Childcare is an important factor in many parents’ lives, especially if you rely on it while you are working or studying. Before you decide to move to a new area, it is important for you to consider all the facilities and services that are available to you and to include decent reliable childcare needs as part of that decision.
There is a local Children’s Information Service (CIS) based in every local authority area, which can provide you with the details of all registered childcare that is available locally, including private, voluntary or state run, and for children of all ages. Depending on the age of your child, you might also want to consider a different form of childcare. You can contact Daycare Trust’s - the national childcare campaign - Information Line on 020 7840 3350, if you would like to discuss your childcare options with someone.
Some holiday playschemes and clubs advertise their vacancies at the last minute, just as the holiday approaches and will only provide details to the CIS at that time.
In some areas it is possible to put your name down on a waiting list so that when vacancies become available at holiday times, you already have your child’s name down. But beware, places can be snapped up very quickly and are often allocated on a first come first served basis. It is worth speaking to the local CIS to see whether they can give you an idea of how holiday vacancies are normally advertised in your area. You can contact them via ChildcareLink on o800 234 6346.
Childminders can be a very good form of childcare that fits in with your home life, however, if there is only one in the area you are thinking about moving to, they might well have no vacancies and also have a waiting list; contact them direct for details. You might want to consider looking at surrounding areas if it is practical for you to travel, as there may be additional childcare available there.
Consider carefully your reasons for wanting to move to the new area and weigh them up against what is available there for you and your family, before making any important decisions.
www.daycaretrust.org.uk
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