Introducing childcare

Transcription

1 Introducing childcare Finding the right childcare for you and your children in Portsmouth

2 What type of registered or formal childcare is best suited to your needs? This table shows an example of some of the childcare options available to you dependant on your circumstances and your child s age. The types of childcare you choose have to suit your child, your life and your budget. Don t forget, Portsmouth CHAT can help you with any questions you might have, so contact us for more in-depth information and advice. Age of child Reason for childcare Options 0-2 Working full or part time Day nursery Studying Childminder years Break for parent Nanny or au pair Provider on the Ofsted Voluntary Register (depending on length of care) 2-5 years 3-5 years 5 and over 8-14 years Shift working Evening or weekend work Working full or part time Studying full or part time Working full or part time Studying Break for parent Shift working Evening or weekend work Early education All children are entitled to free early education of 15 hours per week, 38 weeks per year. Before and after school care Holiday care Working full or part time After school care Holiday care Childminder Nanny or au pair Provider on the Ofsted Voluntary Register (depending on length of care) Day nursery Childminder Pre-school, if opening hours are sufficient Nanny or au pair Provider on the Ofsted Voluntary Register Childminder Nanny or au pair Provider on the Ofsted Voluntary Register (depending on length of care) Day nursery Pre-school Nursery class/schools A few childminders Breakfast club After school club Childminder Holiday playscheme Provider on the Ofsted Voluntary Register (depending on length of care) Flexicare Flexicare

3 Types of childcare Childminders Self-employed and look after your child sometimes along with other children, usually in their own home Allowed to care for up to six children under the age of eight, including their own but only a maximum of three can be aged under five When caring for children under five, must regularly demonstrate that they meet the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Can also be registered to offer overnight care for children Can pick up and drop off at other childcare provision and schools Childminders in Portsmouth are required to complete a Diploma in Home-based Childcare and a Paediatric First Aid Course and most go on to do further training and professional development. Your child should experience learning and development activities suitable for their age Childminders can also offer a range of outings and social activities for your child. Age covered: Birth to 16 Ofsted registered: Yes Offer free early education: Some Network Childminders Opening hours: Most work form 8am to 6pm but they are usually flexible and some offer hours outside of these times for parents that may work shifts or weekends. Cost*: Childminders are self-employed therefore will charge their own prices, average price is 4 an hour, reductions for siblings may be available. Additional information: Some childminders also choose to join a childminding network and to become accredited this will be shown in the Additional Information section of the reports we send you as either Network Childminder or Accredited Network Childminder. Day nurseries Day nurseries can be run by private, voluntary, or local authority council, community, based in the workplace or privately run. You can send your child full or part time. Your child should experience learning and development activities suitable for their age. Age covered: Three months to five years Ofsted registered: Yes Offer free early education: Most Opening hours: Monday to Friday all day, normally from 8am until 6pm. Mostly all year round, except for Bank Holidays, some may close for a week over Christmas. Cost*: Range between 4-6 per hour. Rates do vary dependant on hours booked and age of child. Discounts may apply. For.more.info... National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA): call or visit Ofsted: Call or visit * Costs based on average south east childcare prices at January 2011.

4 Nursery schools and classes Usually attached to an infant or primary school. Your child should experience learning and development activities suitable for their age. Age covered: Most take from three to five years although some may be able to take a child earlier. Ofsted registered: Inspected by Ofsted as part of the school s inspection process Offer free early education: All Opening hours: Tend to offer a mixture of morning and afternoon sessions including lunch. Cost*: Normally no charge as only offer sessional care for children of an eligible age, but some costs may apply. Find.out.more... National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA): call or visit Ofsted: Call or visit Pre-school and playgroups Often located in places such as community centres and church halls and run by voluntary groups. Your child should experience learning and development activities suitable for their age. Age covered: From two to five years of age Ofsted registered: Yes Offer free early education: Most Opening hours: Normally morning and/or afternoon sessions during term time only. May also offer lunchtime sessions. Cost: 8-10 per session dependant on age of child and hours required. Out of school care Sometimes referred to as out of school clubs, these services are based on school sites, but may also be in youth clubs, community centres or nurseries. Some schools offer on site childcare themselves, others maybe local community groups, private providers or childminders. The Childcare Element of the Working Tax Credit is available for certain types of school-based childcare. Age covered: Usually five to 11 year olds Ofsted registered: Yes for under eights. Depending on opening hours. Opening hours: Depending on the hours you work, you can opt for a combination of breakfast clubs (normally open from 8am), after-school clubs (typically from 3.30pm and up to 6pm) and holiday play schemes (8am to 6pm) which run outside of term time. Cost*: Around 3 for a session at a breakfast club and 8 for a session at an after-school club Information: Clubs catering for eight years and over are not required to be registered but may choose to register on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register. Some may be quality assured by a scheme recognised by the government. Play workers and at least half of the staff will be trained/qualified. Find out more... Contact the national organisation 4Children: on or by visiting: for information on out of school provision. Ofsted: Call or visit For more information, phone the Tax Credit Helpline on For.more.info... Call Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA): or visit Ofsted: Call or visit * Costs based on average south east childcare prices at January 2011.

5 Flexicare Tired of never knowing exactly where your children are? Are they too young to look after themselves yet feel too old to be in after school clubs? Flexicare is a brand new initiative, offering flexible care for older children aged primarily between eight and 14 years. Provided by registered home-based carer s with experience in looking after children of this age range, it could be just what you were dreaming of. Your child will have some degree of independence, and the chance to join in the activities they enjoy; anything from organised classes and sports activities to hanging out at the park with friends. Age covered: Eight to 14 years Ofsted registered: Yes Offer free early education: No Opening hours: After school, school holidays Cost*: Varies, please contact provider for details. Nannies and other home-based carers Employed by you to provide care for children, usually in your home. Most have a recognised childcare qualification or nursery nurse training, but this isn t compulsory. Thousands of parents are now entitled to financial support to help pay for child carers working in the child s home if they are registered or approved. Age covered: 0 upwards Ofsted registered: Not compulsory, but may be registered in the Voluntary Childcare Register. Opening hours: You employ the nanny for the hours you require. Cost*: Varies greatly. Remember you will be responsible for tax and national insurance and if your nanny lives in, you will need to provide a self-contained room along with food. Au pairs Usually young people from other countries who live with a family and provide childcare whilst they learn English. Age covered: Can help with young children when the parent is present, but are more appropriate for school age children. Ofsted registered: No Opening hours: Usually work a maximum of five hours per day and babysit for two evenings per week. They must have at least two full days off per week. Cost: You would pay them a weekly allowance and provide them with their own room and food. Babysitters Come to your home and look after your child normally in the evenings. There are no specific legal regulations covering the use of babysitters, although the NSPCC recommends that they should be over the age of 16. Age covered: Any Ofsted registered: No Opening hours: Flexible Cost*: Varies. Expect to pay around 10 per hour through an agency and a registration fee; otherwise it is a private arrangement between you and the sitter. Find.out.more... Call the Tax Credits Helpline on for information about tax credits if you employ someone registered on the Voluntary Childcare Register. Call the National Childbirth Trust on for local branches with a nanny-share register For the Association of Nanny Agencies visit their website on * Costs based on average south east childcare prices at January 2011.

6 At a glance guide Type of childcare Age covered Ofsted registered Offer free early education Opening hours Costs: average from Childminders Birth to 16 years Yes Some Network Childminders 8am to 6pm* 4 per hour* Day nurseries 3 months to 5 years Yes Most 8am to 6pm* 4 6 per hour Nursery schools and classes Pre-school and playgroups 3 to 5 years Yes1 All All day Free 2 to 5 years Yes Most All day 8 10 per session Out of school care Usually 5 to 11 years Yes* 8am to 6pm* 3 8 per session Flexicare 8 to 14 years Yes No As required Varies* Nannies and other home-based carers 0 upwards Yes/No* As required Varies* Au pairs Can help with young children when the parent is present, but are more appropriate for school age children. No As required* Varies* Babysitters Any No 10 per hour* * Varies - see main entry Costs based on average south east childcare prices at January 2011.

7 Will my child be safe? The key concern for most parents when choosing childcare is whether their child will be safe, happy and well cared for. There are a range of safeguards in place to ensure that your child will be well looked after by people who are required to go through a range of checks. Ofsted Who are Ofsted? Ofsted inspect all registered childcare to ensure that children and young people get quality care in a safe environment. Who are registered by Ofsted? People who want to provide childcare for children under eight, for more than two hours in any one-day, for more than five days a year must register with Ofsted before they can become childcare providers. However if the parents are going to remain on the premises where the childcare is taking place this number is increased to four hours. How can I view Ofsted reports? Your childcare provider can show you a copy of their report along with their registration certificate; alternatively they can be viewed on the Ofsted website. To view childcare providers reports online, you will need their unique reference number (URN), you can get this from Portsmouth CHAT. Or go direct to list to look at the inspection reports online. Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) What is the Criminal Records Bureau? The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is an executive agency of the Home Office who provide access to criminal records and other information about employees to organisations. What is a CRB check? A CRB check is a process for gathering information about someone s criminal convictions and other cautions, reprimands and final warnings given by the Police through a service called disclosure Who needs a CRB check? Anyone who will have unsupervised access to children in their care. The CRB s aim is to help organisations identify candidates who may be unsuitable to work with children or other vulnerable members of society. For more information.. Criminal Records Bureau General enquiries Tel: or visit

8 The Early Years Register (EYR) and the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR) What is the Early Years Register (EYR)? The Early Years Register is for all providers working with children aged from birth to five. Providers must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which brings together standards of care and learning. Typically this will be full daycare, pre-schools, childminders and some out of school provision (holiday schemes or after school clubs) Will schools have to register on the EYR? No, schools are exempt from registration but they will still need to deliver the EYFS for children until the end of their Reception Years (Year R). But if schools can offer care to children under the age of three then they will need to register on the EYR. What is the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR)? This is divided into two parts: The compulsory OCR: for children aged five to seven typically this will be childminders, out of school providers (unless they are exempt). The voluntary OCR: for providers who are not required to register, but can choose to do so. Typically this will be nannies, activity based settings, short term care and care for children aged eight and over.

9 The voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register Other providers who are not required to register on the compulsory part of the OCR will be able to join the voluntary part of the OCR if they meet the requirements. This includes care for children aged eight and over, care for children of any age that is provided in the child s home, or care that is activity based (for example a football club, crèche services) These providers are not required to register on the OCR. However they may choose to. Registration on the voluntary part of the OCR (vocr) can assure parents that essential standards have been met and parents will have greater reassurance about the welfare of their children. It will allow the childcare to become qualifying childcare for the purpose of working tax credits and employer childcare vouchers. This means that eligible parents can access financial support from the Government for the cost of their childcare. Childcare provided by schools Childcare for children aged three and over will not be separately registered by Ofsted if the care is provided by a school s governing body and providing at least one pupil of the school attends. The governing body will be expected to meet the requirements of registration, and the care it offers will be included within the school s regular Ofsted inspections. Eligible families using the childcare can still claim Working Tax Credit or join employer-supported schemes. Schools using external organisations to deliver childcare are encouraged to choose a registered provider. What if I have a concern or complaint about a childcare provider? Sometimes parents and other people with an interest in childcare have complaints or concerns about the quality of a registered childcare service or childminder. Unless you think children are at risk of harm from the childcare provider, it is usually best if you discuss your concerns with the provider or the person in charge before you contact Ofsted. If you are a parent or carer and cannot sort out your concern through discussion, you can make a formal complaint by writing to the provider. Ofsted registered providers must have a process for handling written complaints as part of their registration. If you are concerned about harm or possible harm to a child, you should phone the local authority or the police immediately. Contact the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children s Board on If your concern cannot be resolved by talking to the childcare provider then OFSTED can look into any matter related to the requirements and conditions of registration. They will also look into concerns about people providing childcare who are not registered with OFSTED as childcare providers. However they cannot deal with other issues you may have, such as disputes about contracts or fees. For more info. Ofsted Helpline: Website: What should I ask for when considering childcare? You should be looking to ensure that the provision meets both the needs of you and your child. You should ask to see the registration certificate which is issued for EYR and OCR (compulsory and voluntary). Will I be eligible for tax credits if my child attends a provision for eight year olds and over? To receive Tax Credits the provision must be registered with the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR) under the voluntary part. To check eligibility for tax credits contact the Tax Credits helpline. Find out more... For more details on the Voluntary Childcare Register visit: or Tel Useful numbers / websites: Early Years Foundation Stage further information: Tax credits Helpline: or Tel

10 Free early education for three and four year olds The Nursery Education Grant ensures that children from three years old have access to high quality early years education in readiness for school. Will my child be eligible? Your child will be eligible from the term after their third birthday until they start school, regardless of household income or family circumstance. A child born between: 1 Apr and 31 Aug 1 Sept and 31 Dec 1 Jan and 31 Mar Will be eligible for a funded place from: The start of the autumn term (1 September) following their 3rd birthday until statutory school age. The start of the spring term (1 January) following their 3rd birthday until statutory school age. The start of the summer term (1 April) following their 3rd birthday until statutory school age. What hours will I be offered? You are entitled to use up to 15 hours per week, 38 weeks per year. Settings will offer the free entitlement flexibly dependent on what best suits their setting, children and parents. There are however some rules in place about the use of the hours, these are: A minimum of 2.5 and a maximum of 10 hours can be used in any 1 day. Parents should be able to use their hours in at least 3x5 hour blocks or 5x3 hour blocks at a setting locally. If parents wish to claim their full 15 hours of funded early education they must do so in no less than 3 days. A maximum of 12.5 hours can be used over 2 days. Within these rules, settings have the flexibility to offer times and durations they choose. You should consult with the setting of your choice to see what s available. You should register your child with the setting of your choice and they will make the claim on your behalf. Statutory school age is the term after the child s 5th birthday.

11 Financial help available Tax credits and help towards childcare costs Child Tax Credit Child Tax Credit is a payment for people with children, whether they are in or out of work. It is paid by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). You can get Child Tax Credit if your income is low enough and you are responsible for at least one child. You will get money from Child Tax Credit for each child. You do not need to have a very low income to get some help from Child Tax Credit, so most people with children get the credit. Working Tax Credit You can get Working Tax Credit if you or your partner are working enough hours a week and your income is low enough. You don t need to have children to qualify. It doesn t matter whether you are working for someone else or self-employed. You must be living in the UK. If you are from abroad, you may have difficulty claiming Working Tax Credit depending on your immigration status. If you are not sure about your right to claim Working Tax Credit because of your immigration status, you should consult an experienced adviser. Childcare element of Working Tax Credit Working Tax Credit provides a top up to wages for those on low incomes. Extra help is available for working parents through a childcare element, which can help with the cost of registered childcare. If you would like to know more about the elements you can receive and the maximum amounts or would like to estimate your tax credit entitlements then contact Portsmouth CHAT for further advice on , alternatively you can contact the HMRC for more information or to make a claim. Employer Childcare Vouchers Your employer may offer childcare vouchers to help you pay for childcare. This works by replacing part of your salary with vouchers that you then use to pay for childcare. The vouchers are tax efficient saving you income tax and national insurance. Your partner can also take advantage of childcare vouchers if their employer runs a scheme. A few employers also run workplace nurseries or offer direct childcare subsides, ask you HR Department Parents studying or training Full-time students with children may qualify for extra financial help on top of the standard student finance package. The type of funding you might qualify for will depend on what level of qualification you are studying towards and whether it is further or higher education. What is the difference between further and higher education? Further education This is the term used to describe level 1, 2 and 3 courses. These could be A levels, NVQs or BTECs for example. Alternatively, they could be courses that help you to learn basic skills such as literacy, numeracy or computer skills. Higher education These are courses that lead to level 4 qualifications. Examples of these qualifications are undergraduate courses such as BAs or BSCs or postgraduate courses such as MAs, MBAs, PhDs or Mphils. They also include HNDs, HNCs and DipHEs. Funding available to further education students Learner Support Fund If you are aged 16 or over and are attending a further education college (including sixth form college) studying on a course funded by the Learning and Skills Council, the Learner Support Fund can help you with a variety of costs, including childcare. Adult Learning Grant This is a means-tested allowance of up to 30 per week during term time. If you are aged 19 or over and studying on a full-time further education course that leads to a first full level 2 or 3 qualifications, you may be eligible. For more information contact the Student Support or Welfare Officer at your college.

12 Access and hardship funds Some colleges have discretionary funds to help students who are facing financial difficulties. These funds can be used for childcare, as well as towards books, travel and equipment. Generally they are non-repayable one-off payments and levels of funding will depend on what is available. Further information can be obtained from the student services or student welfare officer at your college. Funding available for higher education students Childcare Grant If you qualify, the Childcare Grant could cover as much as 85 per cent of your childcare costs during term time and holidays. How much you get depends on your household income - and the actual costs of your childcare. Any help you get is paid on top of the standard student finance package, and doesn t have to be paid back. You ll need to complete the relevant sections on your main student finance application the one you use to apply for Student Loans and grants. For further information or to apply online visit: Parents Learning Allowance The Parents Learning Allowance aims to support full-time, undergraduate parents with course-related costs such as travel, books, equipment and childcare and can be claimed in addition to the Childcare Grant. You may receive up to 1,508 per year, although the amount you are awarded will depend on your circumstances. It is usually paid in three instalments and does not need to be repaid. You can apply to the student services or welfare officer who can advise you about what information is needed for an application. Contact the Student Finance helpline on for further information and an application form. Training for students on NHS funded courses NHS Childcare Allowance You may be able to get help with your childcare costs whilst you are at University by applying for the Childcare Allowance. To be eligible the childcare you use must be provided by a registered or approved childcare provider, and the child must be aged 15 or under, (or aged 17 or under if the child has learning difficulties or is registered as having special educational needs), on the first day of the academic year. However, this is an income assessed allowance and the final amount awarded will depend on your circumstances and the income available to you and your family. Therefore, not all students who apply for Childcare Allowance will be entitled to receive it. All NHS Bursary funded students who have dependent children may apply for CCA, except those who have applied for, or who are only entitled to, a fees only award. The childcare allowance is based on 85% of your total actual registered or approved childcare costs up to a maximum amount. For further information contact the NHS Student Bursaries helpline on or visit their website on Access to Learning Fund This funding is available through your university or college and may provide extra financial support to enable you to stay on a course if the Childcare Grant does not cover all the costs of your childcare. You can be studying full time or part time and will be assessed according to your individual need. Your college will assess your application and decide on the level of funding to give to you, which will be based on your individual circumstances.

13 Other sources of funding Care to Learn If you are under 20 and a parent or carer undertaking learning or training, you may be able to receive up to 155 per week to pay for registered childcare and travel costs to and from the childcare. For more information about Care to Learn call the helpline on or visit Career Development Loans (CDL) A Career Development Loan is a bank loan designed to help you pay for work-related learning. You don t have to start paying your loan back until at least one month after you stop training. Career Development Loans can be used to pay childcare costs. You can take out a Career Development Loan whether you are employed, selfemployed or unemployed. For more information about Career Development Loans call the CDL Helpline on or visit Hardship fund/bursaries Some colleges or educational institutions may offer hardship funds or bursaries to help you if you are facing extreme financial difficulties. These are usually one-off payments that you do not have to repay. Speak to the student services or welfare officer at your college for more information. For further information about the support available call the Learner Support Service on or visit What if my child has a disability or special educational needs (SEN)? All childcare providers are under a legal duty to consider how best to offer extra support to meet the child s needs. The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (you can find this on gives guidance on the different levels of support that are available. Local authorities and most nurseries will have an early years SEN coordinator who will be able to discuss your child s particular needs and ensure that your child can enjoy all the activities the nursery has to offer. Help with costs Disability Living Allowance can help you with the day to day costs of looking after a child with a disability. For further information contact the Disability Benefits Helpline on Disabled child element of Child Tax Credit If your child has a disability, or if you re responsible for a child with a disability, you may qualify for extra Child Tax Credit, to help cover the cost of looking after them. You can get extra Child Tax Credit if any one of the following applies: Disability Living Allowance is paid for your child your child is registered blind your child came off the blind register in the 28 weeks before you claimed tax credits The amount of extra Child Tax Credit you get depends on how much care your child needs. If your child is severely disabled and gets what s known as the Highest Rate Care Component of Disability Living Allowance you may get an additional payment. You can still qualify for the extra money even if the Disability Living Allowance stops because your child goes into hospital. Information taken from: Help with childcare costs for students Daycare Trust April 2009

14 If you are already getting tax credits If you now want to claim extra tax credits because your child has a disability, ring the Tax Credit Helpline as soon as you know you re entitled to Disability Living Allowance (or the Highest Rate Care Component) for your child. You should do this within three months of finding out to make sure that you get your payments backdated to the earliest possible date. Call the Tax Credits Helpline on to find out more. Family Fund The Family Fund is a registered charity which gives grants to lower income families with severely disabled children for things that make life easier and more enjoyable. The Fund helps with things to meet the additional needs of caring for a severely disabled child such as holidays, washing machines, driving lessons, computers and hospital visiting costs. For more information about the Family Fund, including who can apply and how, contact them on or visit their website Extra Support Service (ESS) The Extra Support Service (ESS) is extra support for parents who are finding it difficult to find suitable childcare to meet their needs. Dependant on the type of need, we can: discuss the different types and availability of childcare. look at the availability of childcare within the families required area. provide an overview of childcare costs funding available support with applying for benefits discuss your needs with the childcare settings on your behalf. arrange visits to childcare settings, and if appropriate support during the visit. For more information about Parent Direct Service or Extra Support Service (ESS) call Portsmouth CHAT: Service for Working Parents Parent Direct is a service provided by Portsmouth City Council that aims to support employees with caring responsibilities. Working parents can find out about: flexible working taking time off for your family finding and paying for childcare maternity, paternity and adoption leave parental leave tax credit and childcare vouchers eligibility

15 Top tips for choosing childcare Choosing the right kind of childcare setting can be a difficult decision but have a look at our top tips and questions to ask to help you along the way. Remember not all childcare will suit your child s personality, so be prepared to look around When choosing childcare it is important to start looking early, good childcare can get booked up quickly and you may experience long waiting lists. Research all your options and be prepared with a list of questions that aid in your decision making, for example the opening hours, fees. Visit the setting to get a feel for the day-to-day routine, and take your child with you to see whether they like it too. Visit more than one provider this way you can make comparisons. Think about your child s age and needs, for example if they are very young they may need one to one attention and care, whilst older children may prefer to mix with other children. Consider a combination of childcare, if your nursery only does afternoon care you may want to find a childminder for the morning, who can drop them off at school. Check the number of staff. There should be at least one member of staff for every eight children between three and five year olds. Ask for references, if you feel you need further clarifications beyond what you have seen or been told, most careers will provide you with contact information from parents who are happy to be referees. Read the small print, ensure you get a contract/agreement to sign but read carefully first to make sure everything you ve agreed is written down. Once you ve chosen the right one for you, inform them of any particular needs your child has such as dietary requirements or allergies, special medication. Check any additional requirements you may have such as finding out if after school care is located on site or is there transport provided to collect your child from school? Can your childminder collect and drop-off from/to school, nursery or pre-school?

16 Questions ed questions to ask Here are some suggest ur own questions as when you visit. Add yo well. been working with 1. How long have you children? ed your job? Any 2. How have you learn qualifications? with children and 3. Do you enjoy being why? rest? 4. Where will my child and drink will you 5. What kind of food give? do all day? 6. What will my child good behaviour? 7. How do encourage th a regular group of 8. Will my child be wi they? children? How old are person with special 9. Will there be a key ild? responsibility for my ch sure I know how my 10. How will you make child is getting on? emergency? What 11. What happens in an put in place? precautions have been Quality pointers When you visit possible childc are options, look for these quality pointers. Are the children happy an d safe? Do the children play and talk together? Are the staff listening to the children and answering them carefully? Are the staff friendly and proud of their work? Are the staff joining in wit h what the children are doing? Are there lots of activities planed to help children learn and play? Can the children plan some of these themselv es? Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use? Are the premises clean, we ll kept and safe for children with a fun outsid e play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)? Is there a healthy balanced diet on offer? Is water available whenever chi ldren want it? Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their chi ldren? If there are other things you want to know, do not be afraid to ask. Are the premises accessibl e for wheelchair use and do they have the res ources to support a child with a disab ility?