Childcare

There are many different types of childcare facilities and services available for 0-14 year olds.

Provision can range from child minders, day nurseries, playgroups and out of school clubs to holiday playschemes, parent and toddler groups, creches, nannies and au pairs.

Even so it is sometimes difficult to find out what is available in your area and to decide which type of provision is best for your child.

Childcare Options

A range of free fact sheets on childcare options is also available from Childcarelink:

freephone 0800 096 02 96

The leaflets cover the following topics:

• Choosing childcare education for your 3 and 4 year olds

• Paying for childcare education – Help for parents of 4 year olds

• Choosing a Childminder

• Choosing a Nursery

• Choosing an Out of School Service

• Choosing a Nursery Class or Nursery School

• Choosing a Pre-School Playgroup

• Choosing a Nanny

• Choosing High Quality Childcare

• Choosing Childcare – Top 10 Questions to ask

• Childcare and the Law

• Becoming a Working Parent

• Paying for Childcare – Help for Lone Parents through New Deal

• Paying for Childcare – Help for Working Parents

• Paying for Childcare – Help from your Employer

• Paying for Childcare – Help for Students

Local Provision

For details of the childcare provision that is available in your area, visit the national and local childcare information website below.

www.childcarelink.gov.uk