About EYFS
Learning is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage:

All Early Years Settings must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. There is information available at the nursery for all parent/carers. Here at First Steps Pre-School we aim to deliver quality childcare with rich stimulating learning and experiences to enhance the development of children in our care using the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Data on your child’s learning and development is collated regularly to allow practitioners to see areas for improvement and achievements. At First Steps we work in partnership with Luton Borough Council and adhere to the Councils guidance on quality, welfare and safeguarding.

The curriculum:

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is implemented at high standards of individual learning for all children by experienced and qualified staff, using the defined areas of learning and development a child needs to thrive.

The activities are well planned by our highly experienced and qualified staff and are exciting, creative and inspiring for all the children. The activities are designed to be stimulating for children at all stages of development.

Observations are collected on the children to gather knowledge on the area of learning they may need more support in. Small key working groups are set, so staff can get a greater understanding of your child’s needs and can help to form a personal relationship, which has proven to help children’s independence.

Specialism:

In our preschool we have embraced phonics and are systematic in teaching phonics and prioritise it in our teacher training and our spending on resources and books. We want children leaving our preschool to have the best foundation possible to excel them forward when they move onto to reception or year 1.

2 Year Old Eligibility:

Your two-year-old can get free early education and childcare if you get one of the following:
  • income support
  • income-based: jobseeker's allowance (Not eligible if on contribution based jobseeker’s allowance)
  • income-related: employment and support allowance (Not eligible if on contribution based employment support allowance)
  • support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • the guaranteed element of state pension credit
  • child tax credit
  • And if the combined annual household income is below £16,190. Please note if your income is below £16,190 and you are not on any benefits your family will not be eligible.
Your child can also get free early education and childcare under extended criteria if any of the following apply:
  • they are looked after by the local authority 
  • your child has a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
  • your child is receiving disability living allowance
  • your child has been adopted
  • the child has left care under a special guardianship order, child arrangements order or residence order.
How do I apply?

You can apply by coming into the nursery and speaking to our office staff.

3 Year Old Eligibility for 15 Hours Free Childcare:

All children in England get 570 free hours per year. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.  You can get it from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday.

30 Hours Free Childcare:

You may be able to get up to 30 hours free childcare (1,140 hours per year, which you can choose how you take).

If you’re eligible for the extra hours, you will be given an online code to reserve your place. You’ll get the extra hours once the next term starts.  Please come in and speak to us.

You can usually get 30 hours free childcare if you (and your partner, if you have one) are:
  • In work - or getting parental leave, sick leave or annual leave.
  • Each earning at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week - this is £120 if you’re over 25.
This earnings limit doesn’t apply if you’re self-employed and started your business less than 12 months ago.

You’re not eligible if:
  • Your child doesn’t usually live with you
  • The child is your foster child
  • Either you or your partner has a taxable income over £100,000
How is the childcare delivered?

The 15 hours are delivered across:
14 weeks in the autumn term
12 weeks in the spring term
12 weeks in the summer term

When can my child start?
Eligible children can get the free hours in the term following their second birthday.  Second birthday between:
1 April–31 August Autumn term starting in September
1 September–31 December Spring term starting in January
1 January–31 March Summer term starting in April
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