Dorset Council is pleased to announce that Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC) which is part of Dorset Outdoor Education Service is now Ofsted registered, a significant milestone that allows the service to accept Tax-free childcare for eligible children.
This new development opens more opportunities for children and young people to access the wide range of adventurous, physically enriching educational activities offered by the service, making it more affordable and accessible for many families.
The Dorset Outdoor Education Service provides both holiday activities and term time afterschool clubs for children and young people. The newest addition being their Little Explorers nature-based adventure club for 7 to 11 year olds. Older children can also enjoy enriching social activities such as rock climbing, sea kayaking and dinghy sailing.
Each of the sessions run by the service are designed to boost learning and personal development. To make an enquiry or to book one of these sessions you can email: woec@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Childcare funding options, particularly tax-free childcare, are a vital helping hand for many families. Tax-free childcare is a government scheme that provides eligible families with a 20% top-up on childcare costs, up to £500 every three months per child up to the age of 12, or £1,000 for a young person with a disability under the age of 17.
This means that for every £8 paid into the childcare account, the government will add an additional £2, making it easier for families to manage the costs associated with quality childcare and education.
Tax-free childcare can also be used alongside other funding options, such as the 15 hours for 2-year-olds. Or 30 hours funding for 3–4-year-olds.
Theresa Leavy, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Dorset Council ‘The benefits of tax-free childcare extend beyond financial savings; it also gives parents more options when it comes to choosing from childcare settings that best suits them, including after-school clubs, sports activities, and holiday camps. We are delighted the Dorset Outdoor Education service is now one of these options.’
To find out more on Tax free childcare visit: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/-/tax-free-childcare-information-for-parents
