Personal Education Plans (PEPs) – Early Years
A Personal Education Plan (PEP) helps make sure that children in care get the right support to do well in their learning and development. It brings together everyone involved in a child’s life to understand their needs and agree how best to support them.
- Early Years PEPs are a legal requirement from age 3, even if a child is not attending an early years setting
- In North Yorkshire, we start PEPs from age 2 as part of good practice
- The first PEP meeting takes place within 10 working days of a child coming into care
- PEPs are reviewed every term, and at least once every six months
Virtual School – Early Years Support
All children in care can access support from the Virtual School, including those in early years settings. The Virtual School works closely with carers, early years providers and other professionals to support children’s learning, development and readiness for school.
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) is extra funding to help early years providers improve learning experiences and outcomes for eligible children.
- Available to early years settings that offer funded childcare places
- Children must access at least one funded hour to be eligible
- Eligible children include (other eligibility criteria can be seen on supporting links):
- Children currently in the care of the local authority
- Children who were previously looked after and have left care through adoption, a Special Guardianship Order or a Child Arrangements Order
- Settings receive this funding, to find out how much you may be eligible and support in ways this funding can be spent can be accessed here: Early years pupil premium: guide for local authorities - GOV.UK
- To apply, the EYPP indicator must be ticked on Synergy
Early Years Funded Childcare Hours
Government‑funded childcare hours are available to eligible children and families.
- Funding starts the term after a child reaches the eligible age
- 15 or 30 hours can usually be taken:
- During term time only (38 weeks), or
- Stretched across the year, depending on how the provider offers their hours
- Some providers may charge for consumables, such as meals or resources, in addition to funded hours
Please see the table below for details regarding eligibility:
More information regarding funded hours can be accessed here: Eligibility for 30 hours childcare - Best Start in Life
Imagination Library
The Imagination Library is a literacy programme facilitated by the Virtual School to support early learning which is available to children in care and children of care leavers under the age of 5. Children registered to this programme will receive a book through the post every month until their 5th Birthday. To enquire or register please contact the Virtual School who will send all relevant information.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Identifying Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at an early stage can make a big difference to a child’s long‑term outcomes.
- If you have any concerns, speak to the early years setting’s SENCO
- Additional advice and support is available through North Yorkshire Early Years SEND services
Disability Access Fund (DAF)
The Disability Access Fund (DAF) provides extra funding to early years providers to help them make reasonable adjustments for children with disabilities or SEND.
Starting School and School Readiness
Getting ready for school is a team effort between families, carers and early years settings. Simple everyday activities help children build confidence, independence and curiosity.
- Most children start Reception in September after their fourth birthday
- Applications open from October to January and are completed online
- Transition days usually take place during the summer term
- The child’s allocated school is invited to attend the summer‑term PEP before they start school
- Extra transition support can be discussed and agreed through the PEP process if needed
Resources to support children in becoming ready for school can be found here: Preparing for school - Best Start in Life
