Early year’s education is for children aged between 3 and 5 years

Early year’s education is for children aged between 3 and 5 years old. All children aged 3 and over are entitled to 15 hours of free education from the term following their 3rd birthday. Children are entitled to 38 weeks of Early years education per year. Some 3 year olds are eligible for 30 hours if their parents are working at least 16 hours a week on minimum wage, or national living wage. Two year olds are entitled to 30 hours of free education a week if their parent/s are in receipt of certain benefits. Funding is provided by the government and passed through local authorities; this is to allow all children to have an equal opportunity to gain the best education from a young age. Children can use their entitlement by attending a nursery school, pre school, playgroup, day nursery, childminder or with a nanny. In England all schools and Ofsted registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, this includes childminders, preschools, and nurseries. All learning, care, and development provided is measured against one standard framework (EYFS).Stages of education for 3-19 years in the UKEarly years education 3-5 yearsPrimary School Key stage 1 Year 1 and 2 Ages 5-7/8Primary School Key stage 2 Year 3,4,5,6 Ages 8/9 – 10/11Secondary School Key stage 3 Year 7,8,9 Ages 11/12 – 14/15Secondary School Key stage 4 Year 10,11 Ages 14/15 – 16Post 16 Key Stage 5 Ages 16/17-18The different schools that can be attended are: State schools – Run and owned by the LEA. The LEA employ the staff, own the land and buildings and set the admissions arrangements.Voluntary-aided schools – Run and part funded by a governing body, the building is usually owned by a charity or religious-based organisation. They can access funds from the LEA and the charity or organisation. The governing body set the admissions criteria and employ the staff.Voluntary-controlled schools – Run and funded by the LEA. The land and building are usually owned by a charity (often a religious organisation) the LEA employ the staff and set the admissions criteria.Specialist schools – Partly funded by the LEA, partly funded by sponsorships. The LEA employ the staff and set the admissions criteria.community schools- Run and owned by the LEA, The LEA employ staff and set the admissions criteria. the school may be used by the community for local groups.Foundation & trust schools – run by their own governing body, employs staff and sets its own admissions policy. The land and buildings are usually owned by the governing body or, in a trust school, a charityIndependent schools – Funded by the fees paid by the parents of pupils, contributions from supporting bodies and investments. They are not funded or run by a LA.Academy schools – Funded by a business sponsor or state-funded, they do not receive any funds from the LEA. They control their own curriculum and finances. Post 16s have many different options, they can continue in full time education to do A levels either at School, FE College or a Sixth form college. These are excellent general qualifications that are valued by employers and also universities. A Levels offer a great route to degree level study. Another option is to do an apprenticeship, an apprenticeship offers paid on the job training along side studying, this enables students to develop the knowledge and skills needed, while the employer provides the practical experience to put those skills to the test. Post 16 students also have the option to work/volunteer, as long as they are still in part time education or training. Students must work or volunteer at least 20 hours a week, this is another great way to gain experience whilst earning money at the same time.