Childminders

A childminder is someone (other than a parent, relative, person with parental responsibility, or foster parent) looking after one or more children under 8 years of age, in their own home for over two hours a day, for reward. Under the terms of the 1989 Children Act childminders must register with Ofsted. It is illegal for an unregistered person to look after children for reward.

Childminders provide care for babies, toddlers and school age children in the childminders own home. Childminding is a professional career providing consistent high standards of care in partnership with parents.

Childminders work from home and can choose the hours that they wish to offer and the ages of the children that they care for. They may wish to work with young children under five years or may prefer to care for older children before and after school and in the school holidays. Childminders are self employed and work from home so are often able to be flexible about the hours that they work. They can offer anything from all day care, early mornings/late evenings, overnight or weekend care, and often care for children of shift workers or those who work unsociable hours. Childminders often offer drop off and pick up services to playgroups and schools.

• Choosing a childminder

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Day nurseries

Day nurseries look after and educate children from a few months old to 5 years old through play opportunities. There are different types of day care including: private, community, workplace or local authority run. All of them will be registered and inspected by Ofsted, to ensure quality care for your child. Some nurseries offer after school and holiday care for children of school age.

Day nurseries are staffed by qualified and experienced people and can offer either part-time or full-time day care. All Day Nurseries must be registered with Ofsted and are inspected regularly. Most day nurseries are registered to receive the Nursery Education Grant and can provide early education in addition to childcare which is free part-time places to all three and four year olds.

• Choosing a day nursery

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Pre-schools (Playgroups)

Pre-schools, also known as playgroups operate in a variety of community venues and provide integrated care and education for children aged 2 to 5 years on a sessional basis during term time. Sessions usually last 2.5 hours to 4 hours and provide a wide range of activities which offer children the opportunity to learn through play. Some groups will offer wraparound care to extend the sessions. Through well-planned play, children will develop skills such as language, listening, concentration, learning to work together and to cooperate with other children. They will also learn skills to help them with reading, writing and numbers.

Pre-schools are registered and regularly inspected by Ofsted. Checks are carried out on all staff.

• Choosing a pre-school (playgroup)

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Nursery classes and nursery schools

Nursery classes are part of primary or independent schools. They are usually for 3 and 4 year olds. There are three nursery schools in Kirklees which are separate from primary schools and they offer integrated care and education for children under 5. Through well-planned play, children will develop skills such as language, listening, concentration, learning to work together and to cooperate with other children. They will also learn skills to help them with reading, writing and numbers. Nursery classes offer full or half days and are staffed by teachers and assistants. Working parents may need to arrange for other childcare to fit around the hours.

Ofsted ensures that these services are registered and inspected regularly. You can ask to see the school's latest inspection report and registration certificate.

• Choosing a nursery class or nursery school

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Out of school clubs

Out of school services are for school-age children to provide childcare outside of school hours while parents work. They are usually based in or near schools and staffed by a team of playworkers who will often drop off and pick children up from local schools if the club is not based on a school site. Activities should be planned to help children play and relax with their friends. Children are usually provided with light meals at these sessions which they often help to prepare. There are different types of care

Out of school clubs are registered and regularly inspected by Ofsted.

• Choosing an out of school service
• Out of school services (Extended services)

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Playschemes

Playschemes provide care for school age children during school holidays. They are designed to meet the needs of parents of school age children during the holidays and will run to cover a full working day. Playschemes offer structured play activities and are usually staffed by experienced and qualified playworkers. Playschemes can be run by private businesses, out of school clubs, employers and universities and will make a charge for childcare. Playschemes that run for more than 6 days per year for children aged under 8 must be registered and inspected by Ofsted.

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Nannies

There is no requirement for nannies caring for your child in your home to be registered by Ofsted so the most important thing to check is that you feel they are a suitable person to care for your child. You must check any qualifications and follow up references yourself. You should have a proper contract and understand your obligations as an employer. You may also wish to take out insurance cover. Kirklees Family Information Service does not have lists of nannies.

• Choosing a nanny

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Crèches

Crèches provide care for children for short periods of time. Occasional crèches are provided for events such as training courses or conferences. Regular crèches may be part of a shopping centre, sports facility, work place or place of study. Crèches that run for more than six days per year are registered and inspected by Ofsted.

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Parent and toddler groups

Parent and toddler groups do not have to be registered with Ofsted as the parents must stay with their child during these sessions. There is no need to register your child for a Parent and toddler group, just go along to the group when it is open. Parent and toddler groups usually open term-time only.

The Family Information Service offers free information, advice and guidance for children, young people and their parents or carers on finding and paying for childcare, parenting issues, family activities and organisations that can offer further support.

• Tel: 01484 414887
• Email: fis@kirklees.gov.uk

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Texting service

You can text these keywords:

• childcare
• parenting
• activities
• organisations
• money

Plus:

• your name

To this number:

• 07800 002 431

An information officer will call you back within 6 working days to talk about how we can help you. Standard network charges apply.

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