Our shared vision is to work together with parents and each other in the States and private sectors so we can provide the very best education and care for the children in the Bailiwick.
We aim to nurture young children so they are confident, happy and excited to learn. We hope our children will grow up to be caring and productive members of our society.
Children who experience high quality early years provision are well placed to achieve better outcomes throughout their school life and beyond into employment.
Early Years Quality Standards Framework
- All pre-schools and day nurseries work to the Early Years Quality Standards Framework (EYQSF), 2018. A copy of the Framework is available to download here:
Early Years Quality Standard Framework [2Mb]. The EYQSF sets out the requirements for all providers and will help to focus on raising and sustaining a consistent quality of early year's experiences for our children and families.
- Pre-school education in the Bailiwick is predominantly provided by the private sector and any children can attend private pre-schools before starting school.
- In Guernsey and Alderney we work to secure an equality of opportunity, to develop a culture of support, reflection and empowerment within the Early Years Sector.
Pre-school Education Fund (PSEF)
- The year before children go to school (Reception year) they are entitled to free, quality, pre-school provision for up to 15 hours per week, 38 weeks a year (term time only), supported by the States of Guernsey.
- This entitlement is being delivered through a partnership with private providers. A list of pre-school and day nurseries who offer the entitlement can be found here:
- The Assembly agreed to the funding for the implementation of the entitlement following a debate in November 2015. The proposals were amended with regards to the detail of funding sources and a cap set on entitlement to only those with a joint household income of £150,000 or less.
- Quality measures have been put in place and can be found here: key performance indicators
- Please read a copy of the Parent/Carer leaflet on how to apply for your free pre-school entitlement, you can download the leaflet here:
- Please look at the Frequently Asked Questions for further information
Information for Pre-schools and Day Nurseries
- PSEF Information
- Important dates for providers to ensure deadlines are kept, therefore ensuring prompt payment
- Under this section we have included useful links which pre-schools and day nurseries may require, any other links can be found in the additional information/useful downloads section at the bottom of this page.
- The States Early Years Team Newsletter is produced half termly as a way of communicating all updates and news with the pre-schools and day nurseries. The SEYT Newsletters are full of information from ourselves and our partners, if you wish to be added to the distribution list, please send us your email address.This is where you can find the latest SEYT Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/313d71c6318c/seyt-summer-newsletter
- SENCO Network Information
Information for Childminders
- Under this section we have included useful links which Childminders may require, any other links can be found in the additional information/useful downloads section at the bottom of this page.
Information for Parents
- Under this section we have included useful links which Parents may require, any other links can be found in the additional information/useful downloads section at the bottom of this page.
Additional Information/useful downloads
- This section provides additional documents and information that you may find useful.
- Minimum standards for creches
- Minimum standards for out of school care
- A guide to your child's learning and development in the early years foundation stage
- Following on from the Alderney Early Years and Childcare Offer Questionnaire in 2018 , the document for your information can be found here
Links to Articles and Research
- This section is to provide articles and research around the following areas:
- Environment & Resources
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/heavily-decorated-classrooms-disrupt-attention-and-learning-in-young-children.html#.XFKds0q1P-4.mailto
- Outside
http://rainorshinemamma.com/play-outside/
- Communication & Language
http://toosmall.org/community/body/Word-Gap-Candy-Land-Chart.pdf
http://www.theorganizedmindhq.com/reading-too-soon/?fbclid=IwAR2LZiiiFi_AIK1RnWLdZNKdbizNEYEW3gtBUVNT1X0YA_TtN4EVXZxcDj4
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/the-reception-year-isnt-all-about-learning-to-read/
- Reading
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/51281/whats-going-on-in-your-childs-brain-when-you-read-them-a-story
- Physical Development
https://themilitarywifeandmom.com/why-kids-wont-listen/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare
- Early Years Learning & Development
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201505/early-academic-training-produces-long-term-harm?eml
https://www.tes.com/news/left-handed-pupils-five-quick-win-support-tips
https://www.adam-mila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Brain-Development-of-Children-from-0-to-6-years-How-the-Brain-Learns.pdf
- EAL
http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/elibrary/Content/Internet/537/955/6075/6263/6314/4202792235.pdf
- Curriculum
https://www.communityplaythings.co.uk/learning-library/articles/blocks-back-in-the-spotlight-again?source=pal201
- Child Development
https://www.maggiedent.com/blog/why-we-must-prioritise-play-for-todays-children-now/
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018635221/when-should-a-child-learn-to-write
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201505/early-academic-training-produces-long-term-harm?eml
Training and Development
- This section also provides information about training and development opportunities.
- We are pleased to confirm the date for the next 'A Joyous Childhood One-day Conference' will be Saturday 7th September. For further information please click
Assisted Funding
- The Assisted Place Funding is for vulnerable 2-3 year olds (and exceptional rising 2 year olds) before they access their 15 hours funding the year before they start school. The Health Visiting Team are the main referrers, however any professional working with a family who feels they meet two or more of the criteria can apply for assisted funding. The Assisted Place Panel meet monthly and if funding is agreed, contact will be made with the referrer and preschool/nursery to ascertain if space is available and if they can accommodate the child and their requests. Parents are then asked to make contact with the preschool/nursery to complete the registration forms as required by the preschool/nursery. The referral form for any professional to complete
Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership (ISCP)
- If you are a member of the public who has concerns about a child's welfare or safety, and if that child is in Guernsey or Alderney, call a children's service social worker on 01481 723182. Out of office hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01481 725241. If it is an emergency, please call the police on 999 or 112
- Please view the Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership website for more information http://iscp.gg/
- Child Protection E-Learning Level 1 information can be found
Complaints
- If you would like to make a complaint please read the complaints procedure and complete and return the attached form to the States Early Years Team, Le Rondin School & Centre, Rue des Landes, Forest, Guernsey, GY8 0DP or email seyt@education.gg
