Article: Childcare Article Body Are you looking for childcare? Do you want to work in childcare? If you're looking for childcare - you know what's best for your child and as a parent or guardian you are your child's most important carer, but choosing childcare that's right for your child can be a difficult decision to make. There's a huge amount of choice, from nursery schools to playgroups to childminders. The type of setting you choose will depend on your individual circumstances: full day care such as day nurseries and children's centres are facilities that provide care for children under five years of age for a continuous period of four hours or more in any day pre-schools and playgroups are facilities where children aged two to four years attend day care facilities. Some are offered three sessions in a church hall whilst others are open five days a week. Some are registered to offer Nursery Education Funded places childminders are people who look after children from birth upwards, in their own homes, for more than two hours a day crèches are settings that provide occasional care for under eight year olds more than five times a year. Some crèches offer permanent places; others offer temporary places for courses and conferences. Most crèches no longer need to be registered with Ofsted. However they may join the Ofsted voluntary register. We would recommend that parents/carers only use such settings. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find childcare that suits your individual needs. That is, we offer a vacancy matching service that gives you a full list of childcare providers who have current places available to suit your requirements. If none are available in the area that you want we will get back to you to widen our search. Our service is free and we can offer you up-to-date and impartial advice about the childcare in your area, what to look for when visiting a childcare setting, advice on costs and the tax credits you may be entitled to…anything you need to find the best quality care for your children. Click here to download our Choosing Childcare information booklet.All registered childcare must be inspected by Ofsted. Ensure you have an agreed contract with the childcare setting, which should be signed and dated by both parties. This should state the hours, fees, overtime rates, fees for non-attendance, meals provided, notice to be given, clarity about what is provided as part of the service, for example nappies. This is a legally binding document and you and the childcare setting should keep a copy. If you want to work in childcare - there has never been a more exciting time to work in childcare. The Families Information Service can provide you with details on information sessions, training options and how to start on your career journey. Charges/fees Charges for childcare may vary and some schemes will give a discount for brothers and sisters attending. Parents currently claiming working tax credit may be able to get up to 80% of their childcare costs back in tax credit in their wage packet. Payments are negotiated directly between the childcare setting and parents/carers. All three and four year olds can access Nursery Education Funding (NEF) for 15 hours per week free of charge. Please contact the Families Information Service on 0800 0345 340 for a list of providers who offer Nursery Education Funding. Children with disabilities Children with disabilities may be able to receive additional financial support. Parents may also use childcare for short break care. For parents returning to work a pilot scheme for childcare tasters is available. Contact the Families Information Service for more details. Legislation Registered childcarers must adhere to the relevant Ofsted registration requirements. Childcare Act 2006 Useful documents Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Extended Services Childcare Sufficiency Review Related links Things To Do In How to contact us Contact the Families Information Service on 0800 0345 340. They will put you in touch with childcare providers in your area or near your place of work or study who have vacancies. Alternatively they will give you details of other providers, including nurseries and children's centres. They can also provide a copy of their general information leaflet. Information Officer Postal address: PO Box 679, Barnsley, S70 9JE Telephone: 0800 0345 340 between the following hours: 8.30am to 5.00pm Mondays and Wednesdays 8.30am to 6.00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays 8.30am to 4.30pm Fridays There is an answer phone service in operation outside of the above hours. Mobile users text 07924 809924 Email: infoFIS@barnsley.gov.uk Frequently asked questions How do you find a childcare provider? Every local authority has a Families Information Service which keeps details of all registered childcare in the area. What does NEF mean? Nursery Education Fund (NEF) Is free nursery entitlement for all children the term after their 3rd birthday. Some pilot nurseries/schools are offering 15 hours a week and many are offering this flexibly. Do you have to take anything to the childcare setting? It might be a good idea to take a favourite toy, and if you have a young baby the setting may ask you to bring food, nappies etc. Make sure your child is dressed adequately for the time of year, the setting may want to take your child out during the day. A change of clothes and shoes is a good idea too. Questions you may want to ask How many other children are in their care? How do they deal with unacceptable behaviour? How do they ensure the children in their care are treated with equal concern? What training or experience do staff have? What plans do they have in the event of an emergency? Are there any extras to pay e.g. overtime, sickness or holidays? What happens if my child is ill - will they contact you? Will they care for a sick child? What background checks will be done on staff working within the setting and how will I know my child is safe?