Childcare Services

Childcare provision can come in many forms.  You may work and have young children to find childcare for, you may be looking for after school clubs, or childcare for before and after school or during the school holidays, or you may wish to find toddler groups where you can go with your child to aid their development.

Finding Childcare

Online search tools

• Shropshire Children's Information Service have a search tool that lets you specify a town and the type of childcare you are looking for.
• Directgov also has a similar childcare search tool

Guidance for finding childcare

• Directgov has a comprehensive childcare section containing information on choosing childcare, types of childcare, childcare benefits and the Childcare Act 2006.
• Sure Start publishes a 'Looking for Childcare?' booklet that can be downloaded online.
• Ofsted inspects and reports on childminders and children's day care providers.

Childcare Links

• Ofsted has published a report titled 'Early years: Safe and sound' on how registered childcare providers are helping children to stay safe and be healthy.
• Sure Start has a comprehensive page of links related to parental support.
• Parents Centre Forum allows parents to discuss all aspects of parenting with other parents.

Shropshire Children's Information Service

Shropshire County Council operates the Shropshire Children's Information Service.  The service provides free and impartial information and guidance on the full range of childcare and children's services available throughout Shropshire.  From a single contact point families, carers and professionals can access comprehensive local information relating to the needs of children aged 0-14 years.

In addition to providing information and advice on a variety of childcare related topics, the service also publishes a Children and Young People's Service Directory.

Contact

Telephone: 01743 254339

Address:

Children's Information Service
Shirehall
Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY2 6ND

After School and Kids Clubs

The Shropshire Children's Information Service search tool and Directgov childcare search tool both find out of school care and holiday schemes.

Other Links

• Nursery World - UK Childcare Information
• NDNA - National Day Nurseries Association
• 4Children - Formerly Kids' Club. National organisation representing out of school clubs
• NCMA - National Childminding Association
• Pre-School - Learning Alliance
• Daycare Trust - National Childcare Charity