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Finding local childcare

For information about childcare providers in your area, contact your local authority Family Information Service (FIS).

Your local FIS is a free information service for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 19. They can give information and advice to help you find and choose childcare, and also help you find activities for your children locally.

• England: family information services Opens new window

• Wales: family information services Opens new window

• Scotland: childcare provision and other information and advice for families Opens new window

• Northern Ireland: family support services Opens new window

Choosing a childcare provider

Entrusting a stranger with your child is a big step, so before you choose a provider you may want to consider the following tips:

• give yourself plenty of time to choose – holiday playschemes, for example, get booked up in advance
• ask other parents for recommendations
• make appointments to visit two or three providers to compare what’s on offer, and get a feel for the staff
• think about your child’s personality and interests – what environment will they prefer?
• check opening times, holiday dates and costs

• Ofsted's guide to choosing childcare Opens new window

What to look for in a provider

The following checklist may come in handy when choosing a childcare provider:

• does the childcare setting have a friendly feel?
• is it clean, light, well ventilated and big enough for children to be active indoors and outdoors?
• are there places where the children can rest?
• are the toys sufficiently varied (do they differ in size, texture, colour and shape)?
• do the children look happy?
• are the carers talking to the children in a way that interests and encourages them?
• are there plenty of children of your child’s age?
• are the provider and carers Ofsted registered?
• is the furniture of a sufficiently high standard?
• are there enough staff to keep an eye on all children? (at least one member of staff for every eight children aged three to five)
• do the staff manage behaviour appropriately? (there should be a written policy for you to see)

• Ofsted registration for childcare - all the facts

Questions to ask childcare providers

You may want to ask about the following:

• safety – what happens in an emergency?
• are the premises secure (can strangers get in)?
• what training and experience do the carers have?
• how does the provider report safety incidents to parents?
• do the carers know first aid?
• what is the staff’s view on discipline?
• what activities are on offer?
• what happens if you are late picking up your child?
• what food is provided (is it healthy)?
• who can you talk to about your child’s progress?
• what happens if your child becomes ill?

It might also be a good idea to ask to see the provider’s written health and safety policy (every group care provider should have one).

Monitoring your child's care

Once you have chosen a provider, give them clear information about your child's likes and dislikes and any health issues they may have. After a few weeks, you might want to go back and speak to the provider to find out how your child is getting on.

It's also a good idea to talk to your child, to make sure they are happy and comfortable with their care provider.

More useful links

• Tax credits (money, tax and benefits section)

• National Childminding Association

• Open Family Services Opens new window