aged 3 or 4 can receive up to 570 hours of free childcare over the course of the year.With Universal Free Childcare, children aged 3 or 4 can receive up to 570 hours of free childcare over the course of the year.
  • Also known as their Free entitlement, it typically equates to 15 hours of free childcare per week over the course of 38 weeks of the year.
  • Some childcare providers may be able to stretch the hours out in a different pattern if it better suits families.
  • The childcare would be available through a nursery, preschool or childminder that’s properly registered to offer free childcare places, plus some other types of provider.

Eligibility

Universal free childcare is not means tested and all children aged 3 and 4 living in England are eligible to receive the free hours. 3- and 4-year-olds moving to England from abroad are also entitled, even without British citizenship. Eligible children can start their free childcare in the term following their 3rd birthday.

How to Apply

Families should apply through their local childcare provider. If you live/work in Streatham and are interested in your child getting their free entitlement at Little Cedars Nursery, please apply here or get in touch to discuss a nursery place with us. You can also find out more about childcare funding via your local council (you can find yours here).

‘Extended’ Free Childcare Hours for 3- & 4-Year-Olds

(The “30 Hours” Scheme)

Up to 1140 Free Childcare Hours Available

  • With Extended Free Childcare, eligible 3- and 4-year-olds can receive up to 1140 hours of free childcare per year.With Extended Free Childcare, eligible 3- and 4-year-olds can receive up to 1140 hours of free childcare per year instead of only 570.
  • Also known as 30 hours’ free childcare, it typically equates to 30 hours of free childcare each week over 38 weeks.
  • As before, however, some childcare providers may be able to offer a different pattern of hours each week, for example if families prefer to take the free hours over 51 weeks of the year rather than limit them to term time only.
  • As with the Universal scheme, the free childcare would be available through a nursery, preschool or childminder that’s properly registered to offer free childcare places, plus some other types of provider.

Eligibility

In contrast to the Universal scheme above, Extended free childcare for children in England aged 3 and 4 is means tested and there are quite a few additional rules around eligibility. These relate to income, job status, immigration status, and your child’s circumstances. In regard to income, generally speaking, eligibility requires that the parent(s) – or a single parent and their partner – are working and are each earning at least £8,668 per annum (less if aged under 23) but less than £100,000. The lower figure is based on 16 working hours per week on at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage. There are several exceptions to the general guidelines, though, and it is therefore wise to consult the more detailed eligibility information available here.

How to Apply

Applications for the Extended (30 hours) free childcare scheme must be made online via the Government website. Children are eligible to start using their free childcare in the term following their 3rd birthday, but parents can apply for it once they reach the age of 2 years and 36 weeks. Don’t leave your application too late because a code will be required in order for your childcare provider to access the childcare funding and you need to know that code in the month preceding the start of the term your child joins. The code will also need to be reconfirmed once every quarter.

Free Childcare for Disadvantaged 2-Year-Olds

Up to 570 Free Childcare Hours Available

  • Some disadvantaged children aged 2 can receive up to 570 hours of free childcare over the course of the year.Some disadvantaged children aged 2 can also receive up to 570 hours of free childcare over the course of the year.
  • This usually equates to 15 hours of free childcare each week over 38 weeks of the year.
  • As with some the schemes above, some childcare providers may be able to spread the hours out in a different way, e.g. less hours per week over more weeks of the year.
  • The childcare would be available through a nursery, preschool or childminder that’s properly registered to offer free childcare places, plus some other types of provider.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible, children’s parents/carers must be in receipt of one or more qualifying Government benefits. These include JSA, ESA, Income Support and Universal Credit amongst others. Household income and any savings must also fall below certain thresholds.

Children may also be eligible, however, if they are in an ‘additional needs’ category. For example, they receive Disability Living Allowance, have an ECH Plan, are being looked after by the local authority, have left care under certain types of order, or fall into another specific category. Some non-UK citizens may also be eligible. More details are available here.

How to Apply

You can apply via your local childcare provider or council.

Tax-Free Childcare

£2,000 to £4,000 in Free Childcare Potentially Available

  • Up to £2,000 in free childcare (£4,000 if disabled) is available each year to eligible children aged 11 or under through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.For those that are eligible, up to £2,000 in free childcare is available each year to children aged 11 or under* through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
  • For disabled children up to the age of 16 inclusive*, up to £4,000 may be available.
  • The funding is paid into a special online Childcare account and equates to a maximum of either £500 or £1,000 per quarter, as appropriate.

* Children are no longer eligible from 1st September in the year that they are 11 years of age, or 16 if disabled.

The free childcare funding is funded by the Government via the online Childcare account, which the parent (or even their relative or friend) pay into. For every £8 they pay in, the Government will top up the account by an additional £2, up to the maximum(s) described above. The funding is paid from the account direct to the registered childcare provider, who must be signed up to the scheme. It can be used for no other purpose.

Eligibility

This particular scheme is quite widely available. Although it is means tested, the bar is set quite high. Each parent (or a parent and their partner if they have one) can be earning up to £100,000 per year yet be eligible. Generally speaking, they should also be earning no less than the equivalent of 16 working hours per week on at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage, although there are exceptions to the rule.

Aside from household income and the age of children, which we covered above, there are additional rules around eligibility relating to job status, immigration status, and your child’s circumstances. More information is available here.

How to Apply

You can apply for Tax-Free Childcare here.

Childcare Vouchers

(Closed to New Applicants)

A.k.a. Employer-Supported Childcare

  • You can sacrifice up to £55 per week of your earnings, which will be free of National Insurance and Income Tax, to fund Childcare Vouchers.You can sacrifice up to £55 per week of your earnings, which will be free of National Insurance and Income Tax, to fund Childcare Vouchers.
  • Closed to new applicants but see the Eligibility section below for more information.

Eligibility

This scheme is still available, through participating employers, but only to those who joined it before 4 October 2018. However, it is closed to new applicants. Exactly how much of your earnings you can use in this salary sacrifice scheme will depend on the date you joined the scheme and how much you earn.

More information is available here.

Free Childcare Through Universal Credit

  • Childcare funding through Universal Credit is set to be improved with nearly 50% more generous funding becoming available from July 2023.Following the Spring Budget 2023, childcare funding through Universal Credit is to be improved with nearly 50% more generous funding becoming available from July 2023.
  • The proposed changes will also mean that the childcare funding will be pre-paid by the Government from that date, rather than families having to pay for it first and then claim it back (as is the case at time of writing, April 2023).
  • This funding will increase to as much as £951 per month for one child or £1,630 per month for 2, from July 2023. Before that date the maximums are £646.35 and £1,108.04 respectively.
  • The maximum eligible families can claim, however, is 85% of their childcare costs, which for some may be lower than the figures stated above.

Eligibility

You or your partner, if you have one, must usually be working, be on a low income and claiming Universal Credit. The child you are claiming free childcare for must be under 17. How much you earn and the level of any investments and savings you might have will be taken into account when you claim and other criteria and caveats will also affect your eligibility.

Read more about the changes to free childcare through Universal Credit proposed in the Spring Budget here and learn more about free childcare through Universal Credit here.

How to Apply

You can apply for Universal Credit here or call them on 0800 328 5644.

Free Childcare Through Tax Credits

(Closed to New Applicants)

Claim Back up to 70% of Childcare Costs if Eligible

  • Claim back up to 70% of childcare costs through Tax Credits.Those already claiming for childcare costs via Working Tax Credits may be able to obtain up to £122.50 for one or £210.00 for more than one child each week.
  • This is up to a maximum of 70% of eligible childcare costs.
  • Funding is paid, retrospectively, to the parent/carer’s bank/building society account.

Eligibility

As this scheme is closed to new applicants, new claimants will need to apply for free childcare through Universal Credit instead (details are shown above). Existing claimants will need to use an approved childcare provider (properly registered etc.) that provides the childcare in person, not online.

More information is available here.

Free Childcare for Children Aged from 9 Months

(Coming Soon)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed radical improvements to childcare funding in his 2023 Spring Budget in March 2023. These include the following additions for eligible children of working parents:

  • Free childcare will soon be available for eligible children aged from just 9 months.2-year-olds may be eligible for the ’15 Hours’ scheme from April 2024.
  • Children aged from just 9 months may be eligible for the ’15 Hours’ scheme from September 2024.
  • Children aged from 9 months to 3 years may become eligible for the ’30 Hours’ scheme from September 2025.
  • Eligibility for the above will follow the same criteria as currently in place for the existing ’30 hours’ scheme (a.k.a. Extended Free Childcare) for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Learn more about the coming changes to childcare funding for children aged from 9 months here.

Student Childcare Grants

Undergraduate Students Can Receive up to 85% of Childcare Costs

  • Undergraduate students can receive up to 85% of childcare costs, if eligible, through a Student Childcare Grant.Up to 85% of childcare costs incurred by students may be claimed, up to a maximum of £188.90 per week for 1 child or £323.85 for 2 or more (correct for academic year 2023-2024).
  • For the academic year 2022-2023, the figures are £183.75 and £315.03 respectively.
  • The grant is paid into a Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account and the childcare provider will request payments from this, usually weekly, as appropriate.

Eligibility

Eligibility rules include the following:

  • You need to be a full-time student studying in higher education and living permanently in England;
  • You need to be eligible for undergraduate student finance based on income, which must be under a certain threshold;
  • You cannot have a postgraduate loan nor be claiming other specific types of childcare funding, including childcare help from the NHS;
  • Your child must be financially dependent on you;
  • Your child should be under 15 (17 if they have special educational needs).
  • Other caveats apply.

More information is available here.

How to Apply

You can apply for the Student Childcare Grant at the same time as applying for your main student finance.

Childcare Funding via the Care to Learn Scheme

Up to £175 per child per week may be available.

  • Funding through the Care to Learn scheme can be used to fund childcare, childcare deposit and registration fees, childcare taster days/sessions and even travel to/from the provider.Up to £160 per child is available each week for those living outside London.
  • For those inside London, that increases to a maximum of £175 per child each week.
  • The payment can be used to fund childcare, childcare deposit and registration fees, childcare taster days or sessions and even travel to/from the provider.

Eligibility

You will need to be under 20 when you begin your course, be your child’s main carer, live in England and be a British citizen (or legally be allowed to live/study in England). Your properly-registered childcare provider and the course you are studying on will need to qualify for the scheme. Courses will need to be publicly-funded ones, provided in specific types of setting including sixth form schools/colleges, schools, colleges and other types of provider. However, they cannot be higher education courses at universities. Attendance of both the course by the student and of childcare sessions by the child will need to be good in order to continue to qualify.

More information is available here.

How to Apply

Apply for the Care to Learn scheme here.

Childcare Funding via the Learner Support Scheme

Suitable for Over-20s Studying in Further Education

  • Childcare funding through the Learner Support Scheme is suitable for over-20s studying in further education.While it’s not designed to fund childcare, it can be used to do so in some circumstances.
  • Your specific circumstances will govern exactly what help and how much funding is available to you.

Eligibility

If used to fund childcare, the Learner Support Scheme is suitable for students studying in further education to Level 3 inclusive. They must be parents and also be facing financial hardship in order to qualify. The childcare provider must be registered with Ofsted.

More information is available here.

How to Apply

Student parents should apply through their learning provider, e.g through the college they are studying at.

It’s worth noting that some of the schemes above can be used in tandem with one another, while others strictly cannot. Check the links for more information about each for more details.

Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

High Quality Childcare Provision for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers in Streatham

Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Little Cedars is officially a good nursery/pre-school and offers high quality childcare in Streatham, London SW16. Subject to eligibility and availability, we support Government childcare funding schemes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and children under five at the setting.

If you haven’t yet visited, why not bring your little one for a guided tour and you’ll soon see how well they fit in. We’re happy to answer any questions and would welcome your application for a childcare place.  Please get started with your application or contact us using an option below and we’ll be delighted to help:

We are located in Streathamclose to Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Park, Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton.

Free Bird-Spotting Activity Poster for Children

The high resolution bird images show great detail if you zoom in.Spring arrives in the UK on 20th March, according to the meteorological calendar. As well as plants beginning to shoot, daffodils flowering and trees starting to bud, an increased number of wild birds can now be seen too. While a few overwintered here in England, many will have spent winter abroad, where it’s warmer, and only begin to return to the UK once spring begins. So, come springtime, more and more varieties of birds can be spotted — and that’s what today’s post is all about. To encourage children to appreciate, enjoy and learn from nature, we have put together a bird identifier poster that children and parents can download for free, print out to A3 or A4, or view on screen in beautiful high resolution. It highlights 37 species of bird that are popular in England, which children can try to spot as the days and weeks go by. Children can perhaps tick off each type of bird that they spot. With a little help from parents for the youngest children, this activity is a great way to teach them the different bird names and help them to recognise the different types as time goes by. It’s also a great children’s pastime that will encourage them to really appreciate nature. The A3 poster is free to download and share — simply click the preview image below to save or view it in Acrobat PDF format. Enlarge on screen for extra detail or simply print out as large as you can. Children will love this activity and feel a real sense of achievement as they learn more about these wonderful, feathered visitors.

Free A3 Bird Identifier Poster Download:

British Birds Identifier — Free A3 reference poster of the most popular birds — for Children.

Nature is So Good for Children

One of life’s great pleasures is the natural world and nature is something that’s beneficial to children in many profound ways (click the bold link to learn more). Children, including those under five, should be encouraged to spend time around nature, outdoors in the fresh air, whether that’s in the countryside, a park or in a garden (all under adult supervision, of course). Our bird-spotting poster is a great way to encourage them to get outside and take a close look at their natural surroundings. And, of course, putting out home-made bird feeders somewhere suitable will help. We’ll cover that topic in a future post as it’s also great fun for little ones.

37 Types of Bird are Featured

We’ve selected our favourite birds from hundreds of species that visit the UK. This is a Long-tailed Tit.We’ve selected our favourite birds from the hundreds of species that visit the UK each year. There was no way to fit in all of them, so we’ve picked out the most common visitors to our own gardens and nearby parks. In addition, we also added a few extra birds that would be great for children to keep a lookout for, despite a few being shy. Owls are around, for instance, coming out mostly at night. However, barn owls can be seen before dark if you know where to look (the sound of owls hooting or screeching is a dead giveaway). Buzzards, Red Kites and Sparrowhawks are more likely to be seen in the sky overhead, so we’ve shown images where their distinctive silhouettes can give their species away to the onlooker.

We have not yet included waterfowl, ducks, geese, herons, gulls and suchlike in this first bird collection, but may follow up with a second poster if this one proves popular. Let us know what you think!

More Ways for Children to Identify Birds

With a little bit of help from an adult, there are additional, fun ways for children to identify birds in the UK too, all courtesy of the wonderful R.S.P.B. Take a look at some of their bird identification tools available online:

Looking for Good Nurseries or Preschools in Streatham?

Little Cedars is a wonderful nursery & preschool in Streatham, offering high-quality childcare services near Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury & Colliers Wood

Little Cedars is a nursery & preschool offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderAre you looking for the best nursery or preschool in Streatham? We’d love to show you and your child around Little Cedars Nursery if so. We provide high-quality weekday childcare and a rich early years education for babies and under-fives. Our nursery/preschool is also convenient if your family is near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common, Furzedown, Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury or Colliers Wood.

To apply for a nursery place, book a guided tour or ask a question, please get in touch using an option below:

Childcare Funding Reforms from the Chancellor's Spring Budget 2023

Childcare funding is set to be positively revolutionised following the Chancellor's Spring Budget, 2023.March 15th 2023 saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Budget announcement, which included news of extra funding to cover costs for childcare. Crucially, the new funding will support childcare for infants as young as 9 months old for the first time, as well as including other positive changes. Although it’ll be introduced in stages, the free funding should be welcome news for those parents who will be eligible. Let’s take a look today at the proposed childcare changes, including which age groups will benefit, what extra funding is promised to support families and when the new help will become available. First, though, we’ll look at the main aims of the new funding.

The Aims of the New Childcare Funding

The proposed changes are aimed at helping families overcome current barriers to being able to work, for example because of childcare timing limitations and/or affordability. They should also help the nation, though. Helping parents — especially women — to return to the workplace more easily will boost both household income and career prospects. This, in turn, will also help fill some of the many vacancies in the workplace. So, it will indirectly help the nation through growth and inflows into the Exchequer as well as helping families directly. The press has, however, highlighted some frustration that the changes won’t happen soon enough for many, and are being introduced in stages. However, childcare providers will need time to adapt to the changes, for example to build extra capacity to cater for the extra demand. They will also need to adapt to some new rules around things like staff-to-child ratios.

“Almost half of non-working mothers said they would prefer to work if they could arrange suitable childcare.” (Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer)

The Childcare Funding Improvements:

Childcare Funding Improvements Announced

To sum up the new childcare funding enhancements, the Chancellor’s plans to help eligible families include the following:

  1. The ‘30 hours’ free childcare scheme for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds will soon be extended to eligible children right from the age of just 9 months.
  2. Childcare provision via Universal Credit childcare support, for those parents who want to move into work, or increase hours, will be made more affordable and viable.
  3. What’s known as ‘Wraparound Care’ in relation to childcare for children of school age will also be improved through a ‘Pathfinder’ scheme.

Let’s have a closer look at these three areas, which will positively benefit the attainability of childcare for almost all under-fives:

1. Childcare Funding for Children from 9 Months

Childcare funding will be available for children from just 9 months of age.The ‘main event’ in the Spring Budget from the perspective of childcare provision is the significant expansion of the ‘free hours’ schemes. Previously, only 3- and 4-year-olds living in England could get up to 30 free childcare hours per week, along with some 2-year-olds being eligible for 15 hours per week. However, the Chancellor has announced that 30 free weekly childcare hours will soon be extended to eligible children aged from just 9 months old. Eligibility criteria for these much younger children will be based on the same eligibility requirements as for 3- and 4-year-olds on the existing ’30 free hours’ scheme.

“Significant reforms to childcare will remove barriers to work for nearly half a million parents with a child under 3 in England [who are] not working due to caring responsibilities … reducing discrimination against women and benefiting the wider economy in the process.”

This new support scheme for infants will be gradually phased in during the period running up to September 2025.

  • First, 2-year-olds of working parents will become eligible for 15 hours of free childcare, for 38 weeks of the year, from April 2024. This will benefit up to 285,000 children.
  • The scheme will then be extended to children aged from 9 months of age from September 2024, which will benefit up to an additional 640,000 children.
  • Finally, from September 2025, the Chancellor says, “all eligible working parents of children aged 9 months up to 3 years will be able to access 30 free hours per week.”
  • This is all in addition to existing schemes for 3- and 4-year-olds.

For those children who are eligible, it will mean that they will receive Government-funded childcare hours right from the age of 9 months, with 2-year-olds becoming eligible from just over a year’s time at time of writing (March 2023). With the 3-and-up funding schemes already in place, eligible little ones will then be supported with childcare right up until they start school around the age of five. That will be a game-changer for parents who want to get back into work immediately following any maternity/paternity leave.

“This will help with the cost of living, support education for the youngest children, and remove one of the biggest barriers to parents working.”

2. Universal Credit Changes for Childcare

Universal Credit childcare support will increase by around 47% and will soon be paid in advance instead of in arrears.Some struggling parents in receipt of Universal Credit childcare support, who would like to move into work or increase existing working hours, will have subsidised childcare costs paid in advance under the new proposals. This is in contrast to the existing approach where all parents had to pay for the childcare upfront and then reclaim the costs retrospectively. Funding the childcare costs in advance will make the subsidised childcare costs much easier for the lowest-income families to afford from a practical, cash-flow point of view. It will also hopefully improve the situation whereby, currently, only 13% of eligible low-income families actually claim the childcare element of Universal Credit.

Only 13% of eligible low-income families currently claim the childcare element of Universal Credit.

Under the existing Universal Credit childcare scheme, eligible families can currently claim back up to 85% of childcare costs, up to a maximum of £646 per month for one child or £1,108 for two in most cases (follow the bold link for more details). However, under the new proposals announced in the Spring Budget in March 2023, eligible parents will soon be able to claim significantly more. Indeed, the increase is approximately 47% more, rising to £950.92 per month in childcare funding for a single child and £1,630.15 per month for two or more.

3. Wraparound Childcare ‘Pathfinder’ Scheme

The new ‘Wraparound Pathfinder Scheme’ is designed to provide childcare earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon, so parents can work a full day and still pick them up.Although this website and our childcare service are geared to the early years age groups, it would be remiss of us not to include a brief overview of the enhancements that are being introduced for children of school age. These are coming in via proposed changes to what is known as ‘Wraparound Care’ as we’ll explain.

A major problem for many working parents of school-age children is that school hours are generally shorter than the adult’s working hours. This incompatibility creates a barrier to finding a workable childcare solution that would otherwise allow the parent to work during normal office hours. The new ‘Wraparound Pathfinder Scheme’, proposed in the Chancellor’s Spring 2023 Budget, is designed to provide childcare for the children even during those ‘mismatched’ hours. For example, wraparound childcare will start to cover the period from 3pm, when many children finish their school day, to 6pm when parents may finish their working day. Similarly the new provision will allow children to be dropped off earlier in the day, so that parents can get to work by, for example, 9am after dropping children to their childcare providers in the preceding hour. Under the changes proposed in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget, parents of school-age children will be able to drop them off as early as 8am and pick them up as late as 6pm during the working week. The scheme will first be tested, however, and rolled out nationally, if successful, from the academic year starting in 2024.

Benefiting Parents, Children & Society

The changes proposed in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget 2023 should improve the lives and careers of parents of young children, improve access to all-important early years education for those little ones and help to support economic growth for the nation.

“An early start in early years education benefits children and spending more hours in early education between age 2 and 3 has immediate positive impacts, including more prosocial behaviour, fewer emotional symptoms and peer problems.”

The Chancellor also announced additional support measures for childcare providers, to help them adapt and prepare for all the new changes and additional capacity that will be required. Learn more about the Chancellor’s announcements for childcare reforms on the Government’s Education Hub.

Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

High Quality Childcare Provision for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers in Streatham

Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Little Cedars is a high quality nursery and pre-school located in Streatham, London SW16. Recognised as a good childcare provider by Ofsted, we cater for babies aged from 3 months and children aged up to five years. We support the various Government schemes that allow eligible families to access free childcare.

Get in touch today to register your baby or child for a childcare place at Little Cedars Nursery. We’re happy to answer questions and/or to show you and your little one around the nursery/pre-school too. Why not visit and see how well they fit in! Please choose a button to get started with your enquiry or application:

Little Cedars Nursery is located in Streathamnear Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Park, Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton.

Introducing Maths Words, Language & Concepts to Toddlers

Mathematics is an essential part of everyday life and an understanding of basic maths concepts is crucial for success in virtually all walks of life. Many children struggle with maths and have negative attitudes towards the topic, but this can change if they have the opportunity to learn maths words and concepts when they're very young.However, many children struggle with maths and have negative attitudes towards the topic. To prevent this, it is important to introduce maths concepts and vocabulary to children at a young age. Fortunately toddlers are at a period of development where they can learn and understand a range of maths words and concepts when given the opportunity. And, by introducing mathematical concepts and vocabulary to toddlers in a fun and engaging way, adults can help children develop a strong foundation in maths and foster a positive attitude towards the subject.

In today’s article, we will explore why it is important to introduce maths language and concepts to toddlers, how parents/caregivers can help those toddlers learn and understand them, and which specific maths-related words can be successfully introduced at this young age. We will also suggest some activities that parents can use to help their toddlers develop a good maths vocabulary.

What Type of Maths Words can Toddlers Learn?

Toddlers can learn and understand a range of maths words and concepts even at their young age. Here are some examples:

Number words

Toddlers can, of course, learn to recognise and say the names of numbers, such as one, two, three, and so on.

Counting concepts

Toddlers can understand the concept of counting i.e. learn to count objects such as toys etc.

Size words

Toddlers can learn to recognise and say size-related words, such as big, small, tall, and short. These all have their root in maths.

Shape words

Toddlers can also learn to recognise and say the names of shapes, which have their root in mathematics. For example, squares, triangles, circles, and rectangles.

Positional words

Toddlers can learn positional words, which again have a kind of root in maths, such as up, down, in, out, on, and off.

Comparatives

Toddlers can learn comparative words such as more, less, equal, the same, and different.

Measurement words

Toddlers can learn measurement-related words such as long, short, heavy, light, full, and empty.

Time words

Toddlers can also learn time-related words such as now, later, early, and late.

The important thing about learning maths words and vocabulary during day-to-day activities is that children don’t even know that they’re learning maths concepts — it comes naturally when nurtured as part of everyday life.

Why Introducing Maths Words to Toddlers is So Important

Introducing maths-related words and concepts to toddlers helps them develop problem-solving skills right from an early age.Introducing maths words and language to toddlers is all part of the EYFS curriculum at nurseries like Little Cedars and is important for several reasons:

It helps develop strong foundations. Introducing maths language to toddlers helps to develop a strong foundation for mathematical concepts that they can build on more fully later on. For example, when toddlers start hearing words such as “one,” “two,” “count,” “more,” and “less, they begin to develop a basic understanding of numbers, maths concepts and the real world use of counting.

It enhances problem-solving skills. Maths involves problem-solving, and introducing maths-related words and concepts to toddlers helps them develop these problem-solving skills right from an early age. For example, as toddlers learn to count, they also learn to recognise patterns in nature and objects around them. Identifying these patterns is one of the first steps towards developing problem-solving strategies.

Toddlers can learn and understand a range of maths words and concepts even at their young age.

It improves language skills. Introducing maths-related language to toddlers can also help improve their language skills, expanding both vocabulary and their ability to communicate effectively. That is incredibly important.

It prepares under-fives for school. Introducing maths words and language to toddlers will also help to prepare them better for when they start school. Once they start, they will already be familiar with the language around mathematics and numeracy and will therefore have a head start in understanding the more advanced maths concepts that school lessons will introduce.

Early maths skills in preschool, such as counting and recognising numbers, are strong predictors of later maths achievement and can help improve maths skills in the long term.

So, as well as helping to lay the foundation for a strong understanding of mathematics itself, introducing maths words and language to children when they’re toddlers helps them develop important additional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

How to Help Toddlers Learn Maths Language

Parents can encourage toddlers to count objects such as their own fingers and toes, toys, blocks etc.Parents and caregivers can help toddlers learn maths words and maths-related language in a variety of ways. General examples include:

Counting objects; parents can encourage toddlers to count objects such as their own fingers and toes, toys, blocks, things in nature or even food items. This will help toddlers develop counting skills and help them start to understand the concept of numbers and what they mean in day-to-day life.

Reading books; parents can read toddlers books that will introduce maths concepts and vocabulary to them. There are many, many age-appropriate books available that use fun and engaging stories in order to teach basic maths concepts.

Singing songs; singing songs that involve counting and numbers can be a fun and interactive way for toddlers to learn maths-related words and language. Parents can even perhaps try to make up their own songs or rhymes to reinforce any specific maths concepts that they want to highlight to the child.

Playing games; parents can also play games with toddlers that involve counting, sorting, or perhaps even matching or comparing objects (some activity ideas follow below). These types of games reinforce maths vocabulary and can also help children develop problem-solving skills.

Using real-life situations; parents can use real-life situations such as cooking, tidying up or grocery shopping to introduce maths concepts and vocabulary to toddlers. For example, parents can ask toddlers to count the number of apples they need for a recipe, ask them to help sort items in the grocery basket, or count how many socks (or pairs of socks) are hanging on the washing line.

Incorporating maths words and language into everyday play and activities can really help toddlers learn and understand basic maths concepts in a fun and engaging way, without them perhaps even realising that they’re being taught mathematics per se.

Activity Ideas

Here are some more specific activity ideas that can help toddlers develop an understanding of maths concepts and vocabulary in a fun and engaging way:

Shape Hunts

Parents can go on a shape hunt with their toddlers, looking for shapes in the environment such as circles, squares, and triangles. If more than one child is involved, perhaps it could be developed into a competition with prizes. This activity can help toddlers learn the names of shapes and develop visual-spatial skills.

Toddlers can practise jumping on hopscotch numbers and parents can encourage them to say the numbers out loud.Number Hopscotch

Parents can create a hopscotch game using numbers. Toddlers can practise jumping on the numbers and the adult can encourage them to say the numbers out loud. This will help them develop number recognition and counting skills.

Measurement Activities

Parents can engage toddlers in measurement activities such as pouring water into different size containers or comparing the length of different objects. These activities can help toddlers understand measurement concepts and vocabulary such as volume, height, and length.

Pattern Recognition

Young children can look for shapes derived from maths such as circles, squares, and triangles.Parents can create simple patterns using objects such as blocks, toys, or coloured pencils, and ask toddlers to continue the pattern. This activity can help toddlers develop their pattern recognition skills and understand basic maths concepts such as repetition and sequencing.

Sorting Activities

Parents can provide toddlers with a variety of objects and ask them to sort them based on different attributes such as colour, size, or shape. This activity can help toddlers understand basic maths concepts such as classification and sorting.

Building Activities

Parents can provide toddlers with building blocks or other construction toys and encourage them to build structures using different shapes and sizes. This activity can help toddlers develop spatial reasoning and understanding of geometry.

It is never too early to start introducing maths concepts to children.Introducing maths words and concepts to toddlers is an important step in fostering their overall learning and development as well as in relation to success in mathematics itself. By teaching toddlers maths vocabulary and concepts at a young age, we can help them develop strong foundations in maths, enhance their cognitive development and language skills, and improve their attitudes towards maths. It is never too early to start introducing maths concepts to children, and by doing so, we can help them develop a lifelong appreciation of maths as well as nurturing a strong foundation for future success in many areas of their lives.

Nursery & Pre-School Places in Streatham, London SW16

A Nursery Place for Your Child in Streatham

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham invites parents of babies, toddlers and children under five to apply for a childcare place at the setting. We offer high quality childcare on weekdays, virtually throughout the entire year, and give little ones the very best start a child could ever ask for. As well as being somewhere to look after your child, we also nurture their learning and development, giving them a full early years education. We have a good Ofsted rating.

Come along to see for yourself — we’ll give you and your child a guided tour, answer any questions and you can see for yourself how well your little one will fit in. Please choose an option below to make contact, request a tour or to apply for a nursery/pre-school place and we’ll be delighted to help:

Little Cedars Nursery is located in Streatham, near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common, Furzedown, Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Speech Milestones at 30 Months - a Guide

Today we explore what you should expect your 30-month-old to be able to say by this stage and what to do if there are any concerns.Milestones are a crucial thing to monitor when you’re bringing up a baby or young child. Speech is an important one and it’s one that parents would be wise to take stock of at regular times in their child’s early years. Today we look at this milestone at around the age of 30 months. So, what should you expect your 30-month-old to be able to say at this age and, if appropriate, how can you encourage them to speak more? Let’s explore speech milestones at 30 months

So, What is the Average 30-Month-Old Saying?

It’s important to appreciate that children develop skills, including speech, at different rates and times. However, that said, by the age 30 months (2½ years of age), many toddlers can say about 200 or more words. They can also start to put 2- or 3-word sentences together. Conversations between you and your toddler are starting to take shape, with exchanges back and forth. Parents, or anyone looking after your toddler on a regular basis, should understand about 50% of a child’s speech at 2 years of age, increasing to about 75% at 3 years.

30 Month Speech Milestones

By the age of 30 months:

  • Toddlers are starting to successfully use verbs as part of their language, for example, drinking, dressing, and playing.
  • They are starting to use two or even three syllable words, like carrot and banana.
  • They are starting to use three to four words into short sentences, for example, “We go to swings.”
  • They understand that adding an ‘s’ to nouns makes them plural, for example toys.
  • They can say their own name.
  • They are differentiating between big and small.
  • Having learnt to take turns and share with other children, they may use words like share.”
  • The can understand a question like, Where is the ball?”
  • They may still be practising putting the correct sound at the beginning of each word.
  • They may have accomplished the general sound but may still be trying to properly finish words.

Encouraging your Toddler to Talk More

The more ‘chatty’ time you have with your toddler, the more they will naturally get involved.The more ‘chatty’ time you have with your toddler, the more they will naturally get involved — and learn from you. Talking to your toddler facilitates good listening skills and helps them to build up their own vocabulary, particularly when you make physical reference to the things you are talking about. In this way they can associate a word with its physical equivalent (e.g. holding up or pointing to an object that you’re talking about).

Helping them build vocabulary can be as simple as talking to them about what they are having for lunch, or about activities they are taking part in. Maybe talk about friends and family, daily activities such as dressing, meal times and suchlike. Use words that they will relate to and therefore eventually understand. For example, “What jumper would you like to wear today? Would you like to wear the purple one?” or, “It’s cold outside today; shall we put our coats on?”

When talking about objects, try expanding the conversation. For example, say, “The car is going fast,” or, “The big blue ball.” Try and describe things as you speak to your child as it will add to their vocabulary and comprehension.

When talking about objects, try expanding the conversation.Use repetition. This helps your toddler through hearing the same words over and over again. They will copy and get used to which words go with which scenario in this way. You can take this a step further too…

There are many songs and nursery rhymes that toddlers can join in with. Sing along to them, do the actions to the songs and encourage your child to join in. Then, they’ll learn words and sentences through both repetition and song — and it’s all achieved in a fun way!

Talk about feeling words. For example, “The boy is happy, the girl is sad”. You can use the appropriate face to back up the words.

Puzzles and books are a great way to lean new words. Basic puzzles, often of farm animals or vehicles, or incorporating colours, are a great opportunity for your toddler to repeat the words relating to the puzzle pieces as you point them out.

Try and describe things as you speak to your child as it will add to their vocabulary and comprehension.The same applies to books. Get your toddler to point out details in pictures sand repeat the words after you. You can also ask your toddler questions about the book and get a conversation going, for example, whether they know a particular character, a particular object or a colour. Point to details and see if they know the word, or say the word out loud and let them repeat it.

Making up games can encourage your toddler to get involved verbally. Pretending to be animals, spacemen or any character at all can promote their speech, even if it’s copying from a character they have seen on screen time.

Remove distractions like TV and music when speaking with your child. It will help them concentrate more on listening to and speaking with you.

Help them with their sentences. For example, if they say, “This ball”, you could clarify it and say, “Yes, this is a ball.”

What if You’re Concerned About Your Toddler’s Speech?

As we said near the start, it’s important to remember that all toddlers are different and you cannot compare them to their friends or family and expect them to all learn and develop at exactly the same rate. That being said, perhaps ask yourself:

  • Can my toddler say at least 50 up to potentially 200 words (and actually understand up to 500)?
  • Can they say their name?
  • Can they respond well to instructions?
  • Do they respond to questions involving “who” or “what”?
  • Can they say what is going on in a particular scenario? For example, if you asked, “What is the boy playing with?” can they recognise and say the answer, e.g. “A ball”?
  • Can they point and say what pictures are in a book or puzzle?

If you have any concerns, it is worth mentioning it to a health professional just in case, for example your GP or health visitor. In some rare cases, this may identify speech or even hearing issues. In such cases, a child can be referred to an appropriate professional, for example a speech and language therapist (‘SLT’) although parents in the UK are also able to make a referral themselves (more information is available here). If there’s no problem, though, advice from a professional may simply put your mind at ease. At the very least, a closer understanding of your toddler’s progress will be beneficial to all parties, including the child.

More information about helping your little one to learn to speak is available on the NHS website.

Childcare Places at our Wonderful Nursery & Pre-School in Streatham

Babies & Under-Fives Get the Best Start in Life at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.This article was brought to you by the team at Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham. Here, babies and children under five are lovingly looked after, given the best early years education and nurtured for success in a fun, homely environment.  The nursery and pre-school has a good Ofsted rating.

Why not come for a visit, so that you can see the nursery and pre-school in action? Bring your little one and see how well they will fit in. Or, if you’ve already decided you’d like to register for a place for a child — or ask any questions — please get in touch using an appropriate button below:

Little Cedars Nursery is based in Streatham, close to Tooting Common and the A214. It is also convenient for families near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown as well as Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

 

The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) — Explained

Disadvantaged children aged 3 or 4 could benefit from extra support through the Early Years Pupil Premium ('EYPP').Improving Education for Disadvantaged 3- & 4-Year-Olds

If your child is aged 3 or 4 and fits the eligibility requirements, they could benefit from up to £342 per year* in extra support through the Early Years Pupil Premium (‘EYPP’). In essence, the scheme is designed to level the playing field in children’s early years education if they are disadvantaged in one or more specific ways.

What is the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)?

The Early Years Pupil Premium is a UK Government scheme that provides additional funding to early years providers to support 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families as well as from some other types of disadvantaged background.

For those that are eligible, the EYPP funding is in addition to the more regular funding schemes available to children of their age.

How is the EYPP Funding Used?

The EYPP funding is intended to help close the gap in development and school readiness between children from low-income families and their more affluent or advantaged peers. Early years providers will use the EYPP funding to provide additional support and resources that enhance the learning and development of those specific, disadvantaged, children under their care. It may be used solely for an individual child or pooled to support a group of eligible children with similar support needs.

Providers can use the funding in a variety of ways to support the children in their care. Examples include:

  • Hiring additional staff to provide one-to-one support;
  • Covering extra hours worked by existing staff working to support eligible children;
  • Providing extra resources (e.g. books, loan libraries, specific equipment etc.) to enhance learning and development;
  • Offering additional activities and even trips to extend children’s experiences where such would be deemed advantageous;
  • Supporting children with additional needs or disabilities;
  • Providing improved training/professional development to staff involved in helping affected children;
  • Providing support to children when approaching the time when they transition to school;
  • Providing home visits in some circumstances (e.g. where a deeper understanding of the child’s home life may help them settle at the childcare setting);
  • Providing information (e.g. leaflets, diagrams, even videos for the parents of the supported child).

Early years providers will need to demonstrate that the extra support has, indeed, been used in an appropriate way for the benefit of the child(ren) whom it was intended to support. This will be checked by Ofsted during their inspections.

How is the EYPP Funding Paid?

The EYPP funding is paid by local authorities direct to early years providers such as nurseries, pre-schools, and childminders. It is paid on behalf of specific, eligible children and can only be paid to effective Ofsted-registered providers. It should be noted that, should the child move to a different early years provider for any reason, the funding would ‘follow’ them to the new provider. N.B. They would need to fit eligibility as a provider.

Eligibility Requirements for EYPP Funding

To be eligible for the EYPP funding, a child must meet certain criteria.To be eligible for the EYPP funding, a child must meet certain criteria:

  • Eligible children should be aged 3 or 4;
  • The provider that receives the funding on behalf of the child must be an Ofsted-registered early years provider;
  • The family should be in receipt of at least one of a list of specific benefits or tax credits, or have a low income or …
  • Alternatively, the child may be under the care of a local authority in England or Wales, or have left that care via an Adoption Order, Special Guardianship Order or Child Arrangements Order.

Eligibility will need to be re-checked each year to ensure that criteria are still being met.

How to Apply for the Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)

To apply for EYPP, contact your local authority or an eligible childcare provider.After checking eligibility, interested families or guardians can either contact their local authority or contact an eligible childcare provider. (If you are in Streatham, contact Little Cedars Nursery using one of the coloured buttons below). Either way, ask about the EYPP funding and the process for applying for it. You will then be guided through the application process and will be provided information about any documentation that is required. The approval process can take some time, so parents should be patient while they wait for a decision. Once the application is approved, the provider will start using the EYPP funding to provide additional support and resources to the child.

To Sum Up:

The EYPP can play an important role in providing targeted support to some disadvantaged children, helping to close the gap in learning, development and school readiness.

Little Cedars Nursery — High Quality Childcare in Streatham

Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Little Cedars Nursery provides high quality nursery and pre-school places for under-fives in Streatham, London SW16. We support all Government schemes for free childcare for eligible children aged from 3 months to five years and would be happy to discuss options with parents/guardians.

Would you like to reserve a childcare place for your child at Little Cedars Nursery? If so, or if you have questions or would like to see the nursery in action, please get started using an appropriate button below.

Based in Streatham, Little Cedars is a nursery and pre-school that’s conveniently close to Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Park, Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton.

* Details correct at time of writing (January 2023). E&OE.

10 Benefits of Quiet Time for Toddlers & Children Under 5

Quiet time brings a whole range of benefits to children under five.In today’s post, we look at the importance and benefits of periods of ‘quiet time’ for toddlers and children under five. Toddlers are busy little people, often rushing around, going from one toy or activity to the next. They’re at a stage where they realise the world is an exciting place and often want to experience it all at once. However, when they are so ‘on-the-go’, playing and learning from everything and everyone around them, their brains and body have a lot to take in and process. It can be extremely tiring! So, this is where some much-needed quiet time often comes in, bringing with it a whole range of benefits. Studies also back this up.

10 Benefits of Quiet Time for Little Ones

1. An Opportunity to Relax

Quiet time will give under-fives a break, to allow them to breathe and unwind.With so much going on around them, children’s young senses of sight, hearing, touch and smell are experiencing a full-on assault. Their minds are also being challenged with learning new skills. This can all be very tiring for our youngsters, so a period of quiet time will give them a break, to allow them to breathe and unwind.

2. The Space to Reflect

Quiet time gives children the space to reflect on the day, task or activity that they’ve been a part of. A period of quietness and relaxation will give toddlers time to think about what they have done or encountered. For example, they may reflect on the animals they have seen at the zoo or the feeling of excitement playing on the swings at the park. A little period of reflection may indeed allow their minds to ‘join the dots’ and make conclusions and even learn from what they’ve been doing.

3. Some Time to Re-charge

Slowing down and relaxing for a while will help to re-charge children’s batteries. Perhaps some soothing music can be playing in the background, or relaxing videos of underwater sea life can be played on a screen. These are great opportunities for the children to sit, slow down, be mindful and re-charge quietly.

4. An Opportunity for a Refreshing Nap

Quiet time gives children a chance to re-charge their batteries and even take a nap. Sleep is hugely beneficial to children in their early years.After prolonged activity or concentration on the part of the child, a well-earned nap may well be on the agenda. As well as giving the toddler a chance to re-charge their batteries, sleep is hugely beneficial to children in their early years. For example, after sufficient sleep, children will be refreshed with improved mental and physical energy, responsive memory, better cognitive performance, increased attention spans and so much more. Their growth hormone is also produced when they sleep, so it is incredibly important in their early years. Click the bold link in this paragraph for more details. By the way, an added bonus, of course, is that a sleep session may also the parent/caregiver a chance to relax a bit and enjoy a few minutes of calm!

5. Renewed Energy to Refocus

After a period of quiet relaxation, a solo task like looking at a book should now be easier for children. They have recharged their metaphorical batteries and are now likely to have renewed mental and physical energy to really focus on a new task.

6. Time for Some Creativity

Quiet time provides an opportunity for children to develop their own, natural creativity.Quiet time provides an opportunity for children to develop their own, natural creativity. During quiet time, they have the opportunity to make up a game or activity, without intervention from others. This time is totally unstructured too, so children can be as free as they like to explore and adapt the game or activity. They can create their own little environment and immerse themselves in their own new world. Their imaginations are set free and opportunities to be creative will come naturally.

7. A Boost to Independence

A period of quietness and relaxation will give toddlers time to think about what they have done or will be doing.As we can see above, during quiet time, children can engage in activities that they have chosen for themselves. This can greatly help them to become more independent and self-reliant. That’s a great skill for them to develop as they approach the time to transition to school. There, they will need to rely much more on such skills.

8. Precious ‘Alone Time’

Research has shown that toddlers and children that regularly have a period of ‘alone time’ often have a more positive outlook on life. During this time without distraction they relax and can then be more in control of their feelings, emotions and any anxieties. As they get older they also learn to use this time to become more content with their own company, with space to gather their own thoughts.

Of course, not all toddlers will want to be on their own. For those that don’t naturally take to it, it may help if perhaps you are sitting in the same room as them. Maybe read quietly to yourself or complete a task of your own, but quietly so the little one isn’t distracted by you. This will help them transition to some alone time.

9. Improving Sleep

Incorporating quiet time into a daily routine can help children to establish a healthy sleep schedule. It can also help them to relax and fall asleep more easily at night.

10. Improved Overall Wellbeing

When combined, all these benefits will help children to develop a sense of calm and inner peace. Stresses and anxieties will generally reduce as children’s minds and bodies relax and rest. They’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated and ready for the rest of their day. Children’s overall mental and emotional wellbeing will benefit in a myriad of ways and it’ll help them to feel great and to accomplish tasks more easily.

How to Start Your Child on Quiet Time

  • Great ‘quiet time’ activities include mindfulness and breathing exercises, observing nature, building and constructing, using play dough and even yoga poses and stretches.When you first introduce quiet time to your child, start slowly and begin with short periods each day. This can be increased as your little one gets used to it.
  • Pre-plan and ensure you have some appropriate ‘quiet time’ toys or equipment already out. In this way, the child can get to them right away and begin interacting with them. This avoids the need for them to rummage through toy boxes or cupboards and keeps things more quiet from the outset.
  • You could try separating a few ‘quiet activity’ toys into separate baskets, so the toddler has a small choice of them all within easy reach. Examples might include a basket of puzzles, reading books or a basket of colouring books and crayons. Over time, remember to rotate the choices, so that your little one doesn’t become bored with the same options each time.
  • Books are a good quiet activity, but also consider audio books. In this scenario, try settling your toddler with their favourite teddy and then they’re all set to listen to a story quietly and comfortably.
  • Soft, relaxing music also makes an ideal backdrop to your toddler playing quietly too. Hand pick the music tracks, though, to ensure a quiet, relaxing mood.
  • Other great ‘quiet time’ activities include mindfulness and breathing exercises, observing nature, building and constructing, using play dough and even, under supervision, yoga poses and stretches.

Quiet time helps the whole family recharge their batteries if only for 20 minutes to begin with. Everyone will benefit, including not only the children but parents and caregivers too — we need a bit of quiet time too!

Streatham Nursery & Pre-School Places

Little Cedars Nursery: a Wonderful Childcare Service in Streatham offering Childcare Places for Children Under 5

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.Little Cedars is a nursery and pre-school in Streatham, which provides the highest quality childcare service for babies, toddlers and children under five. The nursery is a warm, welcoming home from home for under-fives and represents a great choice if you want your child to have the best start in life. We’re not just a childcare service; we provide a full early years education. Our key goal is to help children to absolutely thrive and achieve their best potential in all areas of the curriculum, in their personal development, and in life generally. The setting is conveniently located for those in Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown as well as Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Contact us to register your child for a place, ask a question or book a guided tour. We’ll be happy to help!

How to Nurture Independence in Under-5s (& Why)

A father teaching his son to feed himself.It’s easier and often quicker for adults to take the lead in getting toddlers and under-five children dressed, fed, washed and suchlike. However, at some point, our little ones have to become confident and self-sufficient at doing these – and many other things – themselves. After all, they won’t have Mum or Dad around when they’re starting at school. So, today, we look at the ways we can help children under five help themselves and become more independent, including in their learning. First, though, let’s look at the many benefits of encouraging their independence.

The Benefits of Independence to Under-Fives

The benefits of young children learning to become more independent include a whole host of both short- and long-term examples. As well as helping to equip under-fives with many of the tools required for a seamless transition to school, the benefits include:

  • Learning to be more independent can positively impact children's brain development, help them to develop important life skills and lead to higher grades at school.Increased self-esteem: Children feel a sense of accomplishment when they are able to do things on their own. This can give a healthy boost to their self-esteem.
  • A greater sense of autonomy: Children who are able to do things independently feel more in control of their own lives and have a stronger sense of autonomy.
  • Improved social skills: Children who are able to do things independently are often more confident in social situations. This can often can lead to improved social skills.
  • Improved relationships with peers: Children who are able to interact with others independently are more likely to form positive relationships with their peers, often leading to a better overall school experience.
  • Improved communication skills: Children who are able to express their thoughts and feelings independently may learn to communicate more readily with others.
  • Enhanced creativity: As children learn to play independently, they have more opportunities to explore and discover on their own. In turn, this can often foster opportunities for greater creativity and self-expression.
  • Toilet training is essential before starting school.Better self-management skills: Children who are used to taking care of themselves and making their own decisions are better able to manage their own learning and behaviour. This is important, particularly once they move on to a school setting. Studies published in the Journal of Educational Psychology have highlighted better grades and higher levels of achievement in this regard.
  • Greater confidence: Children who are independent and confident in their abilities are more likely to feel comfortable participating in class and asking for help when they need it. This is incredibly important.
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills: Children who are independent and able to think for themselves are better able to tackle new challenges and problem-solve, for example when faced with obstacles or problems.
  • Improved ability to handle stress: Children who are independent and able to take care of themselves are better able to handle stress and cope with challenges.
  • Children who are able to interact with others independently are more likely to form positive relationships, often leading to a better overall school experience.A greater sense of responsibility: Children who are able to do things independently may more easily learn to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions. Learning from one’s own mistakes is also one of life’s most important lessons.
  • Enhanced self-regulation skills: Children who are able to regulate their own behaviour and emotions are better able to focus and therefore to learn.
  • Improved physical coordination: Children who practise doing things independently, such as dressing themselves or tying their shoe laces, will naturally improve physical coordination and motor skills.
  • Enhanced cognitive skills: Exploring and discovering independently can help children develop cognitive skills including enhanced memory and concentration.
  • Enhanced emotional intelligence: Children who are able to express their feelings and emotions independently are more likely to develop skills associated with emotional intelligence.

Studies have shown that learning to be more independent can positively impact children’s brain development, help them to develop important life skills and even lead to them achieving higher grades at school.

How to Help Under-Fives be More Independent

Now we’ve looked at the benefits, here are our top suggestions for how to help children become more independent:

  • A mother helps their child learn to feed themselves.Encourage self-care skills: Help children learn how to dress themselves, brush their own teeth, and wash their own hands. These tasks may take longer at first, but children will feel proud when they learn to do them independently. (Look out for more detailed posts about some of these tasks on the blog).
  • Encourage exploration: Create a safe environment where children can explore and make their own discoveries. This helps them learn to problem-solve, assess risk and make decisions.
  • Encourage independence during play: Children learn best through play, so give them the opportunity to play independently. This helps them to learn, develop their own interests and gather new skills in their own, natural way.
  • Encourage children to express their feelings: Teach children how to express their thoughts and feelings in appropriate ways. This is healthy and also helps them feel confident and independent.
  • Teach children to brush their own teeth.Provide opportunities for children to make their own decisions: Give children small choices and let them choose what they want to do. This helps them feel a sense of control, encourages independence and builds confidence. A good example is allowing them to choose what they want to wear.
  • Encourage children to try new things: Encouraging children to (safely) try new activities and challenge themselves helps them to discover new passions and perhaps new hobbies. While doing so, it will build confidence and independence.
  • Encourage children to take on small responsibilities: Give children small tasks to complete, such as setting the table or helping to clear up after a meal. This helps them feel a sense of responsibility and independence.
  • Encourage children to problem-solve: When children encounter challenges, encourage them to think through the problem and find a solution on their own. This helps them develop independence and problem-solving skills.
  • Be patient and supportive: Encourage children’s independence at a pace that is comfortable for them. Be patient and offer support and encouragement as they learn to do things on their own.
  • An under-five girl learns to wash her own hands.Set realistic expectations: Children are still developing their skills and abilities, so be realistic about what they can do independently.
  • Provide a safe environment: Children need to feel safe in order to explore and try new things independently. Create a safe environment where children can take small risks, make mistakes and learn from them.
  • Encourage children to ask for help: Encourage children to ask for help when it’s needed, but also encourage them to try to solve problems on their own first.
  • Encourage children to be self-sufficient: Encourage children to do things on their own, such as packing their own lunch or getting dressed without assistance. This helps them feel more self-sufficient and independent.
  • Encourage children to express their opinions: Help children feel confident in expressing their opinions and ideas. Encourage them to speak up and share their thoughts.
  • Encourage children to set goals: Encourage children to set goals for themselves, which they can work towards achieving. This helps them develop independence and a sense of accomplishment. Learning to progress towards milestones one step at at time is an important life lesson.
  • Encourage children to be independent learners: Encourage children to explore and learn to love learning. Doing so will help them become more independent and studies show that independent learners generally go on to achieve more.

As the huge list of benefits suggests, encouraging independence in children can have a hugely positive impact on children. Most importantly, it can really help them in the development of a wide range of important life skills. These will serve them well as they transition to school and far beyond.

Are You Looking for the Best Nursery or Pre-School in Streatham?

Excellent childcare services in Streatham from Little Cedars Nursery

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.If you are looking to give your baby, toddler or preschooler the best start in life, you’ll need a high quality childcare and ‘early years’ provider. Little Cedars nursery and pre-school in Streatham provides a high quality childcare service where staff support the happy children to achieve their full potential in life and in readiness for the transition to school. The nursery is a safe, warm and welcoming home-from-home for little ones, who are nurtured and looked after by caring, high quality staff. The setting and location may also suit families who live or work nearby in Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown or Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Register your baby, toddler or preschooler for a place today, or feel free to ask us any questions. Please choose a button below to get started:

The Power of Positive Language for Under-Fives

We explore the issues around negative language and the simple solution represented by positive alternatives.In today’s post, we explore the benefits of using positive language around under-fives. All too often, it’s tempting to say ‘No!’, ‘Stop that!’ or even ‘Don’t Eat That!’ and similar around little ones. This is particularly true when you want them to cease the offending activity urgently or are simply exhausted if it’s been a challenging day. There are good reasons for such negative commands, of course, not least that of their safety in many cases. However, such commands can sound stern and cause stress for the little ones. What’s more, if a child hears too much negative language and cannot understand why they’re not allowed to do a particular thing, problems can begin to arise and, indeed, the issue can become insidious. It may even result in worsening behaviour. Let’s explore, therefore, the issues around negative language and the simple solution that’s available in the form of positive language.

What’s Wrong With Saying No?

There’s nothing wrong, per se, with telling your child not to do something. More often than not, such a ‘negative’ command is given from the need to protect a child — it’s for their own good. The issue is more about how you say it (we’ll come back to that later).

There’s nothing wrong, per se, with telling your child not to do something. It’s more about how you phrase it.

Once babies have become toddlers, they start to explore their surroundings and want to be into everything. It’s all such an adventure for them! However, while it’s fun for them, it’s our job as parents to protect them, and their peers, from harm. When setting boundaries our maturity and experience tells us when things are dangerous. Toddlers just haven’t got that sense of potential danger, though. They therefore may not understand that we are saying ‘no’ or ‘don’t do that’ for their own good.

The words we choose can significantly influence our children’s behaviour and achievements.Sometimes, though, constantly hearing ‘no’ can spark tantrums, particularly if a child doesn’t understand the reason they are not allowed to do something. They can feel particularly frustrated when they receive a succession of negative commands and, in the end, may feel they simply can’t do anything right. This can lead not only to stress for them, but also to possible low self-esteem. Furthermore, if they hear ‘no’ and other negative language too often, they can begin to ‘tune out’ to it. They could then go on to develop challenging behaviour due to this, their confusion and frustration. Stress levels can then rise for the parent too, the infant can pick up on this and it can become a real vicious circle. It doesn’t have to be that way, though …

What to Do Instead – Using Positive Language

The best way to counter a negative result from negative language is to try to use positive phrasing (we’ll come to some examples shortly). The words we choose can significantly influence our children’s behaviour and achievements. So, by changing our tone and choice of words, we can show toddlers an alternative action to what they originally intended to do — all achieved in a positive way.

Positive, encouraging words help children to feel happier about situations. Also, by the child choosing a more positive action, it can make them feel empowered. When they follow positive words and requests, it will bring about a sense of achievement for the child. Suddenly, from their perspective, they chose the ‘right’ course of action rather than coming away feeling that they did something wrong. Gradually, the whole environment at home can become calmer and more positive too. What a contrast this is to the negative alternative!

Examples:

Don't do this.Stop shouting!Do this insteadPlease use a much softer voice.
Don't do this.Don’t hit people!Do this insteadPlease use gentle hands, so your don’t hurt someone.
Don't do this.Do not take his toy!Do this insteadLet’s find another toy to play with until your friend has finished playing with it. There are plenty to choose from.
Don't do this.No, you cannot have a treat!Do this insteadPlease eat your dinner. If you eat enough of your proper food, you can have a treat afterwards.
Don't do this.Stop running!Do this insteadPlease stop running otherwise you may bump into something or hurt yourself. Let’s walk together and we’ll get there safely.
Don't do this.Don’t throw that ball in the house!Do this insteadShall we take the ball into the garden to play? It’s much safer as things won’t get broken outside.

Remember to praise them when they have followed your suggestion and made the right choice.

Tips:

  1. Be clear, with simple explanations.
  2. Provide alternative options — explain what they can do instead of what they can’t.
  3. Let them know what behaviour you want to see from them.
  4. Sometimes use a “yes you can, but later” approach.
  5. Praise them when you see them choose the better alternative.

Before long, your child will catch on and both parent and child will be be more at ease and each will be happy with the results. Indeed, our childcare professionals at Little Cedars Nursery often use this kind of approach — and it works!

High Quality Childcare in our Streatham Nursery & Pre-School

Give your child the best start in life with childcare from Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.Little Cedars offers under-fives a first class early years education in a safe, homely and nurturing environment. We are an excellent nursery and pre-school in Streatham supplying a first class childcare service to families near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common and Furzedown as well as Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Please let us know if you’d like to register your baby, toddler or preschooler for a place at the nursery/pre-school. We can show you and your child around, confirm fees, answer any questions and clarify any Government childcare funding options. We’re here to help, so please get in touch:

Baby Banks - Free Help for Families

All sorts of equipment is available from Baby Banks, including prams, pushchairs and strollers.Today’s post will appeal to families who are finding the current financial climate particularly challenging. With energy costs and inflation so high, the following may represent a welcome piece of good news. Today we highlight the many Baby Banks that are popping up all around the UK and explain how they can help struggling families, all for free.

Baby Banks are a fabulous resource for families. In recent years, they have become very popular with families experiencing harder times, especially since the outbreak of Covid and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis. With such things putting a real squeeze of family finances, Baby Banks are really coming into their own to help families, their babies and children.

What’s a Baby Bank?

Bottles, formula milk and sterilising equipment are often available at baby banks.A Baby bank is a similar concept to a food bank. However, instead of food and drink, it provides second-hand clothing, toys and equipment for babies, under-fives and often even for children up to the age of 16 in some cases. Baby Banks can also be compared to a charity shop, however, with baby banks, everything is free.

What Can Families Get at Baby Banks?

Exactly what families can get depends on the particular Baby Bank itself and, of course, stock levels at any given time. Some things are more in demand than others too and exactly what items are stocked also varies between different Baby Banks. Here are some examples, however, of the typical kinds of things available to families from Baby Banks, all for free:

Clothes for babies, toddlers and children.Toys and other types of play equipment.
Towels, blankets and bedding.Nappies and wet wipes.
Cots, Moses baskets, cribs.Bottles and sterilising equipment.
Baby carriers.Baby foods and formula milk.
Prams, pushchairs and strollers.Toiletries.
High chairs, table-top feeding chairs, floor seats etc.Baby baths, including for newborns and older babies.
Baby bouncing chairs and baby rockers.Even car seats in some cases.

Example

Little Village’s video is well worth watching and really brings home how excellent and crucial Baby Banks are.

How Can Families Access Items from Baby Banks?

Toys and games are also often available at Baby BanksBaby Banks are run by all sorts of different people and organisations and therefore the rules around actually getting ones hands on the free items vary from Baby Bank to Baby Bank. Some accept requests for items directly from families themselves. Others only deal via a referral from some kind of professional. Examples include social workers, family support agencies, teachers, family centres, health visitors, medical professionals, food banks and women’s refuges. So, once you have located your nearest Baby Bank, you will need to check whether they will deal with you directly or only through such a referral. Either way, you will usually need to agree a time and date for collection of your item with the Baby Bank (you can’t usually just turn up, although there are exceptions). Not all Baby Banks are open all week and that’s another reason to check with Baby Banks or their websites first.

Can Families Donate Used Items to Baby Banks?

You can donate items in good condition to baby banks.Absolutely! Baby Banks rely on the generous donations from families that no long require their baby clothes or equipment. Perhaps the child has grown out of them and the items are still in good condition, or perhaps they were an unwanted gift. Donating items is also a great way to declutter and to make space in the home, as well as helping others. However, before donating to a Baby Bank, always check with them to see if all your proposed items are required and, as before, ensure you know whether an appointment is needed or whether you can just turn up with your items. Certain rules may also apply around the condition and type of items (this varies depending upon which Baby Bank you are dealing with). Baby car seats and electronic items may also have special rules due to the extra safety considerations.

Interactive map of UK Baby BanksWhere Can I Find My Nearest Baby Bank?

There’s a great resource that maps the location and information for over 200 Baby Banks throughout the UK. While this may not include absolutely every Baby Bank, it’s a great place to start looking for your nearest one. Access the interactive map by clicking the map image. You can zoom in or out and click individual map ‘pins’ to pop up contact details for each.

Baby Banks Near Streatham

Our nursery is in Streatham, so we thought we’d check what’s available near us. After all, it may help our nursery’s many families. According to the interactive map, the three Baby Banks closest to Streatham are Little Village Baby Bank in Wandsworth, Growbaby Baby Bank in Merton and Sutton Vineyard Lighthouse Baby Bank in Sutton. Their products appear to be free regardless of family income, faith or circumstance. Each provides used but good quality clothing and equipment for babies and children. According to their websites, Little Village is the only one of the three that requires a referral. Here are their details:

Little Village, WandsworthGrowbaby, MertonSutton Vineyard Lighthouse
SW17 7AP | Website | EmailCR4 2HA | Website | EmailSM1 1PR | Website | Email

Free Childcare Options for Streatham Families at Little Cedars Nursery

Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Little Cedars Nursery supports Government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families and this is another way they can save significant money. We support schemes for 15 hours per week of free childcare for eligible 2-year-olds, 15 hours of free childcare per week for 3 & 4-year-olds living in England and up to 30 hours per week for them if eligible for the top-up. We also support students requiring childcare through Student Childcare Grants & Schemes, families accessing Tax-Free Childcare, Free Childcare through Universal Credit, Childcare Vouchers and so on.

We are a high quality childcare nursery and pre-school in Streatham, also being close and convenient to those in Tooting, Balham, Norbury, Colliers Wood, West Norwood, Wandsworth, Clapham and Brixton. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss childcare funding options or a place for your child at the nursery. We’ll be happy to help. Please choose a button below to get started: