Thinking about childcare and early education

Transcription

1 Thinking about childcare and early education What financial help is available What childcare providers offer What to look for in a chilcare provider The different types of childcare Making Surrey a better place

2 Welcome to Thinking about childcare and early education Contents Page The Early Years Foundation Stage 04 SNAPSHOT Out of school childcare 22 We re a free and impartial information service for families with children aged 0 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with a disability or special educational need). Search for childcare in your area using our childcare finder childcarefinder Like us on Facebook SurreyFIS Follow us on Whether you re returning to work, extending your working hours or you just want to prepare your child for school, there are a number of childcare options to meet your needs. Finding, choosing and paying for childcare can be both challenging and confusing, so we ve created this booklet to make the process as easy for you as possible. It contains information and advice to help you make the choices that are best for you and your child. The booklet also includes links to where you can find more information about the subjects covered as well as contact details for other services and organisations. Contact Us t w e surrey.fis@surreycc.gov.uk Childcare for children with a special educational need or disability (SEND) 06 Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET) 08 Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds 10 Paying for childcare 12 SNAPSHOT Childcare on non-domestic premises 14 A parent s view day nursery 16 SNAPSHOT Home-based childcare 18 A parent s view holiday playscheme 24 Interviewing and visiting a childcare provider 26 Quality assured childcare 28 Childcare checklist for non-domestic childcare 29 Childminder checklist 30 Childcare with your family 31 Early learning with your child 32 Sure Start Children s Centres in Surrey 34 A parent s view childminder 20 Other resources from Surrey Family Information Service 34

3 The Early Years Foundation Stage The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a document for early years childcare providers to help them support children s learning and development from birth to five years old. It sets out what all Ofsted registered early years childcare providers must do. The EYFS promotes teaching and learning to make sure that all children have the skills to get them ready to progress through school and future life. At this stage children learn best through practical activities and play. This will continue through the reception year at school. The EYFS is broken down in to three prime areas and four specific areas. Three prime areas: Personal, social and emotional development Communication and language Physical development. Four specific areas: Reading and writing Maths Understanding the world Expressive arts and design. When your child starts with an early years childcare provider they will be given a key person who will make sure that their learning and care is tailored to meet their individual needs. The key person will look, listen and note how your child plays and build on this by planning a challenging environment to support your child s development. You can share what you see your child doing at home with their key person and they can give you ideas on what you can do at home with your child. Progress checks Your child will have their first progress check when they re two years old after which your childcare provider should give you a short written statement that tells you how your child is getting on. If your child goes to more than one childcare provider the check should be done by the one where your child has spent the most time. Children continue to follow the EYFS in reception year at school. Different schools will have different ways of assessing your child s progress. Some may keep a learning journey detailing what your child has been doing and what they have achieved, others might write a report at the end of each term or year. English as an additional language It s really important that your childcare provider helps your child develop and learn English. If English isn t your child s first language, they must give them the opportunity to use their home language when they play and learn. Your childcare provider should also help you understand the best way to help your child s language development at home. Childcare providers are there to help your child learn and develop as well as look after them. Speak to your childcare provider if you re worried about any aspect of their progress or the time they spend there. Go to to find out more about the Early Years Foundation Stage and the progress checks. 4 5

4 Childcare for children with a special educational need or disability (SEND) In 2014 new legislation will change the way families with a child with SEND are supported. Go to sendchanges to learn more about the changes. Childcare providers cannot discriminate against a child who has a special educational need or disability and must do their best to meet the needs of all children in their care. If your child has a disability or a special educational need, childcare providers must make reasonable adjustments to make sure that they re not being treated less favourably. That could mean installing a ramp to help your child move around easily if they use a wheelchair, or maybe training their staff so that they can use special equipment needed for your child, such as a hoist or lift. Some childcare providers will have a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) in their team. You ll be able to talk to the SENCO about what your child needs and any concerns you may have. If your child needs specialist facilities, staff or extra assistance so that they can go to that provider, then the childcare provider can apply to Surrey Early Years and Childcare Service to get extra funding. When you re visiting a childcare provider, you ll probably have your own questions, but you might find our suggestions below a helpful starting point: What qualifications and training do the staff have and will these be suitable for my child s needs? If my child needs extra help or support, would the staff be able to help and if so can you or a health professional show them what they need to do? Is the building easy to get in, out and move around in for my child? Will it need any changes to make it easier for them? What equipment will be essential in order for my child to go to the provider? Are your staff happy to be shown how to give my child medicine? Do you have suitable insurance? If my child has therapy or medical appointments that they must go to, will you be able to take them, if the appointments are when my child is with you? Helping you with childcare costs If you receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for your child you can also use the care element to help pay for your childcare costs, which can be between and per week depending on the rate you are entitled to. Go to to find out more about DLA. There are other ways in which you can get help with your childcare costs. We have included these in this booklet. See Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET) (page 8), Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds (page 10), childcare vouchers (page 12), Working Tax Credits (page 13). 6 7

5 Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET) Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET) is a government scheme that funds children who meet the criteria to get 15 hours of free childcare per week. How do I know if my child is eligible? Details about eligibility and the application process are available on our website or you can call us on If your child does not meet the criteria they may still be eligible for funding if a professional involved with your family thinks they have a significant need. Where can I get the free hours? Any childcare provider registered on the Surrey directory of early years providers can offer the free hours including: academies childminders with an Ofsted inspection of outstanding or good day nurseries independent schools maintained nursery schools and classes playgroups pre-schools. When will my child get their funding? You can apply for FEET in the term before your child becomes two, but they won t receive the free hours until the term after their second birthday. You ll then be able to get the funding until the term after your child s third birthday, when they ll be eligible for Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds (see page 10). Can I claim FEET at more than one childcare provider? Yes, you can choose to take up the free hours with more than one childcare provider if you prefer. If you choose to take up the full offer of free hours with one childcare provider and take up extra hours with another childcare provider, you will be charged for all these extra hours. When can my child use the free hours? Childcare providers can choose the times when they offer the free hours, so talk to them first to make sure that the time you use is free. However you won t be able to have: more than 10 hours in one day less than 2.5 hours in one day anytime before 7am or after 7pm. Do I need to pay anything towards this free place? No, your childcare provider shouldn t charge you for any of this time as it is an offer of a free place rather than a subsidy towards your fees. However they can set their own rates for any extra time or services that you take and should let you know in advance what you will be expected to pay. How do I find a childcare provider offering FEET? Go to childcarefinder, call or surrey.fis@surreycc.gov.uk for details of Ofsted registered childcare providers who offer FEET in your local area. 8 9

6 Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds Every three and four year old child in England can get 15 hours of free early education a week for up to 38 weeks a year. This provides children with an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe environment outside of the home as well as help them prepare for school. Where can I get the free hours? Any childcare provider registered on the Surrey directory of early years providers can offer the free hours including: academies childminders with an Ofsted inspection of outstanding or good day nurseries independent schools maintained nursery schools and classes playgroups pre-schools. When will my child be eligible for Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds? Children will be able to get free early education from the term after their third birthday. They will continue to get the free hours until they either start in a reception class at a local authority school or the term after their fifth birthday (statutory school age). Can I claim Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds at more than one childcare provider? Yes, you can choose to take up the free hours with more than one childcare provider if you prefer. If you choose to take up the full offer of free hours with one childcare provider and take up more hours with another childcare provider, you will be charged for all these extra hours. When can my child use the free hours? Childcare providers can choose the times when they offer the free hours so talk to them first to make sure that the time you use is free. However you won t be able to have: more than 10 hours in one day less than 2.5 hours in one day anytime before 7am or after 7pm. Do I need to pay anything towards this free place? No, your childcare provider shouldn t charge you for any of this time as it is an offer of a free place rather than a subsidy towards your fees. However they can set their own rates for any extra time or services that you take and should let you know in advance what you will be expected to pay. How do I find a childcare provider offering Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds? Go to childcarefinder, call or surrey.fis@surreycc.gov.uk for details of Ofsted registered childcarers who offer Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds in your local area. How do I claim Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds? Childcare providers registered on the Surrey directory of early years providers will claim on your behalf

7 Paying for childcare Childcare voucher schemes Some employers choose to be part of a childcare voucher scheme to help employees with childcare costs. These schemes save you money as you won t have to pay tax or national insurance contributions on some of your salary. Government schemes such as this are often called salary sacrifice. You can only use the vouchers to pay for Ofsted registered childcare including childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, breakfast clubs, after school clubs, out of school activity clubs and holiday playschemes. You will need to check with them that they are happy to accept childcare vouchers and if the voucher doesn t cover the full cost of the childcare agree how you will pay the extra cost. The value of childcare vouchers will depend on your tax rate: basic rate tax payers - 55 per week or 243 per month higher rate tax payers - 28 per week or 124 per month ( 55 per week or 243 per month if you joined a scheme on or before 5 April 2011) additional rate tax payers - 25 per week or 110 per month ( 55 per week or 243 per month if you joined a scheme on or before 5 April 2011). Receiving childcare vouchers from your employer can affect your entitlement to Working Tax Credit. Go to and search for the better off calculator to find out whether you d be better off receiving the vouchers or claiming for help with childcare costs through tax credits. Go to childcarevouchers to see if you re eligible. Claiming childcare vouchers during maternity leave You can join a voucher scheme anytime whilst on maternity leave and save the vouchers towards future childcare costs. You do not have to wait until you return to work. If you receive childcare vouchers as a salary sacrifice, your employer cannot deduct the amount of the vouchers from your Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) they must pay SMP in full for 39 weeks. If you are entitled to extra (contractual) maternity pay, your employer can continue to apply the agreed salary sacrifice during maternity leave - check your contract or salary sacrifice agreement. Even if you don t have any salary to sacrifice, your employer should still continue to give you childcare vouchers. If this is the case, your employer is responsible for the cost of the vouchers. Go to org/help-with-childcare-costs-duringmaternity-leave to find out more about childcare costs during maternity leave. Childcare element of Working Tax Credit This is aimed at helping working parents cover childcare costs. Working parents can claim up to 70% of their childcare costs, up to a maximum of (70% of 175) per week for one child and 210 (70% of 300) for two or more children. Any costs that you pay above these amounts are not used in the calculation. The childcare must be registered with Ofsted and can include childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools, breakfast clubs, after school clubs, out of school activity clubs and holiday playschemes. If you are receiving childcare vouchers from your employer it can affect your entitlement to tax credits. By reducing your salary you may be entitled to a higher element of the Working Tax Credit but this could reduce your entitlement to the childcare element of the credit. Go to and search for the better off calculator to see if you d be better off receiving the vouchers or claiming for help with childcare costs through tax credits. How can I claim Working Tax Credits? Although the HMRC administer tax credits, they are not tax allowances and you have to claim them. Go to and find out if you are eligible by using the online tax credit calculator. If you are already claiming tax credits and your circumstances change, make sure you tell HMRC as it could affect the amount of tax credit you receive. Go to or call the HMRC Tax Credit Helpline on for more information about tax credits

8 Childcare on non-domestic premises Questions Day nursery Pre-school/playgroup Maintained nursery Are they registered by Ofsted? Yes the certificate will be on display and you will be able to find them on the Ofsted website. Yes the certificate will be on display and you will be able to find them on the Ofsted website. Yes, through the school. Can they offer Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds, or Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET)? If they are registered with Surrey County Council on the Directory of Providers, they can provide Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds. If they meet the Surrey County Council terms and conditions they can provide Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET). If they are registered with Surrey County Council on the Directory of Providers, they can provide Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds. If they meet the Surrey County Council Terms and Conditions they can provide Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET). They can provide Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds and some provide Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET). Will they have an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check? Yes, all staff should have an enhanced DBS check. Yes, all staff should have an enhanced DBS check. Yes, all staff should have an enhanced DBS check. Do they have training? Yes, all supervisors and managers must hold full relevant level 3 qualifications and half of all the other staff must hold a minimum of a level 2 qualification. Someone within the setting must attend a child protection training course and take lead responsibility for safeguarding children. At least one person must have a current paediatric first aid certificate and all staff involved in preparing and handling food must receive training in food hygiene. Yes, all supervisors and managers must hold full relevant level 3 qualifications and half of all the other staff must hold a minimum of a level 2 qualification. Someone within the setting must attend a child protection training course and take lead responsibility for safeguarding children. At least one person must have a current paediatric first aid certificate and all staff involved in preparing and handling food must receive training in food hygiene. Yes, a qualified teacher and a level 3 qualified member of staff for a 26 place maintained nursery. Someone within the setting must attend a child protection training course. At least one person must have a current paediatric first aid certificate and all staff involved in preparing and handling food must receive training in food hygiene. Where is the childcare? In an Ofsted registered building. The premises and equipment must meet the needs of the children. There must be access to an outdoor play area, or if that is not possible, outdoor activities should be planned and taken daily. In an Ofsted registered building. A variety of venues ranging from a community building to one that is purpose built, normally with access to an outside area. Normally within school grounds. Who runs them? Varies from large chains to family run or day care in children s centres. Pre-schools vary from being run by a committee to a private business. Depends on the school s set up, normally the school is under the contract of the local authority. How old are the children they look after? 0 5 year olds. Normally 2-5 year olds. Normally 3 and 4 year olds, some have 2 year olds. What is the average fee? Fees can be charged at a daily, sessional and sometimes hourly rate. Costs per day can be in the region of Fees are set by the individual nursery. Fees can be charged as a school day, sessional and sometimes hourly rate. Costs for morning or afternoon sessions can be in the region of Fees are set by the individual pre-school/playgroup. Generally there is no fee for 3 and 4 year olds, but they may charge for extended services such as after school and breakfast clubs. Can I use the childcare element of Working Tax Credits to pay them? Yes, as long as they are registered with Ofsted. Yes, as long as they are registered with Ofsted. Yes, as long as they are registered with Ofsted. Can I use childcare vouchers? Yes, as long as they are registered with Ofsted and willing to, or are registered with the company that issue the vouchers. Yes, as long as they are registered with Ofsted and willing to, or are registered with the company that issue the vouchers. Yes, as long as they are registered with Ofsted and willing to, or are registered with the company that issue the vouchers. When are they open? It varies, depending on registration. Could be 8am 6pm, check with the individual nursery. Varies, depending on registration. Could be 8.45am 3.30pm, some run mornings or afternoons. Check with the individual maintained nursery. What is the ratio of staff to children? Go to for up-to-date figures on the ratio of staff to children and for information on the qualifications staff must have. Go to for up-to-date figures on the ratio of staff to children and for information on the qualifications staff must have. Go to for up-to-date figures on the ratio of staff to children and for information on the qualifications staff must have. What questions should I be asking and where can I find more information? Go to for more information or take a look at the childcare tear-out checklist on page 29. Go to for more information or take a look at the childcare tear-out checklist on page 29. Go to for more information or take a look at the childcare tear-out checklist on page

9 Parents view nursery Sarah, William and Jacob Sarah is mum to William aged seven and Jacob aged four. She talks about her choice of childcare for her sons. When William was 18 months old I decided to send him to nursery. I d just set up my own business and discovered I was pregnant with Jacob, so it was all happening. I knew I wanted somewhere with a community feel, where William would feel secure and happy and where they would prepare him for the transition into school. The first time I came across the nursery was when I d been to a music group in the village hall next door, and I decided to pop in and chat to the manager. She arranged for me to come back and take a look round during a morning session. At the session she was able to show me how the morning was structured and what facilities they had. She showed me photos of what the children had been doing and I could see that the children were happy and the environment was really good. The fact that the nursery is set in the country so the children can go on little walks nearby, is an added bonus. I d already seen a couple of nurseries that were close to where we lived, but felt that the local community nursery had everything I was looking for. It was in a purpose built building with great facilities. The garden had a vegetable patch, climbing frames, outdoor toys and even chickens! I put William s name down and he started in the October. At first I stayed with him, so he could settle in, but by the third session it was clear he was happy and so I was sure it was the right time to let him stay on his own. Besides, I was always confident that if there was a problem, the staff would let me know. Sometimes if I was worried he was a little upset, I would wait in the car park for a few minutes, until I was sure he had settled. When William first started at the community nursery he only went on a Thursday and Friday, but after a while we increased this to include a Wednesday, with him staying for the lunch sessions too. William eventually left and went on to school and when it came time for me to decide on childcare for Jacob, I didn t hesitate in choosing the community nursery again. Jacob is really happy here, he loves it. I think the learning, creativity and care he gets provides him with everything he needs at a pre-school age. Jacob goes along four times a week and has settled well. He really enjoys it and has made lots of friends there. We never miss out on what he s been up to and get a regular newsletter from the nursery, which tells us what the children have been doing. We re also encouraged to get involved, for instance one week the theme might be food, so instead of bringing in separate snacks we ll be asked to bring in fruit so that the children can make smoothies and fruit kebabs. They did a great activity last term, Creative shoots where the children were free to use their imagination when faced with a hall full of cardboard boxes. Jacob came up with the idea of making a rocket and a horse out of some boxes. Jacob has a dedicated member of staff, called a key worker who I can speak to at the end of the session if I want. The nursery has also given me a communication book which I use to write about any current interests he has or anything special that he has done at home. This book makes it easier for the nursery staff to communicate with the children when it comes to their personal, social, emotional, or speech and language development and as Jacob has some speech problems due to his hearing this can be invaluable. This community nursery is really welcoming with a friendly atmosphere. The staff clearly care and there s thoughtfulness of how things are set up. Jacob gets close attention and support and he s really grown in confidence since he started there. 16 Photo: Becci Kenning ~ Art in Transit 17

10 Snapshot home-based childcare Questions Childminder Nannies Au pair Are they registered by Ofsted? Yes, if they look after one or more children to whom they are not related on domestic premises for reward for more than two hours a day, then they must register with Ofsted. Not all nannies are registered. To be a registered nanny they will need to apply to be on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register. No. Can they offer Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds, or Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET)? You may be able to claim your free early education for 3 and 4 year olds through Ofsted registered childminders. You ll need to speak to the childminder in the first instance to see if they meet the requirements and are happy to claim the funding on your behalf. Depending on your family circumstances you may also be eligible to claim Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET) through Ofsted registered childminders as well. No. No. Will they have an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check? Yes, all registered childminders need an enhanced DBS check. All adults aged 16 years and over, living in their house will also need an enhanced DBS check and they must have public liability insurance. A nanny agency will usually do an enhanced DBS check for an unregistered nanny. Ofsted will do an enhanced DBS check if they are on the voluntary part of the childcare register. Maybe, but it s up to the parent to ask whether their au pair has an enhanced DBS check. Au pairs are usually from overseas so they will need to be checked in their own country too. Do they have training? Yes, all registered childminders need to complete a certified Childminding Introductory Programme. They also need paediatric first aid training. Registered nannies must have successfully completed a qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to childcare, or training in the core skills as set out in the document common core of skills and knowledge for the children s workforce, a paediatric first aid certificate and public liability insurance. Unregistered nannies may have basic training but they aren t required to have public liability insurance. Not necessarily, au pairs are not usually trained to work with children. Where is the childcare? In the childminder s home. In the child s family home. They can live-in or come to your home on a daily basis. An au pair is entitled to free board and lodging at your home. Who are they employed by? Self employed, they decide on their working hours, some work with registered assistants or other registered childminders in one premises. Parent or nanny agency. The parent. How old are the children they look after? Any age. They can look after up to six children under the age of eight. Go to to get the most up-to-date information about child ratios. Any age. A registered nanny can care for a maximum number of children which their insurance allows, in most cases this must not be for more than six children aged 0-17 years. Any age. An au pair s duties include childcare and light housework. Au pairs are not trained childcarers and must not have sole charge of children under the age of two for long periods. What is the average fee? 4.50 per hour per week. You will be responsible for paying their tax and National Insurance. An au pair normally gets approx per week. Can I use the childcare element of Working Tax Credits to pay them? Yes, but the childminder must be registered with Ofsted. Only if you employ a nanny who is registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register. No. Can I use childcare vouchers? Yes, but the childminder must be registered with Ofsted. Only if you employ a nanny who is registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register. No. What hours do they work? They offer full and part-time hours, before and after school care and school holiday cover. Most are flexible, they may also work evenings, weekends or overnight. You need to agree this between you. Most nannies are flexible to your needs, they can fit around unusual working hours hours per week. These hours can be spread over five days with two days off per week. What questions should I be asking and where can I find more information? Go to and see the childminder tear-out checklist on page 30. Go to for more information about nannies. Remember to always ask to see proof of identity, references, a full employment history, qualifications and their enhanced DBS check. Go to for more information about au pairs

11 Parents view home-based childcare Vicky and Oliver Vicky talks to us about the childcare she chose for her son Oliver. I returned to work when Oliver was seven months old. After looking around at different types of childcare, I decided to use a childminder. Because Oliver was so young I only wanted one person to have sole care for him while I was working. It was important that he would be taken out and about and be in a home environment with just a few other children. I visited Lisa, a childminder near my workplace, with my list of questions and things that were important to Oliver and me. I immediately felt comfortable in her home. She showed me around and I met the other children that she looked after and Lisa s school aged daughter. Her house was clean and tidy, a very calm environment, the other children seemed friendly and I thought Oliver would fit in really well. We sat down together to work out a contract. Lisa asked to be paid an hourly rate and she was happy to be paid with childcare vouchers. She asked me to supply Oliver s weaning food, milk, nappies and wipes. When Oliver was old enough to eat the meals she prepared, I would pay her a bit extra to cover his food. Lisa takes about four weeks holiday a year, and I don t pay her then. When I m on holiday I pay half her hourly rate. Lisa gives me plenty of notice of her holiday dates so I can arrange to take mine at the same time, which saves me money. I don t pay Lisa when she s off sick, which hardly ever happens. But if Oliver is too ill to go to her then I pay her for those days. I drop Oliver off at 8am. Sometimes, if he s had a lie-in (lucky him!) he ll have his breakfast there. Oliver s day starts with the school run, then onto his regular morning activities. They may go to toddler group, soft play, the library or the park. On special occasions they ll visit the seaside or a farm. Then it s back home to sit around the table for a hot lunch. After lunch, the younger children sleep while the older children play games or get creative. They collect Lisa s daughter from school then return home for some quiet activities, story time or to watch a bit of TV. Oliver eats tea before I collect him. At the end of each day Lisa lets me know how Oliver has been, how he s eaten and what he s done. She keeps a detailed record of Oliver s day in his daily diary. Oliver is now three years old. He now goes to playgroup and Lisa collects him and brings him home for his lunch. His day is exactly as it would be if he were at home and he and Lisa have a very special bond

12 Snapshot out of school childcare Questions Breakfast clubs After school clubs Holiday playschemes Are they registered by Ofsted? There are different types of registration dependant on age range and type of club. There are different types of registration dependant on age range and type of club. There are different types of registration dependant on age range and type of club. Will they have an enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check? Yes, all staff must have an enhanced DBS check. Yes, all staff must have an enhanced DBS check. Yes, all staff must have an enhanced DBS check. Do they have training? Yes, staff should attend ongoing training. Staff should hold certificates in first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding/child protection. A manager should hold a minimum of a level 3 in a relevant qualification and 50% of the rest of the staff should hold a minimum of a level 2 in a relevant qualification. Please note that qualification requirements will vary for those on the Voluntary Ofsted Childcare Register. If they are on the voluntary part, then the requirement is one person with a minimum of level 2 in a relevant area of work or one person with training in the common core of skills and knowledge. Yes, staff should attend ongoing training. Staff should hold certificates in first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding/child protection. A manager should hold a minimum of a level 3 in a relevant qualification, and 50% of the rest of the staff should hold a minimum of a level 2 in a relevant qualification. Please note that qualification requirements will vary for those on the Voluntary Ofsted Childcare Register. If they are on the voluntary part, then the requirement is one person with a minimum of level 2 in a relevant area of work or one person with training in the common core of skills and knowledge. Yes, staff should attend ongoing training. Staff should hold certificates in first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding/child protection. A manager should hold a minimum of a level 3 in a relevant qualification, and 50% of the rest of the staff should hold a minimum of a level 2 in a relevant qualification. Please note that qualification requirements will vary for those on the Voluntary Ofsted Childcare Register. If they are on the voluntary part, then the requirement is one person with a minimum of level 2 in a relevant area of work or one person with training in the common core of skills and knowledge. Where is the childcare? Normally on school sites but it may be in a nearby hall. Can be in any type of venue including a school hall, classroom, local church hall, scout hut or leisure centre. Can be in any type of venue including a school hall, classroom, local church hall, scout hut or leisure centre. Who runs them? It depends on how they are set up, could be employed directly by the school, a private company or a voluntary organisation. It depends on how they are set up, could be employed directly by the school, a private company or a voluntary organisation. It depends on how they are set up. It could be employed directly by the school, a private company or a voluntary organisation. How old are the children they look after? It depends on their registration. Most will take children from the age of 4 to 12 years but this can be different for each club. It depends on their registration. Most will take children from the age of 4 to 12 years but this is different for each club. It depends on their registration. Most will take children from the age of 4 to 12 years but this is different for each club. What is the average fee? Anything from depending on the length of the club and food offered. Anything from 8-15 depending on the length of the club and food offered. Some settings offer concessions for siblings. Depending on the times of the scheme, fees could be from per day / for a week. A few councils offer subsidised places and some schemes offer concessions. Can I use the childcare element of Working Tax Credits to pay them? Yes, as long as the club is registered with Ofsted. Yes, as long as the club is registered with Ofsted. Yes, as long as the club is registered with Ofsted. Can I use childcare vouchers? Yes, you can use childcare vouchers if the club is registered with Ofsted or is directly managed by a school and willing to register or are registered with the company that issue the vouchers. Yes, you can use childcare vouchers if the club is registered with Ofsted or is directly managed by a school and willing to register or are registered with the company that issue the vouchers. Yes, you can use childcare vouchers if the club is registered with Ofsted or is directly managed by a school and willing to register or are registered with the company that issue the vouchers. When are they open? It varies, some start at 7.30am, others at 7.45am or later. They finish when school starts. If the times don t meet your needs, it is worth talking to the manager. It varies. Usually from the end of the school day but finish times vary, around 5.30pm to 6pm. Clubs may pick up from clubs at the school, or may have an agreement with whoever runs that club to walk the children over to the after school club. If the times don t meet your needs, it is worth talking to the manager. It varies. Some start at 8am others at 10am. They may run until 4pm or 6pm. Different schemes offer different sessions. If the times don t meet your needs, it is worth talking to the manager. What is the ratio of staff to children? Go to for upto-date figures on the ratio of staff to children and for information on the qualifications staff must have. Go to for upto-date figures on the ratio of staff to children and for information on the qualifications staff must have. Go to for upto-date figures on the ratio of staff to children and for information on the qualifications staff must have. What questions should I be asking and where can I find more information? Go to for more information. Go to for more information. Go to for more information

13 Parents view out of school care Sarah, Louis and Oscar Sarah, mum of Louis aged 10 and Oscar aged 12, tells us about her choice of holiday childcare. I work three days a week and need childcare for my two boys throughout the school holidays. They have always wanted to go to holiday playschemes together but they have very different interests and there s their age difference. Lots of schemes have a particular theme such as sport or drama but I needed to find a scheme that would offer a range of activities to suit them both. The children have a big part to play in choosing their scheme. I ve tried lots of different playschemes since the children were at school. Some they really enjoyed and others they weren t too interested in going back to. Sometimes one child would enjoy the club but the other one wouldn t. I ve never been able to look around a playscheme before booking the kids in because they re only open during the school holidays. I ve learnt what my children will enjoy from experience and so I know what questions to ask when I ring round. The children have a big part to play in choosing their playscheme. They don t hold back in telling me what they think! I ve always looked for a playscheme that is reasonably priced and that gives an early booking discount. I use childcare vouchers to pay for my childcare and I ll be able to use them until the children are 15 years old. This means I save up to 30% on the cost. For the past few years I ve been using a club in Weybridge, near to my home and on my way to work. The club is open from 8.30am until 6pm and takes children aged 4 to 14 years. It s not too expensive and the children are given plenty to do throughout the day. Sometimes they re taken on trips out (which costs extra) like bowling or horse riding. There are large indoor and outdoor play areas and they can choose to take part in activities like cooking, junk modelling or organised sports or they play with their friends. The holiday playschemes offer a variety of care for children of all ages and interests, the scheme I use suits both Louis and Oscar down to the ground. Over the years they ve made lots of new friends and they really look forward to seeing them again. It s not the sort of club where there is a timetable of activities running throughout the day, but they really enjoy it all the same and come home happy and exhausted

14 Interviewing and visiting a childcare provider Childcare providers should be very happy for you to visit them, take a look around and answer any questions you may have, before you make a decision on who should care for your child. Having a list of questions with you can be helpful so that you don t forget to ask them everything you need to know. Doing this also gives you the chance to look through the answers when you re at home and compare childcare providers. We ve included two tear-out checklists in this booklet (see pages 29 and 30) that you can use as a guide when you are visiting and interviewing childcare providers, although you may well have questions of your own too. Childcare contracts Once you have chosen your childcare provider, they should ask you to sign a contract or agreement before your child starts with them. Signed childcare contracts and agreements are legally binding. They are a safeguard for you and the childcarer and it is very important that everyone clearly understands what is being agreed. payment for time off during holidays, statutory public holidays and holiday notice periods what you pay if your child or the carer is sick notice of termination of the contract and notice payment date when the full contract starts. Once the details of the contract have been understood and agreed by everyone involved, it should then be signed and dated by the childcare provider and you. Remember you should both keep a copy. A contract will normally include: the retainer fee or deposit to secure your child s place the amount you pay and what it covers (for example nappies, food, days out) the hours/days your child will attend any personal additions such as limiting your child s TV watching (for example not every day) If you have any concerns about signing your contract you can contact the Citizen s Advice Bureau. Surrey Family Information Service can provide some general advice, but cannot advise on legal matters

15 Quality assured childcare Leaving your child with somebody else might feel like a big step. Every parent wants to be sure that their child is in safe hands and is well cared for. All registered childcare for children under eight years (where sessions are at least two hours long) is checked by Ofsted to make sure it meets certain standards. But for added peace of mind you could choose a childcare provider that has had a series of further checks known as a quality assurance scheme. What s a quality assurance scheme? Quality assurance schemes are programmes that help childcare providers to raise standards in day care and education beyond the minimum requirements set by Ofsted. Childcare providers who work towards a quality assurance scheme: collect evidence and assess themselves get mentoring support from someone outside of their setting are assessed and validated externally. What schemes are there? There are several quality assurance schemes that childcare providers can choose from, including the Surrey County Council Early Years Quality Improvement Award (Surrey QIA), launched in Other schemes include: E-Quality counts National Day Nurseries Association Aiming for quality Pre-school learning alliance Aiming high 4 Children How will I know if a childcare provider is quality assured? Once a childcare provider has been quality assured they will be given a certificate and will be able to use a logo or accreditation endorsement on their publicity materials and website. All childminders who are members of the Surrey County Council Quality Assured Childminding Network are recognised in developing areas of their service. This means they are visited and assessed regularly by the home-based childcare advisors from Surrey Early Years and Childcare Service and take part in the Surrey County Council Early Years Quality Improvement Award (Surrey QIA). Childcare checklist for non-domestic childcare First impressions count Did you get a warm welcome when you arrived? Do the children there seem to be happy and content? Are the staff happy to show you around? Is there plenty of space outside for the children to play? Do the staff interact with your child? Can you meet other staff members? Vacancies and costs Are there any vacancies - if there is a waiting list, how long is it? Do you have to pay a deposit? If so, what s it for? Can you claim it back? How much do they charge per hour/day? Do you have to pay for holidays, meals, nappies, other activities? Can you use the offer of 15 hours of free early education for 2, 3 and 4 year olds? If you want additional hours how much extra will it cost? Do they take childcare vouchers (if you can receive these from your employer)? Do they offer a settling in period, to see how your child gets on? If so, how long is it? Staffing and premises What s the ratio of staff to children? How many children do they care for? Do they have a key (named) person system? What s the staff turnover like? How well qualified and experienced are the staff? Use this tear-out checklist when you visit a pre-school or nursery. If you re visiting more than one, we suggest that you stick to the same questions so you can compare their answers. Are all the Disclosure Barring Service checks (DBS) up to date? Can you see a copy of the registration certificates and inspection reports? Activities and support What daily routines do they have and how can they build your child s routines and needs into their day? Where can your child have a sleep or rest? What happens if your child is unhappy? How would they be looked after? What s their policy on discipline, how do they manage children s behaviour? How will they cater for your child s dietary needs? What systems do they have in place if a child has a severe food allergy? How will your child s cultural background be reflected and respected? Are there staff from different backgrounds? Do they have books and activities that reflect all cultures? What about food/ music/religious festivals? Will there be opportunities for you to get involved? How will they tell you about your child s progress? Will they give your child a record book or learning journey? Can they tell you about how they plan activities to meet individual children s interests and developmental needs? Emergencies What happens if your child is unwell when they are there? What happens if you are late picking your child up at the end of the day? How will they get hold of you in an emergency? 28 29

16 Childminder checklist You can use this tear-out checklist when you visit a childminder. If you re visiting more than one, we suggest that you stick to the same questions so you can compare their answers. About the childminder How do they interact with the children? What training and experience do they have? Do they have experience of caring for children with a special educational need or disability? Can you have the phone numbers of other parents for references? Why do they like their job? How long do they intend to do it? How old are their own children and the other children that they look after? (childminders can look after six children under eight years old, but no more than three under five, including their own). Do they have back up arrangements with another childminder to cover them if they are ill or need to take leave? Do they, their assistant and family have Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)? Registration and paperwork Can you see their Ofsted registration certificate? What records do they keep and how do they record accidents? Can you see a current public liability insurance certificate? Do they work to a quality assurance scheme (see page 28)? Do they work with an assistant? Money How much are the fees, what do they include and when and how should you pay? Do you have to pay for settling in time, when your child can get to know them before he/she starts? Do you have to pay a deposit or retainer fee to secure the place? What charges are made for bank holidays, holidays and sickness? Who will need to supply nappies, baby food and milk? Do they claim Free Early Education for Two year olds (FEET) and Free Early Education for 3 and 4 year olds? Do they take childcare vouchers? Caring for your child Do children take part in daily indoor and outdoor activities? Do they go to local childminding groups? If they will be using a car do they have childminding insurance in place? Do they have car seats suitable for your child s height and weight? Do the children they are looking after seem to be happy and engaged in play? Will your child be offered varied and nutritious food? Can they provide special diets? How do they discipline the children? How do they help the children when they are toilet training? What will your child need to bring every day? Do they undertake risk assessments on their premises and on outings? What would a typical day involve and how do the other children s routines fit in with your child s? Will they agree to a trial run (say a couple of mornings) to see how your child gets on? The home Can they show you around their home and garden and tell you about hygiene and safety? How often do their family and friends visit? What is their pet policy around children? Does the childminder or another family member smoke? Ask to see where your child will sleep if they re tired and make sure it s quiet! Childcare with your family Many parents use family members, particularly grandparents, for all or part of their childcare. Sometimes this is because parents want their child to be cared for by someone they know, but often it s because of the cost of formal childcare. As with formal childcare, talking about hours, food, equipment and holidays at the beginning can help avoid problems and family tensions at a later date. This is when a family childcare agreement can be useful. It can help the parent and grandparent work together and provides some consistency for the child. The Grandparents Association Grandparents-association.org.uk have worked with grandparents to produce a family childcare checklist that you can download from their website and use as the base to your agreement. This includes things such as: where the childcare will take place (your home or the grandparents home) agreeing on the number of hours they will be expected to care for your child what to do about holidays, both for you and the person caring for your child how much you ll be paying what sort of equipment you will be expected to provide, such as car seats, and stair gates how they should discipline your child what would you like included in your child s routine and play safety in the home. The checklist is just a place for you to start and you may want to add to this list. But it s important that both you and the family member caring for your child are clear and happy about what each other s responsibilities are