Choosing Childcare
Your local Children's Information Service has a range of information about the different forms of childcare and activities available in your area.
For advice and listings of registered childcare in the Bradford and Airedale area, telephone the Children's Information Link in Bradford on 01274 437503. The following information explains a variety of childcare provision available, so that you will be in a better position to decide which form of childcare is best for you and your child.
Childminders
Self-employed carers based in their own homes. They should be registered with Ofsted if they take care of children under eight years old. Many childminders continue to care for older children into their teens. Childminders can often offer a more flexible service, providing care outside of normal working hours and may be able to offer emergency and overnight care.
The Children's Information Link can help you to find a childminder in your area, including NHS childminders (Quality Assured childminders who are part of the Children Come First network). These childminders can provide care outside of normal working hours, catering for long shifts or weekend work. The new Approved Home Carers scheme allows registered childcarers to be based within parents' own homes. There are a limited number of carers currently on this scheme. For further information on childminders visit National Childminding Association website http://www.ncma.org.uk/
Nannies
Employed by you to look after your child in your own home. Nannies can live in, or can come to your home for set days and hours. They do not need childcare qualifications, but many have nursery nurse training or other qualifications in childcare. It is up to parents to check and interview prospective nannies. The Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit has been extended to include nannies, which means that you could be entitled to financial help to employ a nanny if you are on a low income. To find out whether you are entitled to Working Tax Credit, and the criteria your nanny must meet, contact the Inland Revenue Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900.
More details of employing a nanny is available at www.surestart.gov.uk We have collated a list of websites for more information on nannies, to view this, click here.
Playgroups
Run by trained early years professionals, playgroups provide education and care for children under five years old. They offer a variety of sessional, extended day care and full day care, and have an emphasis on parental involvement within the sessions. Playgroups often have a long waiting list, so try to put your child's name down as soon as possible to ensure a place.
Day Nurseries
Provide full and part time care and education for children under five years old. All nurseries must be registered and inspected regularly by Ofsted. Many nurseries fit in with a normal working day of 8am to 6pm, although NHS nurseries offer more flexible hours. Nurseries often have limited places available, but are usually open all year round.
For further information on Day Nurseries visit National Day Nurseries Association website - www.ndna.org.uk We have one on-site nursery in Airedale, and four partnership nurseries in Bradford, further details of these nurseries are available by clicking here. Nursery Schools Open during school hours, and usually only within term time. They offer care and education for children aged 2 and a half to 5 years. Children can attend nursery schools either for part time sessions or full time. It is usually free of charge, but nursery schools at fee paying schools may charge.
All Nursery schools are regulated and inspected by Ofsted, whether they are privately run, run by the Local Authority, or are part of a primary school. To view Ofsted reports for nursery schools in the Yorkshire region, click here. Schools Further information about schools in the area is available from the Ofsted website.
Out-of-school care / Extended Schools
Out-of-school clubs are provided for school aged children after school, and during school holidays. They are usually based in school premises, or in youth or community centres. Out-of-school clubs and holiday clubs are Ofsted inspected. Some schools offer extended days during term-time, to care for children before and after school (for example via breakfast clubs and homework clubs.) For more information about out-of-school care, visit www.4children.org.uk website (formerly Kids' Club Network).
Children’s Information Link
Your local Children's Information Service has a range of information about the different forms of childcare and activities available in your area. For listings of registered childcare in the Bradford and Airedale area, telephone the Children's Information Link in Bradford on 01274 437503. As many staff may live in surrounding areas, you may find the following contact details of other Children's Information Services in the region of use:
- Leeds: 0113 247 4386
- Calderdale: 01422 253053
- Kirklees: 01484 223041
- North Yorkshire: 0845 601 1630
- Lancashire: 0800 195 0137
If you would like to find out about childcare in a region of the UK not listed here, contact Childcare Link on 08000 960296.
Disclaimer
Bradford District Care Trust is not responsible for the contents or reliability of the linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. Listing shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. We can not guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked page.