Choosing Childcare
Every type of childcare is different, and has both advantages and disadvantages. You need to determine what type of childcare best fits in with you and your family's life style, and then look at what is available in your area.
Below is a quick reference guide to help explain the differences between each type of childcare.
Childminders
Registered childminders are self-employed carers, who look after your child along with other children, usually in their own home. They are allowed to look after up to six children under the age of 8yrs (including their own), but only three of them can be aged under 5yrs. As they are self-employed, they can set their own working hours. Most are willing to work early mornings, evenings and weekends to coincide with school drop offs and collections and for holidays. Costs can vary widely, averaging around £3.00 per hour. You will need to negotiate hours, terms and conditions with your childminder. There are also Network Childminders|.
Ideal if you want
Day Nurseries/Neighbourhood Nurseries
A day nursery can be privately run, or run by the council, the community or based in the workplace. They provide care and education for children from birth to 5yrs (some offer out-of-school care for 5yrs-11yrs) They have to follow strict staff/children ratios to comply with Ofsted regulations. Opening times tend to coincide with a standard working day, 7.30am -6.30pm. Costs can vary, for private nurseries, however most nurseries now provide FREE early education places for 3yrs an 4yrs on a part-time basis.
Ideal if you want
Nursery Schools and Classes
Nursery schools and classes provide early education and childcare for children between 3yrs and 5yrs. Some are part of the state education system, others are run privately or by voluntary organisations. Nursery schools are open during school hours, normally only in term time, usually 9am-3.30pm for full or half day sessions. Some may offer out-of-school care.
Ideal if you want
Pre-School Playgroup
Pre-school playgroups provide childcare and early education for children from 2yrs to 5yrs. Emphasis is placed on parental involvement and combine play and learning opportunities with childcare. Staff/children ratios are 1:8. They offer sessions from 2 ½ hrs - 4hrs during term time, either every day or on several days a week. Pre-schools are a good way of extending your childcare and some are developing their services to offer longer sessions or full-time day care. Childcare cost can vary, however if your child is 3yrs-4yrs and receives early education, you will be entitled to a free place.
Ideal if you want
Children's Centres
Children's Centres| are new, well equipped, purpose built centres. Full day or half day sessions are available. They provide childcare and early education for children from birth to 5yrs. Children's Centres form the hub for the local community, providing a range of different services for families with children under the age of 5yrs. The centres are developed with local families in mind, aiming to provide flexible service under one roof. Family support services are offered within the centres such as health advice, workshops, toy libraries and much more. All Children's Centres are Ofsted Registered.
Ideal if you want
Out of school care
Out of school care allows children to attend before and after school and during school holidays. They provide care for children 5yrs-11yrs, and are found in or near schools or youth/community centres. The clubs are usually run by staff called play workers, who will often collect the child from school and take them to the club. Many offer a variety of activities on top of the normal school day, ranging from formal childcare activities such as music, art, sport etc to additional study support.
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Breakfast Clubs - open in the morning before school
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After School Clubs - open after school until around 6pm
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Holiday Play schemes - open during the holidays with varying opening hours
Ideal if you want
Nannies & home based carers
Nannies are employed by you to care for children, usually in your home. They fit in with unusual working hours, and work part-time or even live in. Some may even agree to do additional jobs around the house (cooking, cleaning etc) The majority of nannies have a recognised childcare qualification or nursery nurse training, however this isn't compulsory. Nannies generally are not inspected by Ofsted, unless they are a nanny share and so care for children from more than two families. Wages can vary and you will also have to pay their tax and National Insurance contributions.
Ideal if you want
Information on employing a Nanny including employment and legal obligations can be viewed on the Nannytax website|. A nanny may register with Ofsted as a Home Childcarer on the Voluntary Childcare Register. The Family Information Service may not hold information on nannies and babysitters as our lists are for Ofsted registered childcare.
Childcare Summary
Types of Childcare
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Age Range
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Type of Childcare Suitable for Age of Child
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Childminders
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Nannies/Home carer
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Day Nursery
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Nursery School/Classes
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Pre-School Playgroups
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Children's Centre
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Out of school care
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0-2yrs
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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2-5yrs
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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5-11yrs
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Contact us
Telephone: 0300 111 8007
Email: fis@staffordshire.gov.uk|
Family Information Service
Staffordshire County Council
Tipping Street
Stafford
ST16 2DH
Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm
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