EDUCATION

Further information about local childcare options and providers is available on the Northumberland County Council website here.

The Families Information Service (FIS) has a wealth of information about childcare and early years providers in their Family Services Directory - find out more and visit the directory by clicking here. 

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The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework is the standard that schools and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years. Find out more about the EYFS by clicking here.

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Early education: free entitlement for two to four-year-olds

Further information for parents/carers on free entitlement to Early Years education and childcare for three to four-year-olds (and eligible two-year-olds) in Northumberland can be found by clicking here. 

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​0-19 service in Northumberland

The 0-19 service have a live health chat which is a safe and secure messaging service for children and parents to contact the service to request support and advice. This is managed by a practitioner, Mon –fri 8.30am-5pm. Find out more about the 0-19 service in Northumberland, including contact details, by clicking here.​

​Schools 

Information about Northumberland schools, including term dates, school admissions, transport and free school meals, can be found by clicking here. 

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School nurses

​If you need to speak to a school nurse, find contact details by area, below: 

• South East & Central Northumberland (including Blyth, Cramlington, Seaton Valley, Ashington)
  – 01670 841133

• West Northumberland (including Hexham, Corbridge, Prudhoe)  
  – 0300 373 2488

• North Northumberland (including Berwick)
  – 01289 356 962

• Amble 
  – 0300 373 2488

• Morpeth NHS Centre
  – 01670 500 9393 

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Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)

For support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) aged 0 – 25 years, see our additional needs and SEND section by clicking here. There is also a wealth of information on the Northumberland SEND Local Offer website, which you can explore by clicking here.

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Financial support

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Tax-free childcare 

You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the cost of childcare. Find out more information and claim tax-free childcare by clicking here. 
 

30 hours free childcare 

Eligible working families in Northumberland with 3 and 4 year old children can receive 30 hours of free childcare a week. Visit Childcare Choices for more information, by clicking here. 
 

15 hours free childcare 

Families in Northumberland who have 2 year old children and are on certain benefits can get 15 hours of free childcare a week. All families with children aged 3 and 4 can also access 15 hours of free childcare a week. Visit Childcare Choices for more information, by clicking here. 
 

Claim back childcare costs 

You may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs if you’re eligible for Universal Credit, with up to £646 back each month for one child or £1,108 for 2 or more children. Find out more about claiming back childcare costs by clicking here.

More information 
If you would like to make sure you’re getting the right benefits for your family speak to one of the Northumberland Communities Together on 01670 620 015 - open 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week. 

You might also find the following pages useful: