The Family Information Service Directory is now available. Here you will be able to find information about day nurseries, nurseries, out of school clubs and childminders in the local area. If you have a more complex enquiry then you can contact the Family Information Service at fis@nelincs.gov.uk or call 0800 18 303 17.
There are many benefits to using group based childcare:
Day nurseries can offer you care for babies and children up to the age of 5 years. Although some may also offer Out of School services for older children. Day nurseries generally operate from 8am - 6pm, all year round (excluding bank holidays).
Pre-schools can care for your children aged 2 - 5 years. They usually offer this care for a minimum of 3 hours, however, some may extend this to full days. The majority of pre-schools operate in term time only.
Day Nurseries and Pre-schools offer the opportunity for your child to play and learn with other children. They can offer consistent and continuous care for working parents. Some Day Nurseries and Pre-schools can offer Flexible Free Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds.
Out of School Clubs can care for your children within the primary school age range. They can offer services before and after school and during school holidays. Children can learn, relax and have fun with friends before and after school at a Club. This can be very useful to you if you are a working parent who requires childcare.
All groups based childcarers operating for more than 2 hours in any one day must be registered with Ofsted and demonstrate how they meet the Early Years Foundation Stage if caring for children under the age of 5 years.
All staff within group based childcare must have an enhanced CRB disclosure and many will have other relevant qualifications. We advise that you request sight of their Ofsted certificate and Inspection report before you choose your group based childcare.
Home based childcarers are both childminders and childcarers who work within a child's own home (a nanny).
There are many benefits for a child who is cared for in a home environment. Your child is able to remain close to siblings and benefit from smaller numbers of children. Home based childcarers can also work flexibly, often providing weekend, evening and overnight care when required including care for children with additional needs. Some Childminders can also offer Flexible Free Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds.
In addition to this, homebased childcarers are able to continue to care for your child when they begin school or nursery by offering drop off and pick up facilities.
All homebased childcarers need to register with Ofsted and demonstrate how they meet the Early Years Foundation Stage. They all hold enhanced CRB checks and Paediatirc First Aid Certificates. We advise that you request sight of Ofsted certificate and Inspection report before you choose your home childcare.
If you require details about becoming a childminder or home childcarer. Your Family Information Service will then be able to put you in touch with your local Child minding Network Co-ordinator for a more detailed discussion about the process. Please note, advice, support and guidance will be available to assist you in making an informed choice about choosing this profession.
During and after the registration process there are a range of services available to support and develop practice, these include:
- Home visits for advice, support and guidance
- Effective, Quality Improvement Pathway (EQIP)
- Support groups in Children's Centres
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Variety of other networking opportunities.
For more information about childcare in your area please contact the Family Information Service. The FIS is also developing an online directory of services for families who require childcare.