|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. 
If you haven’t yet sorted out childcare to cover you for the half term holidays, do not forget you can find information on out of school clubs and OfSTED registered childminders on our Family Information Directory.
 Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 296629 or email fis@northlincs.gov.uk to request a personalised list of what’s available in your area.
We can also give advice on help you might be entitled to with paying your childcare costs.
For example, have you heard of Tax Free Childcare? Unless you earn over £100,000 per year then most parents are eligible for it and it can pay for 20 per cent of your holiday childcare costs! Find out more on our help with childcare costs web page.
The October half term seems to be all about witches and wizards, ghosts and pumpkins nowadays.
Our Children & Young People’s Activity Guide is full of spooky crafts and ghoulish activities as venues across our area get into the Halloween spirit.
Now is the time to act if you are wanting your two, three or four year old to start at nursery or pre-school in January.
All 3 and 4 year olds
All three and four year olds (until they go into reception) are entitled to at least 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term-time starting the term after their third birthday. So if your child will turn three on or before 31 December 2019 simply find a childcare setting that suits your needs and check they will have a place available for your child in January. There is no need to apply for this funding; the setting will sort this out for you as all children of the right age are eligible.
3 and 4 year old's of working parents
If you are a working single parent or in a couple where both parents work then you can apply to the Government to increase this funding to up to 30 hours per week. You must apply before 31 December to start using the extra funding in January.
Eligible 2 year old's
Some two year old's are also eligible for up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week if their family meet certain criteria.
For children who will turn two on or before 31 December 2019 the application process will open on 30 October. On or just after this date apply online, ask your childcare provider or local Children’s Centre for an assisted application or call us on 01724 296629 with your National Insurance number and child’s details.
 We are looking for volunteers to give just a little of their time to help other parents in their communities or support children to read in school.
Parent Champions are ordinary parents like you who want to give back to their community or improve their own skills and confidence. They speak to other parents they meet at the school gate, birthday parties or toddler groups about the many options available to help parents with the costs of childcare, or support services for families, which they may not be aware of.
The role can fit easily around your children or work and need not always take up any extra time in your busy lives. We simply give you the training you will need to have these conversations with other parents as and when they come up in your daily activities.
The next volunteer training session will take place on Monday 4 November 2019,10am to 2pm at The Arc Westcliff, Lichfield Avenue, Scunthorpe.
For more information and an application form, even if you are unable to attend on 4 November, please email fis@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 296629.
Or what about becoming a Reading Champion?
Reading Champions go into schools to listen to children read and encourage a love of books and reading. Contact us on 01724 296668 or email wordscount@northlincs.gov.uk for more information.
The Adoption Service is holding a special event for National Adoption Week on Saturday 19 October. The event is to provide information to prospective adopters. It takes place at The Brumby Centre, Grange Lane North, Scunthorpe, DN16 1BN between 11am and 5pm.
The event will be an opportunity to meet members of the Adoption Service to talk about all aspects of adoption.
You will also have the chance to meet experienced adoptive parents who will be happy to talk to you about their experiences.
You are welcome to drop in at any time during the day.
You do not have to live in North Lincolnshire to adopt with us.
For further information contact the service on 01724 297024 or text ‘Adopt’ to 84433.
We also hold regular adoption information events and you can find the dates on our website.
Looped blind cords and chains can strangle toddlers and young children. There are many ways this sort of accident can happen and the result is usually fatal.
“It can take just 15 seconds for a toddler to lose consciousness if they get tangled in a blind cord. Death can occur in just two or three minutes.” According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust.
Find out how you can protect young children in your care from this potential hazard on the CAPT website.
|
