Government is planning a big expansion of childcare over the next 2 years and we need you to help us find ways of increasing childcare availability on the islands to enable us to meet the expected increase in demand. You can find out more about government’s plans for childcare funding and what you are entitled to at the government’s education hub blog.
We understand that high quality and reliable early years provision is vital not only for improving the outcomes of children through school and into their adult lives, but also for working families and those wishing to return to work. We also recognise how important childcare arrangements can be to families for other reasons, including mental health and wellbeing, particularly in isolated communities such as ours. We want to speak to the community to discuss ways of extending childcare availability on the islands so that families will be able to take advantage of government’s extended funding offer.
Childcare discussion sessions
In order to gather ideas about current and future childcare requirements on Scilly and begin a community conversation about how to increase options for delivery, we’re hosting a series of childcare discussions on each of the islands. Ann Van Dyke, a consultant specialising in children’s services, is supporting the council to develop a plan for extending the availability of childcare on Scilly. She will be attending these sessions remotely to discuss what government is planning and to answer any questions you may have. Anyone who wishes to bring their children to these sessions is welcome to do so. Our Early Years Assistant, Tamasin Bridge will be on hand to entertain them whilst you chat with Ann.
See below for the details of these visits:
- Bryher Community Centre, Monday 6 November from 10am to 11am
- Tresco Flying Boat Studio, Monday 6 November from 2pm to 3pm
- St Agnes Island Hall, Friday 10 November from 10am to 11am
- St Martin’s Community Centre, Wednesday 15 November 2pm to 3pm
- St Mary’s Wesleyan Chapel, Wednesday 15 November 10am to 11am
Follow-up meeting on Thursday 30 November
These sessions will be followed up with an online meeting on Thursday, 30 November, 7pm to 8pm where we will update you on what we’ve been hearing from the community and potential next steps. The details needed to join this follow-up meeting can be found below:
How to join the follow-up meeting on MS Teams or by phone
To join the Teams meeting, simply click on the link and enter the Meeting ID and passcode provided below:
| CLICK HERE TO JOIN MS TEAMS |
Meeting ID: 396 560 806 923
Passcode: Bn36hp
Alternatively, you can call in using the phone conferencing details below (audio only):
Dial: 020 7660 8305
Phone conference ID: 492456805#
If you can’t attend one of these sessions, but would like to speak to Ann about current or future childcare on the islands, please email us at familyscilly@scilly.gov.uk and we can arrange for her to contact you.