Childcare

If you're considering childcare you have a number of options, which include:

• creches - provide occasional care for children under eight
• toddler groups - informal groups of parents and carers that meet locally with their children on a regular basis, usually including children who are under five
• preschools and playgroups - provide play time and often early education to under-fives
• day nurseries - provide care for children from birth to four or five and beyond, often integrated with early education and other services
• out-of-school or 'kids' clubs - offer children aged four to 12 a safe and stimulating environment in which they can play and learn outside school hours
• childminders - usually look after children under 12 in the childminder's own home and often collect school-aged children from a nearby school
• home childcarers - registered childminders who work in your own home (your home will need to be registered as a childcare setting if you use a home childcarer) nannies - provide childcare in your own home and can look after children of any age.

Finding Childcare

Finding suitable childcare can be difficult but the following can help you make the right option to suit your own circumstances.

• The Childcarelink website offers comprehensive information and advice about childcare and lets you search for childcare by postcode, town and clickable map area. Visit www.direct.gov.uk.
• Your local Children's Information Service (CIS) can advise you on childcare options and availability in your area. You can get the telephone number of your nearest CIS by calling Childcarelink on freephone 0800 096 0296, or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Ensuring Childcare Quality

Entrusting a stranger with your child is a big step, so before you choose childcare you should do some research. Here are some suggested options:

Ofsted registration

All childminders and daycare providers including playgroups, preschools, private nurseries, creches and out-of-school clubs for under eights, must be registered by Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education). Ofsted registers these providers and makes sure they meet the national standards for under-eights' day care and childminding, and ensures that all those who work with children are fit to do so. Ofsted also checks that the environment provided for children is secure and safe.

Childcarelink

You can check if a childcare provider is registered by asking to see a registration certificate. If you have any doubts about a provider, check with your local Children's Information Service. You can get the telephone number of your nearest CIS by calling Childcarelink on 0800 096 0296, or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Do your own Research

It is always a good idea to visit childcare providers yourself - inspections and accreditation are no substitute for your own judgement. When you do visit, ask plenty of questions. If you're thinking of employing a nanny, bear in mind that government sponsored registration and accreditation schemes do not apply to them. It is up to you, as parent and employer, to make sure that you hire a nanny who will look after your children well.