Childcare
The following information briefly explains the variety of childcare provision available in the Bingley area. For further information, follow the links below.
Childminders
Self-employed carers based in their own homes. They should be registered with Ofsted if they take care of children under eight years old. Many childminders continue to care for older children into their teens.
Childminders can often offer a more flexible service, providing care outside of normal working hours and may be able to offer emergency and overnight care.
The Children's Information Link can help you to find a childminder in your area.
For further information on childminders visit the National Childminding Association website.
Nannies
Employed by you to look after your child in your own home. Nannies can live in, or can come to your home for set days and hours. They do not need childcare qualifications, but many have nursery nurse training or other qualifications in childcare. It is up to parents to check and interview prospective nannies.
The Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit has been extended to include nannies, which means that you could be entitled to financial help to employ a nanny if you are on a low income. To find out whether you are entitled to Working Tax Credit, and the criteria your nanny must meet, contact the Inland Revenue Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900.
More details of employing a nanny is available at www.surestart.gov.uk.
Playgroups
Run by trained early years professionals, playgroups provide education and care for children under five years old. They offer a variety of sessional, extended day care and full day care, and have an emphasis on parental involvement within the sessions. Playgroups often have a long waiting list, so try to put your child's name down as soon as possible to ensure a place.
Day Nurseries
Provide full and part time care and education for children under five years old. All nurseries must be registered and inspected regularly by Ofsted. Many nurseries fit in with a normal working day of 8am to 6pm. Nurseries often have limited places available, but are usually open all year round.
For further information on Day Nurseries visit the National Day Nurseries Association website.
Nursery Schools
Open during school hours, and usually only within term time. They offer care and education for children aged 2 and a half to 5 years. Children can attend nursery schools either for part time sessions or full time. It is usually free of charge, but nursery schools at fee paying schools may charge.
All Nursery schools are regulated and inspected by Ofsted, whether they are privately run, run by the Local Authority, or are part of a primary school.
Out-of-school care / Extended Schools
Out-of-school clubs are provided for school aged children after school, and during school holidays. They are usually based in school premises. Out-of-school clubs and holiday clubs are Ofsted inspected.
Some schools offer extended days during term-time, to care for children before and after school (for example via breakfast clubs and homework clubs.)
For more information about out-of-school care, visit the www.4children.org website
Early Years & Childcare Service
The Wool Exchange
Hustlergate
Bradford BD1 1RE
01274 431482
Bradford Early Years and Childcare Service (BEYCS) promotes, develops, and supports high quality childcare, early education and play provision, offering equality of opportunity and access for all.
BEY & CS are responsible for delivering the government’s 10 Year Childcare Strategy and its vision for a Sure Start for all children, as well as meeting duties under the Childcare Act, which comes into force in 2008. Priorities include ensuring that sufficient childcare is available to meet demand and that free, part time nursery places are available for all 3 and 4 year olds.
EY & CS' aim is to provide greater choice for parents so that they can balance work commitments and family life, and ensure that flexible childcare is available for all families with children. A major focus of the strategy is reducing social disadvantage by enabling parents to access training and work.
Establishing Children’s Centres, offering integrated services for children aged 0-5 and their families, is a central feature of the national strategy. So far, EY & CS have established 20 children’s centres in Bradford, bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support for the 0-5’s - with another 13 centres set to open by 2008.
EY & CS also take an active role in leading, developing and implementing the District's strategy for children's play, 'All to Play For'.
www.bradford.gov.uk/earlyyears
Children's Information Link
The Wool Exchange
Hustlergate
Bradford BD1 1RE
01274 437503
Textphone: 01274 437255
Text "childcare" to 07781 472076
The Children’s Information Link is a key part of the Bradford Early Years and Childcare Service, enabling parents and others to obtain comprehensive up-to-date information about childcare, nursery education, children’s activities and family support services, including tax credits.
In Bingley
There are, as of January 2008:
55 registered childminders |
|---|
1 registered creche |
8 registered full day care providers |
9 registered out of school settings |
4 playgroups or pre-school groups |
Click here to search for all types of childcare providers in your area.
Sure Start
08456 022260
