CHILDCARE OPTIONS
Making the right decisio
AT this time of year many people with young families may be considering an important decision, what best childcare option to go for this September.
However on hand to help and assist parents in Leek and the surrounding area through what can be rather a stressful decision making process is local girl Caroline Johnson, the Early Years Quality Support Consultant at Entrust, the body responsible for childcare provisions locally.
As Caroline explained:“ Whether you work full time or you would just like your child to socialise with other young children in a quality environment, there is an abundance of childcare providers in this area that can accommodate your needs.
“ Every type of childcare is different, and has both advantages and disadvantages. You need to determine what type of childcare best fits in with you and your family’ s life style, and then look at what is available.
“ Below is a quick reference guide to help explain the differences between each type of childcare.”
• Childminders Registered childminders are self-employed carers, who look after your child along with other children, usually in their own home. As they are self-employed, they can set their own working hours. Most are willing to work early mornings, evenings and weekends to
coincide with school drop offs and collections and for holidays. Costs can vary widely. You will need to negotiate hours with your childminder.
A childminder is ideal if you want your child to be cared for in a family home; flexible care; children of different ages to be cared for together; childcare that offers continuity from birth to teenage years.
• Day Nurseries
Provide care and education for children from birth to five years( some offer out-of-school care for five to 11 years). Opening times tend to coincide with a standard working day, 7.30am to 6.00pm. Costs can vary, however most nurseries now provide FREE early education places for three and four year olds on a parttime basis.
Ideal if you want your child in a fixed location with a team of qualified staff; somewhere open virtually all year round; the reassurance that there will always be someone there to care for your child- even if someone is off sick; your child to mix with lots of children; to have access to a wide range of toys and stimulus.
• Nursery Schools and Classes
Nursery schools and classes provide early education and childcare for children between three and five years. Some are part of the state education system, others are
34 Leek Life July / August 2013