Welcome to the new Family Connect website

Family Connect is a free, confidential service providing, impartial advice, information, guidance and support on a full range of children's services available across the borough including childcare, activities, school admissions and finance.

Family Connect aims to ensure that families are getting the right help at the right time.

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Choosing childcare

Choosing childcare

Search for childcare

Choosing a quality assured childminder

Childminders who are members of the ‘Talking Childminders Network’ have to
work to additional criteria and be able to demonstrate they are meeting the
PACEY Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.

Some points to consider when choosing childcare

Next steps to take The Family and Childcare Trust have produced a five step guide to choosing childcare to help you make an informed decision about your childcare arrangements.

Overview of the different types of childcare

Nurseries

Nurseries can range in size from small settings, for 15 - 20 children, to much larger settings, for around 100 children. Nurseries generally operate between 7.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and most are open all year round. They may operate as a private business, a voluntary or community organisation or be a nursery school or linked to a school.

Most nurseries have separate rooms or areas for groups of babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Nurseries are also required to be registered with Ofsted and quality details of each nursery in Telford can be found on the Ofsted website.

Childminders

Childminders are self-employed child carers who care for other people's children in a safe and caring environment in their own home. Childminders play a key role in supporting and nurturing children's development.

Childminders often develop a special relationship with the child(ren) and their families; replicating a rich and personalised experience that many parents give their children in their own home. Childminders normally care for children from aged 3 months. Some childminders are able to collect children from school or nursery and many carry on caring for school aged children before and after school and during school holidays.

Childminders are required by law to be registered with Ofsted, if they offer a childcare service in their own home, for more than two hours per day for children aged under eight years.

Childminders are usually paid on an hourly basis at a rate negotiated with the parent. You'll need to discuss required hours, holiday pay and other terms and conditions and ensure that details of these are included in the contract you have with your childminder. For a list of Childminders in your area, please contact Family Connect. 

Children's Centres

Children's Centre's provide a range of services for children and their families, including childcare and early learning aimed at parents and carers of children aged under 5. View details of Children's Centre's in Telford and Wrekin.

Pre-schools and play groups

Pre-school/Playgroups provide play and early education for children aged 2 - 5 years. The hours of operation vary widely and usually operate only during school term time.

Pre-school/ Playgroups operate from a variety of locations including community centres, church halls, scout huts and others utilise purpose built facilities on or near school sites.

Children attend playgroups for a variety of reasons including; to gain sound educational experiences with the emphasis on learning through play; to develop skills and confidence prior to starting school; and to have opportunities to socialise and make friends. For advice and a list of childcare providers contact Family Connect.

Out of school and holiday clubs

Out of school (before and after school) clubs are for school age children to play and learn, and have fun in groups. Out of school clubs are specifically open after school and will usually collect your child from school and take them to the after-school club. They are usually based on or near the school site.

Out of school clubs can be registered with Ofsted and inspected each year, provided they are caring for children eight years of age and under, for more than two hours every day. If they run for under 2 hours they do not have to be registered.

Holiday clubs are childcare for children in the school holidays, normally for school aged children, that allows parents to continue to work or train during the school holidays. The type of service and the age of children attending will determine whether the provision is registered with Ofsted.

For information on out of school clubs and holiday clubs please contact your local school or contact Family Connect.

Useful links

Please visit the below websites for more information, help and support:

 

Free childcare places

View our free childcare places page for more help and support.

Childcare vouchers

Your employer may be able to help you with childcare costs using childcare vouchers or other schemes.

Help with your study

Whether you’re at school, college or university, you could qualify for financial help to cover everything from living expenses and learning costs, to travel and childcare.

Universal Credit

You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or out of work.