Child Care

Local authorities can provide parents with lists of childminders and nurseries in the locality, and there are a multitude of agencies to help mums and dads find the perfect nanny, but worries of not being able to find the perfect carer understandably keep many parents awake at night. Whilst most usually end up with childcare arrangements that they are happy with, the most fortunate mums and dads are the ones that work for an employer that offers staff some help with childcare. Although the waiting lists for workplace nurseries can be long, places - if subsidised - can be substantially cheaper, and even those parents who only get help with childcare vouchers soon discover that their childcare costs are significantly reduced. Many employers are well aware of the business benefits that come from providing childcare support - staff are less likely to leave and more likely to stay for longer - and unions believe that much more could be done to help working parents, often at no great cost to employers.

The Government’s SureStart Unit provides comprehensive childcare information at www.childcarelink.gov.uk
or you can phone 08000 96 02 96

You can also access the Children’s Information Service for your area via your local council. You can either phone them and ask about the childcare services available in your area (childminders, nanny share schemes, nurseries, playgroups or playschemes for example) or access their website. Local authorities are obliged to undertake a review of the childcare services that are provided in their area, so they should be able to provide you with the information you are looking for. If you have difficulty locating this information you can go to the National Association of Children’s Information Services and they will be able to give you the help you need.
See www.childrens-choices.org.uk or
you can phone them on 08001951635

Pre-school

3-4 years old children are entitled to free part time education. Sessions is made up of at least 2 hours during school term time in the morning or afternoon.

• in school nursery classes
• in day nurseries
• in playgroups
• in state or private nursery school

Childcare Options

Childminders are self-employed child carers who will look after your child in their own home. They must be registered with OFSTED and are inspected once a year. They can offer childcare before or after school, during school holidays or to your pre-school child. Some offer flexible hours. Childminders are usually paid on an hourly basis at a rate negotiated with the parent. Hourly rates vary around the country, but you can expect to pay between £90- £140 per week for a full time place. You'll need to discuss required hours, holiday pay and other terms and conditions and ensure that details of these are included in the contract you have with your childminder. For further information on childminding and childminding networks you can contact National Childminding Association

Day Nurseries look after and educate children aged 0-5. They are usually open all day but not evenings and weekends. There are different types of nurseries including private, community, council and workplace nurseries. However all nurseries are registered and inspected by OFSTED. Weekly costs vary, but average prices for a full time place per week are £100 - £170. Nursery costs can sometimes be subsidised by the local authority or by employers. National Day Nurseries Association also offer information and advice for daycare providers and parents: www.ndna.org.uk

Out of school services or kids' clubs, offer play and care to school age children, aged 3 upwards. Depending on the hours you need to work, you may want a breakfast club - open before school, an after school club - open after school or a holiday play scheme - open during school holidays. Kids' clubs are registered with OFSTED and inspected once a year. Your local Children's Information Service hold lists of kids' clubs. Costs may vary between £5 - £10 for before/after school sessions and £40 - £90 per week for holiday clubs, although some private holiday playschemes may be more expensive. 4Childrencan give you information about your nearest kids' clubs: www.4children.org.uk

Playgroups (Pre-schools) provide play and education sessions lasting about 3 hours for children aged 2 -5. Playgroups are also registered with OFSTED. You can expect to pay between £3 - £6 per session. Your Children's Information Service can provide you with details of playgroups. they usually provide play and education sessions lasting about 3 hours. For more information contact the Pre-school Learning Alliance on www.pre-school.org.uk

Early education and nursery classes - Nursery Schools are usually open school hours during term time. Children can attend all day or just on a sessional basis. Some primary school also offer reception and nursery classes. Contact your local authority's education department for details.

Nannies are employed by parents to care for children at home and can be suitable for parents who need flexible childcare. Although many do have nursery nurse or childcare training, nannies do not have to hold qualifications. There is no central registration for nannies so parents are responsible for interviewing and checking all the relevant references of nannies. Nannies can cost between £150 - £400 per week (depending on their duties and whether they live with you or come to your home each day) and as their employer, parents are responsible for paying their nannies tax and national insurance. The Department for Education and Skills publish a guide to choosing a nanny called Need a Nanny? which can be found on their website www.surestart.gov.uk/aboutsurestart/parents/needananny

Parent/carer & toddler groups are drop in sessions for children and their carers. As parents stay with their children, these groups do not have to be registered. Your local Children's Information Service may have listings of local groups or you can ask your library, and check local newspapers and noticeboards.

Free part-time places for 3 and 4 year olds. From the time your child is three you are entitled to a free part-time place (through the Nursery Education Grant. Places can be in school nursery or reception classes, day nurseries, playgroups or with some childminders. Contact your local Children's Information Service or Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership for more information. Early education services . Most of the services and events are for free and take place in local schools, libraries, churches and community centres. It will help your child and for you to integrate into community.

Please read more on http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/section.asp?docId=38177

Free school meals and milk

If you receive Income support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, the guarantee element of state pension credit or child tax credit that does not include ant element of Working Tax credit and your annual income does not exceed £13.910 you can apply for free school meals for your children. Cooked meals are not served in most primary schools, but your child will be given a free packed lunch at a midday. The policy is to provide free milk in nursery schools and classes only.

Lincolnshire Parenting Handbook

The Lincolnshire Parenting Handbook is now available to download in Polish. This has been created by the Childrens Specialist Services at Lincolnshire County Council. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/section.asp?sectiontype=listmixed&catid=14970