Childcare - information for parents

How do I get help to find childcare near me?

Our Families Information Service provides free, impartial and confidential information. Use this service to find out about: 

• childcare providers located close to where you live or work
• free childcare and early education places – following their third birthday, children are entitled to 15 hours’ free early learning a week
• things to do – leisure activities for the whole family
• people to talk to – when you need support with family issues or are unhappy with your childcare provider.

What are the different types of childcare available?

 The different types of childcare available in Derby include: 

• childminders – who care for children from birth to around eight years old, or sometimes older, looking after them in their own home
• crèches – which usually care for children from birth to five years and are generally provided for parents attending courses or sports activities
• day nurseries – which usually care for children from birth to five years between 8.00am and 6.00pm each weekday. Some provide care before and after school and in the school holidays
• homecarers – who come to the child’s home and are employed by the family
• pre-school playgroups – who care for children aged two and a half to five years old. Most pre-school playgroups offer part-time places with either morning or afternoon sessions and only run during term time.
• out of school care – such as before-school and after-school clubs and school holiday schemes. 

 The government’s directgov website has more information on these different types of childcare.

Help with choosing childcare

Most childcare providers are registered by Ofsted. Childminders and childcare staff have to be checked before they work with children and this includes completing a Criminal Records Bureau check. Staff must hold suitable qualifications to care for children. Ofsted approves all childcare and inspects it.

Here are some ways to help you decide on a childcare provider:

• research your options – contact the Families Information Service for help.
• chat to other parents and guardians about the childcare they use and how well it is working for them
• visit a couple of childcare providers so you can compare what they are offering
• take a list of questions with you when you visit the childcare provider and don’t be afraid to ask them
• find out if your provider is registered with Ofsted and whether they have been inspected recently
• think about what suits your child best; where they would learn and have fun
• take your child with you to see how they react to the staff and surroundings.

Questions to ask when visiting a childcare provider

Ask yourself:

• is the atmosphere friendly?
• is it clean and well organised?
• how many staff are there? There should be at least one for every eight 3 to 5 year olds
• are the staff and children talking and playing happily together?

 Ask the manager...

•  will there be a ‘key person’ – someone to watch your child’s development and share ideas with you?
• what snacks and food are served? Are there set times or can children help themselves? Is it a balanced healthy diet?
• about their approach to safety – how do they review safety and what equipment do they have to make sure your child is safe?

When you have chosen your childcare provider

Once you have chosen your childcare provider make sure you ask them for a written agreement clearly explaining what they will provide, what you need to provide and what the cost will be.

What help is available for paying for childcare costs?

• Tax Credits – families where both parents work 16 hours or more and who pay for Ofsted-registered childcare may be able to get financial help. Depending on your household income, tax credits can you give you back up to 70% of your childcare costs.
• Childcare vouchers – some employers offer childcare vouchers (also known as salary sacrifice schemes). You save money because the amount of salary that you sacrifice to childcare vouchers is free of from Tax and National Insurance. Some families will be able to get Tax Credits as well as vouchers – check with the Tax Credits office and see how much you might get. For more information talk to your employer.
• Free early learning for three and four year olds – all children are entitled to 15 hours’ free early years education a week starting the term after their third birthday. Contact the Families Information Service to find out who is offering free childcare for three and four year olds.

Advice for settling your child into childcare

Stay with your child on their first visit. Then, if you can, start by leaving them for half an hour and build up to longer periods

• Even when you are there, let the childminder or key worker take charge so your child gets used to them.
• When you leave, reassure your child that you will be coming back and then say goodbye rather than slipping away or looking sad – go with a smile and a wave.
• With older children, tell them when you will be back.
• Let your child take a special toy or blanket so they feel more comfortable.
• Always be happy about the day ahead: your child will pick up on your mood.
• It is usual to feel nervous. However, remember that babies and young children are never confused about who their parents are, and outside influences can be very positive.

What do I do if I am unhappy about the childcare provider I am using?

Occasionally, parents are not happy with the care their child receives from a childcare provider. If you are in this situation then you need to arrange a meeting to talk about your worries with the nursery staff or manager.

If you are not happy with the staff's response then you need to write to your childcare provider giving as much information on your worries as possible. They will have a complaints procedure which they must share with you and this will set out the timescale in which they must respond to you.

If you are still unhappy with the response then you can contact Ofsted on 0845 601 4772. They may investigate your worries if they consider that the childcare provider is not providing good quality care.

The Families Information Service is able to offer support and guidance to parents that have concerns about their childcare provider.

Useful forms

• Nursery school places

Useful links

• HMRC Information on Tax Credits
• Ofsted's website
• Parentline Plus