Services in Family Information Service (5)

Choosing a Childminder

Introduction Many Childminders begin childminding when they are parents with young children of their own.  This means many of their skills as carers will come from their own experience as parents, as well as their training.  It is useful to spend some time talking to…

Choosing a Day Nursery

Introduction Choosing the right Day Nursery can be a difficult decision; most parents wonder what to look out for when they start looking.  Not every nursery will match your child’s personality, so be prepared to look around.  Visit several and ask questions about the childcare…

Sure Start Maternity Grant

Sure Start Maternity Grant  If you’re on a low income and getting certain benefits or tax credits, you could get a Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG). This is a one-off payment to help towards the cost of having a baby. The grant is tax free…

Childcare - Your Choices

Day Nurseries provide: All day care for babies and children up to the age of 5. Are generally open from 8.00am - 6.00pm but some run from 7.00am - 7.00pm or longer. Are usually open all year round, except for weekends and bank holidays. There…

What is a Childminder?

Childminding involves: Looking after one or more children under the age of 8 for more than a total of 2 hours a day on domestic premises (normally in the childminders own home) for reward. Registering and undergoing inspection by Ofsted - demonstrating the quality and…

What is a Day Nursery?

Day Nurseries provide: All day care for babies and children up to the age of 5.  Are generally open from 8.00am - 6.00pm but some run from 7.00am - 7.00pm or longer. Are usually open all year round, except for weekends and bank holidays. There…

What is Holiday Care?

Holiday Care provides: Care for school age children during school holidays Often based in school premises, youth or community centres. Provide a range of enjoyable activities to suit older children. For Holiday Care that is registered with Ofsted -  Inspection reports can be viewed on…

What is Out of School Care?

Out of School Care provides: Care for school age children before and after school during term time and during holidays Often based in school premises, youth or community centres. Provide a range of enjoyable activities to suit older children. For Out of School Care that…

What is a Parent & Toddler Group?

A Parent and Toddler Group is an informal setting where parents, carers, childminders and their children can go to have fun and meet new people. Parents and carers remain with, and are responsible for, their children throughout the session.  Children can be any age under…

What is a Playgroup?

Playgroup / Pre-schools offer: Play and education sessions for children from 2.5 years to 5 Run by qualified members of staff Children usually stay for sessions of 2-4 hours A range of toys and equipment are provided for the children Playgroups are registered and inspected…