Where a need has been identified primary schools will either provide childcare before and/or after school on site, or by working closely with the voluntary or independent sector. In practice this means that some children are met and taken to nearby venues (sometimes schools) where registered providers offer childcare. Cambridgeshire County Council’s Childcare and Integrated Services Development Team support this work. Families may choose to use childminders and the National Childminding Association (NCMA) has an officer in Cambridge South.
More information on childcare can be found by contacting: 0845 0454014
You can get lists of Ofsted registered childcare from Cambridgeshire’s Childcare Information Service, Opportunity Links, Trust Court, Vision Park, Histon CB24 9PW email info@opp-links.org.uk, website www.opportunity-links.org.uk, phone 0845 0454014.
Also the Early Years and Childcare Service produces a Children’s Services Directory, updated twice yearly. For a copy ring 01954 273360 or write to the Service at Bar Hill Business Park, Saxon Way, Bar Hill, Cambridge CB23 8SL.
Childminders
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Childminders are professionals who look after children in the childminders’ own homes. Services offered will be unique to each family’s needs and some childminders provide evening, weekend and school holiday cover.
Childminders are registered and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
National Child Minder Association Tel: 01954 273358
Our local Childminders Network operates from an office at Homerton Nursery. Contact: Jo Scrutton 01223 247354
If you are interested in finding out how to become a Childminder, please contact either Jo Scutton or The Childcare Information Service (details above) who will be able to offer advise.
Pre-Schools and Playgroups
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These offer care to children between 3 and 5 in their local community, either as morning or afternoon sessions or as extended sessions including lunch. Some groups may accept younger children. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted. Staff are trained professionals and provide opportunities for children based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/). Children aged three and over can attend five free 2.5 hour sessions per week, as long as the setting is a member of the local authority nursery education funding scheme.
Day Nurseries
Day Nurseries are for children up to 5. They are usually open to provide care for children from 8am to 6pm. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted. Staff are trained professionals and provide opportunities for children based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/eyfs/). Children aged three and over can attend five free 2.5 hour sessions per week, as along as the setting is a member of the local authority nursery education funding scheme.
Nursery Schools/Classes
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Some Nursery schools or classes are run by the Local Authority whilst others are independent schools or classes. These classes are inspected through their school’s inspection and managed by the school governors.
Parent and Toddler Groups
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Out of school childcare is for school age children and can operate before school, after school and/or in the holidays. Some settings are run on a school site and others from venues in the community. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted or inspected under the school’s inspection arrangements. Staff are trained professionals and provide opportunities for children based on ‘Play Principles’. (
www.skillsactive.com/playwork/principles).
Financial Help
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Financial help is available to help parents use registered childcare.
Most families qualify for some help towards paying for childcare. Several kinds of help are available and we advise you to find out which of these you can use:
• Tax credits: Tax credits are payments from the government. To help meet the cost of childcare, there is the Child Tax Credit and also the Working Tax Credit, which has a Childcare Element. You can find out about which you qualify for from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Tax Credit Helpline. Tel: 0845 300 3900, Web:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.
Playschemes
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Contact Alison Lucas, CSS Playscheme Coordinator, on 07917 068225, for details of playschemes for disabled children (or email Alison.lucas@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
• Childcare Vouchers and Employer Supported Childcare Schemes: Some employers offer provider support for childcare to their workforce through vouchers or places with local childcare providers. These schemes are exempt from tax and National Insurance. If your employer would like support to set up a scheme, ask them to call 01954 284203 for more information and advice, or log on to www.hmrc.gov.uk/helpsheets/e18.pdf.
Registered childcare providers offer inclusive childcare provision. If your child or family situation requires additional support, please speak to your chosen childcare provider and they will support you or, with your consent, seek professional and/or financial support to help you.
If you cannot find suitable childcare, please contact Cambridgeshire’s Childcare Information Service (see contact details above) or Cambridgeshire County Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service on 01954 273360.
