There are a range of benefits for both parents and children from good quality childcare. Some families use informal childcare, such as other family members, friends or neighbours. However you may also find that you need to make more formal childcare arrangements. Some childcare settings provide specialist services for disabled children, however all childcare should welcome and include disabled children.
Childcare and the law
The Disability Discrimination Act says that it is unlawful for services such as childcare settings to discriminate against disabled people. Contact our helpline for advice as many families with disabled children say that childcare is unsuitable and availability is limited. For disabled young people, going to leisure and after school activities may pose problems too. Since April 2008 childcare legislation means that local authorities need to do more to help parents struggling to find childcare locally. Along with this additional support, local information services must provide parents with disabled children information on the full range of childcare available and other help such as health services, family support and relevant local and national voluntary organisations.
Childcare regulation
It is important that childcare is of good quality and meets certain standards. In England, childcare is registered with and regulated by OFSTED, in Scotland by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission). In Northern Ireland it is the responsibility of local Health and Social Services Trusts and in Wales by the Care Standards Inspectorate.
Help with childcare costs
Many parents also say that childcare is too expensive. There may be help available to meet the costs, for example direct payments can be used to pay for childcare following an assessment. Contact our helpline for further information.
Types of childcare
Childminders
Childminders offer full and part-time care, play and learning opportunities for children, usually in the childminder’s own home. Childminders are self-employed and may be flexible in the hours they work, offering early mornings, evenings and weekend care.
Day nurseries
Nurseries are primarily for children under 5 to play and learn in a group environment, offering full and part-time places. All children aged 3 and 4 years are entitled to a free nursery place.
After school clubs and other out-of-school care
Out-of-school clubs (sometimes called kids clubs) provide childcare and other activities for school-age children before and after the school day and during the school holidays. Often these are based on school sites, but they may also be in community centres, churches, nurseries or linked to a children’s centre.
Pre-schools
Pre-schools, sometimes known as playgroups, offer part-time care and education for children usually between 2½ and 5. Sessions operate for around two hours but some are available for longer periods.
Holiday playschemes
Holiday playschemes operate during the school holidays for school age children, to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to play and have fun. Some offer part-time or full-time care.
Childcare in your own home
In some cases a parent may feel that it is essential that their child is cared for in their own home. Some parents recruit a nanny or an au pair via an agency, while others may look to advertise and recruit a childcarer themselves.
Children’s centres
Children’s centres are being developed across England, aiming to serve children and their families until the child starts primary school. In Wales this takes the form of integrated children’s centres, while some areas in Scotland have children and families centres offering a range of services including childcare. Each centre will offer integrated services (health, education, family support and childcare), outreach to parents, a base for childminders, and links with Jobcentre Plus and schools.
Finding childcare
Choosing the right childcare service is important for you and your child. You need to be confident that your child is safe, secure and happy. For information on finding childcare contact your local information service such as a Children’s Information Service (CIS). Details of your local information service can be found through the Childcare Link freephone service on Tel: 08000 96 02 96 or Web: http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk
If you live in Northern Ireland contact your local health and social services community trust for more information. Your local health visitor and/or social worker may know of other suitable services. It is also worth asking other parents at support groups what childcare services they use.
If you need more information
|
|
|
|
Donate Now
makingcontact.org
Pounds for parents
Subscribe to 