Families Guide to Early Years and Childcare Every child deserves the best possible start in life and support to fulfil their potential. A child s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. (Taken from the Early years Foundation Stage 2008) The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is mandatory for all schools and early years providers in Ofsted registered settings attended by young children from birth to the academic year in which a child has it s fifth birthday. Public Support and Information Service: 0800 917 2121
Ofsted Inspection: All registered childcare settings are inspected by Ofsted approximately every three years. Depending on how well the setting meets the needs of the children a grading will be awarded: 1. Outstanding: Exceptional childcare provision which is providing care way above the norm. 1. Good: This is strong childcare provision where children are well cared for. 2. Satisfactory: This is childcare provision where the standard of care is only just acceptable but could do much better. 3. Inadequate: The standard of childcare is unacceptable. As a parent always ask the Childcare setting for their Ofsted report and ask them about the grading that they received. Your child deserves the best which is good and outstanding. Childcare Providers: All our setting should be inclusive, welcoming all children and young people. They should take reasonable steps to remove barriers that may exclude disabled children and young people or those with specific requirements. The Family Information Service can offer support by providing information on childcare available in Darlington. The service can offer further support by putting families in touch with a range of professionals who will be able to discuss a family s specific needs and aim to offer a choice of childcare to meet these needs effectively. Childminders: (for children and young people aged 0 to 19years) Childminders provide care for children in the childminder s own home. The minder may be registered to provide overnight care. It is illegal for an unregistered person to look after children aged under 8 for more than 2 hours in any one day, for reward, unless that person is a close relative of the child. Childminders are registered by OFSTED and inspected approximately once every three years using the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS). The number of children a childminder can care for will be in accordance with their OFSTED registration. Community Childminders: The Community Childminders Network are a group of registered childminders that will provide high quality childcare for disabled children and support their families in a home based setting. The childminders have completed training which includes: Implementing the Disability Discrimination Act, Inclusion and supporting parents. They have also completed an assessment process as part of joining the network. The childminders will work from the child s individual needs and interests to ensure they best meet the needs of each child in a safe and secure environment. 2
Accredited Childminders: A free childcare place is available to all 3 & 4 year old children the term after their third birthday. They are entitled to 15 hours per week over 38 weeks a year. Parents can access this entitlement at: a Private Nursery, a School Nursery, a Pre School Group or an Accredited Childminder. When you visit a childminder, you should ask to see their Ofsted Registration Certificate, Criminal Record Bureau number (CRB), Insurance, First Aid Certificate and their latest OFSTED report. You need to sign a contract/agreement which should cover hours/pay/sick and holiday pay etc. All adults over the age of 16 that live or work in the house will also have a CRB check. Day Nurseries (for children from birth onwards) Day nurseries provide care and education for children on non domestic premises. They are usually open 8-6pm for 51 weeks a year, but this varies from setting to setting. They also offer the free childcare place for all 3 & 4 year olds the term after their third birthday. The children are entitled to 15 hours flexible free entitlement for 38 weeks a year. Please telephone the nursery for availability or contact the Family Information Service for more information. Nurseries are registered and inspected using the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) by OFSTED, approximately every three years. If you are considering using a Day Nursery you should enquire about places as soon as possible. Baby places are at a premium and you may experience waiting lists. When you visit a day nursery, you should ask to see their Ofsted Registration Certificate, Criminal Records Bureau number (CRB), Insurance, First Aid Certificate and their latest OFSTED report. You will be asked to sign a contract (this should cover hours/ pay/ sick and holiday pay) and you may be required to pay a deposit to secure the place. Pre-School and Playgroups (for children from 2 4years, this will vary from setting to setting) Pre-school and playgroups sessions are usually 3 hours. There are three types of playgroup/ pre school:- Registered and inspected by OFSTED and provide 15 hours free flexible entitlement for 3 & 4 year olds. Registered and inspected by OFSTED, but do not provide free flexible entitlement Unregistered where daily session are less than two hours Pre-school playgroups are registered and inspected approximately every three years using The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) by OFSTED. 3
When you visit a pre-school/ playgroup, you should ask to see their registration certificate, Criminal Records Bureau number (CRB), Insurance, First Aid Certificate and their latest OFSTED report. Maintained Nursery Classes Maintained nursery units/schools provide 15 hours free flexible entitlement for 3 & 4 year olds. Most nurseries offer morning or afternoon sessions. Some maintained nurseries offer childcare with a private provider which can increase the hours that the child can attend but parents will have to pay for. The nursery will be closed during school holidays. The nursery is inspected by Ofsted and will use the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. (EYFS). Ask to see the schools latest Ofsted report. Breakfast Clubs, After School and Holiday Clubs (care for children from 4years to 19 years) Out of school provision is for school aged children to play, learn and have fun in groups. They can be based in schools, day nurseries or other establishments and are run outside school hours (via a breakfast club, an after-school club or a holiday playscheme). Providers may transport your child to and from school. Out of school provision which caters for children aged under 8 must be registered with OFSTED if they provide care for more than 2 hours in any day and for more than 5 days a year. They are inspected approximately every 3 years. Holiday Clubs provide care during the school holidays, timings may vary. They offer children a wide range of experiences and activities. Check the settings latest Ofsted report and ask to see the staffs CRB numbers. Also check the Insurance document. Nannies and Au Pairs (care for children from birth to 19 years) Nannies and Au Pairs are not registered childcare providers (they can become registered with Ofsted under the Voluntary Register, which would then allow parents to claim tax credits). It is not compulsory for nannies to have a recognised childcare qualification but some do. Check their references from families they have worked for and ask to see their Criminal Records Bureau number (CRB). 15 hours Flexible Free Entitlement All 3 & 4 year olds are eligible to a free part-time early years place from the term after their 3 rd birthday, at settings registered to deliver the free entitlement. The entitlement will be 15 hours a week for up to 38 weeks a year during school term time and the hours can be used more flexibly, for more information contact individual settings. Tax Credits You may be eligible for support with childcare costs, for further details please contact HM Revenue and Customs: 0845 300 3900 or visit the website: www.hmrc.gov.uk 4
Choosing a Childcare provision for my child Parents/ Carers information This information will help you as parents/carers to find the best quality childcare setting for your child: Contact the Family Information Service: request a list of childcare providers that are in the area that you want and the type of provider you will require: Tel: 0800 917 2121 Which type of childcare do you require? Childcare settings: 1. Day Nurseries 2. Maintained Nurseries 3. Pre Schools 4. Childminders 5. Breakfast, After School and Holiday Clubs 6. Nanny/Au Pairs All the childcare settings (except Nannies and Au Pairs) must be registered by Ofsted to meet the legal requirements set out in the Childcare Act 2006 and associated regulations in order to remain registered. They are inspected approximately every three years. Only settings who are open for less than 2 hours each session or only have children over the age of 8 years do not need to be registered. The Ofsted reports for each childcare setting are available on the Ofsted 5
Why Criminal Record checks are needed (CRB): When staff are working in certain types of job they will be asked to apply for a criminal record check. These are generally jobs that mean: will be working regularly with children or vulnerable people will be working in an establishment that is wholly or mainly for children will be working in healthcare have applied to be a foster carer, adoptive parent or childminder will be working in certain other professions. 1. Basic Disclosure: This level of criminal record check searches the Police National Computer for convictions which are not spent under the terms of the ROA. It discloses all such convictions, or states that there are none. As it discloses only unspent convictions, a Basic Disclosure is available to any individual applying for, or already employed in, any position. For this reason, it is the most commonly ordered disclosure and is suitable for all industries and levels of candidate 2. Standard Disclosure: This level of criminal record check discloses details of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings on the Police National Computer (PNC). 3. Enhanced Disclosure: This level of criminal record check discloses details of all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings on the Police National Computer (PNC). An Enhanced Disclosure may contain non-conviction local police force Information. Check with the setting that all staff working with the children have CRB s. This is for the protection of the children and staff. Staff will not receive a CRB if they have a criminal record that will effect their career in childcare. 6
Visiting the provision: It is highly recommended that you visit a few of your chosen childcare settings before you choose which one will be right for you and your child. If possible visit the setting unannounced to arrange another visit at a more convenient time so that you can get a feel for the setting. What to look for and questions to ask: 1. Is the setting welcoming to you and your child? Do the staff look interested, talk to the children and appear caring? 2. Are the children happy? 3. Is the setting inclusive for all children? Are children with additional needs welcome? 4. Are the children attending the setting engaged with activities and staff? 5. Is there lots of chatter and interest going on from the children? Do they seem interested, excited and absorbed in what they are doing? 6. Are the staff engaging in conversation with the children, without being overpowering? 7. How will staff find out the interests of your child and develop them in the setting? 8. What adaption's can be made for a child with specific requirements? 9. Can the children access outdoor play when ever they want to? 10. Can the children make their own choices throughout the day and how is this managed? 11. How will the setting develop your child s communication and language skills? 12. How does the setting develop self confidence and self awareness in the children? 13. How will the setting promote physical development, developing good control and co ordination? 14. How will the setting encourage creativity? 15. How will the setting make sure that your child is getting the support he/she needs and above all will learn through play? 16. How are parents included in the everyday development of their child while attending the setting? Safeguarding Children 1. Has the provider got effective policies and procedures in place which staff have understood and have developed as a staff team? 2. Have the staff all got Criminal Records Bureau checks (CRB)? 3. Does the management ensure that safeguarding is openly discussed and staff have attended training on Child Protection? 4. Has the setting a whistle blowing procedure? 5. Does the provider have safeguards in place where boundaries may be blurred through friendship networks amongst staff and parents? 6. Are the staff encouraged to communicate and contact parents to ensure that they are well informed about their child s day to day experiences? 7
The Early Years Foundation Stage: ( EYFS) The Early Years Foundation Stage is a framework for learning, development and care for children from birth to five. This framework makes sure that each individual child in a childcare setting is learning through high quality play, that is tailored to their needs and interests. Each child can develop at their own pace, having fun, making friends and learning as they play. To find out more about the Early Years Foundation Stage contact the Family Information Service or go to: www.direct.gov.uk/eyfs or ask the setting that you are visiting to explain the details to you. Please note that the EYFS is under review September 2012. Being a mum, dad or someone else responsible for caring for a child, can be hard at times. But there is support and information available for you to contact if you need help with any issues. We have included some contact details for you but please ring the Family Information Service for other information you require: Darlington Family Information Service 0800 917 2121 Contact a Family - for families with disabled children 0808 808 3555 DAD TALK talking all things Dad www.dadtalk.co.uk Netmums.com www.netmums.com One Space The parenting site for single parents www.onespace.org.uk Parent? Need to Talk 0808 800 2222 The Children s Legal Centre 0845 120 2948 Talk to Your Baby www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk Darlington Association on Disability www.darlingtondisability.org Website of the UK Government www.directgov.uk 8