Latest news with #Childcare
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
‘On notice': NSW government pushes ahead in early childcare sector inquiry
Childcare and early learning centres in NSW have been put on notice that the 'days of pretending to improve while nothing is done are over', with centres failing children to face a crackdown. Acting Education and Early Learning Minister Courtney Houssos has announced a list of changes coming for the sector, including the launch of an independent regulator agency and providing parents with 'increased information' and 'transparency for the community'. Former deputy NSW Ombudsman Chris Wheeler was commissioned to conduct an independent review into the sector in February after a rise in safety breaches in the sector last year. A list of proposed reforms was released in June. Speaking to media on Wednesday, Ms Houssos welcomed feedback for its reforms into the childhood sector. 'We will be increasing the fines on individual centres,' she said. 'And we will be, as the Wheeler Review recommended, establishing a trial of CCTV cameras.' Ms Houssos said while there were many early 'fantastic' learning centres across the state, the underperforming centres had been put on notice. 'The time for the days are pretending to improve while nothing is done are over,' she said. 'We are really clear that we will be cracking down on those centres who are not delivering for those safe and quality environments for parents and for children. 'We take this responsibility incredibly seriously, that's why we have such a comprehensive program of reform.' However, in response to the reforms, early educator Rebecca Saville argued the changes were a 'Band-Aid fix', In a letter penned to the federal Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh, Ms Saville said the sector didn't need announcements, but rather an 'overhaul' of 'how the sector is funded, staffed, regulated, and respected'. 'I was prompted to write the letter because I was hearing of other educators' concerns within the sector and how the new safety measures don't address the issues at heart and are a Band-Aid fix,' she said per The Daily Telegraph. Ms Houssos told media on Wednesday the government was working with ministers from across the country on the reforms, which she hopes would be 'pursued at a national level'. 'We have a sense of urgency for the reforms that we're pursuing,' she said. 'And we are going to get these changes under way.' 'We are hamstrung by the national law, but this is law that does pass through each of the individual parliaments,' she added. 'I want to be clear under performing centres that the time of pretending to improve while nothing is done are over.'
Powys County Times
06-08-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
HMRC offering up to £4,000 free to households with children
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging working families to save up to £4000 a year by signing up to Tax-Free Childcare. Tax-Free Childcare means working families can save up to £2,000 annually for each child up to the age of 11, and £4,000 for a disabled child up to the age of 16, when they're paying for their childcare. There are now 75,000 childcare settings accepting Tax-Free Childcare as payment including nurseries, registered childminders, holiday activity clubs and, for when school starts back in September, before and after school clubs. Are you missing out on childcare savings? 👋 Sign up for Tax-Free Childcare scheme and save up to £2,000 a year per child on approved childcare costs, including wraparound childcare. 💸 Find out more. 👇 — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) August 3, 2025 Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Chief Customer Officer, says: 'Whether your child is interested in football, climbing, crafting or dance, there's a huge variety of childcare settings accepting Tax-Free Childcare. Children can learn something new and have fun with their friends while their parents save on their childcare bills. Visit to sign up today.' Families yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare can do it now to pay for their summer activities or start paying into it ready for breakfast and after-school clubs when the new term starts. Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused payments can be withdrawn at any time. For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it up by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs. Who is eligible to apply for HMRC Tax-Free Childcare? Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday The parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers Visit to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare. Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility. Account holders must confirm their details are up to date every 3 months to continue receiving the government top-up.
Associated Press
25-07-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Community Action of Napa Valley Opens Outdoor Learning Center & Playground Thanks to CalFire Grant
The new center expands Community Action of Napa Valley's mission to nurture, educate, and empower children in need. 'CalFire's grant has had an enormous impact, especially today, when funding for vital community programs like ours is increasingly under threat.'— Drene Johnson, Executive Director of Community Action of Napa Valley NAPA, CA, UNITED STATES, July 25, 2025 / / -- Community Action of Napa Valley (CANV) and CANV Kids Development & Family Program proudly marked the Grand Opening of its new Outdoor Learning Center & Playground at the Old Sonoma Road campus on Thursday, July 24th. The event drew families, community partners, and CalFire representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the newly renovated grounds. A Shade-Rich, Hands-On Environment CANV Kids provides affordable, full-day, year-round, high-quality childcare for more than 90 children ages 18 months through pre-kindergarten at two Napa locations. Until now, the Old Sonoma Road site lacked sufficient shade, and its expansive rear play area was overgrown and underutilized. Leveraging a CalFire Urban & Community Forestry Grant —focused on creating tree canopies over asphalt play areas and establishing outdoor classrooms—CANV's grant writer had the idea to integrate tree planting with an innovative agriculture and firewise learning curriculum. 'Growing' Play Stations Inspired by the concept of fitness 'stations,' the new playground features interactive zones that guide children through the planting process: germination, growth, harvest, and composting. Additional stations include building workshops, art creation spaces, and water play areas, all anchored by an open-air classroom and a vibrant butterfly garden. Nine mature shade trees were strategically planted to cool the play surfaces and provide a living laboratory for learning. Curriculum That Speaks to Every Child Designed specifically for toddlers and pre-K students, the multilingual curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities such as bug identification and plant care, complete with watering responsibilities. Spanish language materials ensure accessibility for many of CANV Kids' Spanish-speaking families. Sensory boards and tactile educational elements were incorporated to support children with special needs. Community Collaboration and Support Landscape Nirvana of Pacifica, CA, generously provided the initial design work pro bono to secure grant approval and created the final plans once approved. Napa Roots Landscaping then turned those plans into reality in under 90 days. Although CalFire's grant covered the bulk of the project, two Sacramento-based agencies stepped in to fund critical play surface upgrades on three aging areas. Voices of Leadership 'We're thrilled to offer a space where our youngest learners can explore agriculture, art, and firewise safety in a shaded, natural environment,' said Kathy Peebles, CANV Kids Program Director. 'This project embodies CANV's commitment to innovative, inclusive programming.' 'CalFire's grant has had an enormous impact—especially today, when funding for vital community programs like ours is increasingly under threat,' said Drene Johnson, Executive Director of Community Action of Napa Valley. 'We are deeply grateful to CalFire and all those who fight fires across California to protect our communities and for making our playground come to life.' Looking Ahead CANV Kids invites other community groups to reserve the Outdoor Learning Center & Playground on weekends for educational workshops and family events. For information on scheduling and program registration, please contact CANV Kids at (707) 253-6100 or email [email protected]. About CANV Kids Development & Family Program CANV Kids offers affordable, full-day, year-round childcare for families in Napa County, serving more than 90 children from 18 months through pre-kindergarten. Through play-based learning, family engagement, and community partnerships, the program nurtures each child's potential in a safe, inclusive environment. About Community Action of Napa Valley Community Action of Napa Valley (CANV), founded in 1965, delivers vital services throughout Napa County through a network of programs, including the CANV Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Wellness on Wheels, and CANV Kids. With eight pantry locations and ten free markets, each month CANV feeds more than 15,000 neighbors and empowers vulnerable residents by providing the resources and support they need to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. For more information, please contact Drene Johnson, Executive Director at Community Action of Napa Valley, at (707) 253 6100 canv@can or visit for additional details. Michael Delucchi Community Action of Napa Valley email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Daily Record
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Martin Lewis shares free way families can get £2,000 to help cover childcare costs this year
The consumer champion is urging working parents not to miss out on childcare help this summer. How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare Martin Lewis is urging millions of parents across the country to check for free financial help with the cost of childcare over the summer holidays, or year ahead. The consumer champion and the team at Money Saving Expert ( have compiled the ultimate 'Childcare Costs guide' in this week's edition of the newsletter. Martin wrote: 'The school summer holidays add a time and money burden on many parents, yet millions are unaware of potential help to cover the cost. So if you shell out money year-round, or will do just for the summer, I want to highlight the available schemes.' The easy-to-use guide includes eligibility for the HMRC Tax-Free Childcare scheme, accessing support if you're on Universal Credit or in work and pay for childcare. Martin also clarified what counts as childcare. He wrote that 'whether it's nurseries, childminders, holiday or after-school clubs, or even summer camps, what matters for all the help' is whether providers are registered. This means: Martin added: 'For all of them, see how to check if a provider's registered. Though with Tax-Free Childcare, it is also worth double-checking they will accept payment via it (the vast majority do, but check just in case).' You can read the full guide to free childcare here. Tax-Free Childcare The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show that nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme during the 2024/25 tax year. The data also indicates that in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills. Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child. However, Martin and the team estimates '825,000 of the possibly 1.3m eligible families don't claim it' because the name - Tax-Free Childcare - is 'totally misleading as it has nowt to do with tax'. Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that's nursery for younger children, or for older children - wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead. For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the UK Government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every three months towards paying for their childcare costs. Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. HMRC said it takes just 20 minutes to apply online for a Tax-Free Childcare account. Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until September 1 after their 16th birthday Earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on here. Financial support for parents in Scotland Social Security Scotland delivers five family payments which can help pay for extra school term expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out. Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £27.15 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16 - the payment is worth £108.60 every month and is only available north of the border. Combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC, parents could be due up to £212.20 each month in additional support. Child Benefit is a separate UK-wide payment worth £26.05 for the eldest or only child and is also paid every four weeks, amounting to £104.20. The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children's early years, including during pregnancy. There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments. One-off payments for families Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment - one-off payment of up to £767.50 available after 24 weeks of pregnancy until a baby turns 6 months. Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two, and three years and six months. Best Start Grant School Age Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of starting school available between June 1 and the last day in February in the year when a child is first old enough to start primary one. Best Start Foods - up to £43.20 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food, milk and first infant formula. Scottish Child Payment Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family and is a weekly payment of £27.15 that you can get for every child you look after who is under the age of 16. Payments are made every four weeks and worth £108.60 per child. Parents, carers and guardians can get more information on the dedicated Children and Family section on here or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. Families can learn more about the childcare offers available to them and what could fit their family by visiting Childcare Choices on here. Families in Scotland may be able to access help during the ongoing cost of living crisis through the Cost of Living Support Scotland website here.
Malay Mail
16-06-2025
- Malay Mail
Singapore preschool teacher admits to tripping toddler, causing facial injuries
SINGAPORE, June 16 — A preschool teacher in Singapore who repeatedly used her leg to trip a toddler under her care, causing the child to fall and injure her face, pleaded guilty in court today. According to Channel News Asia (CNA), Saiidah Kamarudin, 34, admitted to one count of ill-treating a 20-month-old girl, an offence under the Children and Young Persons Act. A second charge will be considered during sentencing. The child, who cannot be named due to a court order, suffered facial bruises and a nosebleed after Saiidah deliberately swept her legs under her on several occasions at the childcare centre where she worked. Her actions were captured on CCTV footage, which was played in court. The incident took place in November 2023, just weeks after Saiidah began working at the centre. She had joined in late September and resigned the following month, ending her employment by mid-November. According to court proceedings, Saiidah took the toddler to the toilet shortly after noon and, while seated, wiped her face with tissue. During this, she intentionally swept her leg outward to hook the toddler's foot, causing her to stumble. Moments later, she swept her leg inward, causing the girl to fall backwards. Saiidah picked the child up, wiped her face again, and placed her in front of her to leave the toilet area. But she repeated the motion, tripping the child once more. At around 12.30pm, she used her leg again — this time catching the child on both legs. The toddler fell face-first onto the ground and began to cry. Another teacher, alerted by the child's cries, stepped in to administer first aid. The girl was later put down for a nap, but by the time she awoke, the right side of her face had visibly swollen. A subsequent medical examination confirmed she had sustained mild facial bruising. The child's father filed a police report several days later after feeling dissatisfied with the school's explanation of his daughter's injuries. He also requested access to the CCTV footage from the day of the incident. Saiidah initially claimed trial but changed her plea to guilty on the first day of proceedings. She is scheduled to return to court on July 28 for mitigation and sentencing. If convicted, she could face up to eight years in jail, a fine of up to S$8,000 (RM26,500), or both.
