Education and childcare
In Staffordshire, we want to ensure that our families have a good work life balance and are supported to do what is best as a family. We have pulled together some support and advice about working as a parent, childcare support and the financial advice associated with it.
PACEY
A guide to help you, as parents, plan your return to work and how to find the right childcare support for you and your child.
More information can be found on the PACEY website.
Citizen's Advice
Advice and support on maternity leave, returning to work and flexible working.
More information can be found on the Citizen's Advice website.
Staffordshire Connects
Our local directory of services, sharing all childcare provision across the country.
Find services on the Staffordshire Connects website.
Checking the quality of childcare providers
All registered childcare providers are inspected regularly by Ofsted. This means the safety and suitability of premises, suitability of staff and understanding of safeguarding procedures and the early years foundation stage is checked, and childcare settings are rated either outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate.
Find an inspection report for your childcare provider on Ofsted's website.
Funding available for childcare
The most up to date information relating to childcare funding in Staffordshire is available on the Childcare Choices website.
Staffordshire County Council benefits calculator
An easy way to check you are receiving the right benefits and support for your family.
You can find this on our website.
Understanding your child's early development and education
For parents to better understand the standards early years settings must adhere to ensure high standards are kept and grading awards achieved.
More information can be found on the Government's website.
Family Hub School Readiness
Hints and tips to help support your child to become more independent and ready to start school.
Find more information on Staffordshire Connects.
Integrated progress check
Each child when they turn 2 years old will be invited by the Health Visitor Team to have a development progress check to ensure their child is developing at a good pace. Your child's early years setting will be part of this process.
More information can be found on the Government's website.
Starting school
All children are legally required to attend school by the age of 5 years, most schools have 1 admission in September of each year, this means depending on your child’s birthday they will start full time school somewhere between the age of 4 and 5 years old.
You will need to select a school and apply for a place up to a year in advance, information about how to do this can be found on the Government's website.