Keeping children safe during a flood

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 Flood waters present a serious threat to personal health and safety, and children can be particularly at risk. Follow these simple rules to make sure your children remain safe. Floodwater areas Never allow children to play in floodwater areas, and wash floodwater-contaminated toys with hot water or disinfect them before they are used. You should also wash [...]

Fire safety advice for parents and child carers

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 Fire and children Fires in the home kill dozens of children every year, accounting for nearly half of all accidental child deaths. Children are naturally drawn to the warmth and light of fire, but without the proper guidance this can turn into a dangerous fascination. Children under the age of 10 cause 6,000 fires a year. Talking [...]

Leaving children at home alone

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 The most important factor to consider is how mature the child is. For instance, it may be okay to leave a very mature or ‘grown up’ 12 year old alone for a day while you are at work, but not a 13 year old who is not mature. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty [...]

Childcare Act guarantees a sure start for future generations

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 The Childcare Bill has now received Royal Assent becoming the Childcare Act. The Act guarantees accessible, high quality childcare and other services for children under five and gives parents greater choice in balancing work and family. Marking the first ever piece of legislation specifically on early years and childcare, the Act places responsibility for childcare provision [...]

Childcare information services

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 Your local Children’s Information Service (CIS) can also advise you on childcare options and availability in your area. These services provide quality, impartial information and guidance on childcare, early education and other children’s services. They hold information on Ofsted registered childcare such as day nurseries, out-of-school clubs, pre-school playgroups and childminders, as well as unregistered childcare [...]

Childcare options

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 our childcare options include: * Sure Start Children’s Centres - offer early learning, childcare, health advice and family support for families with children up to age five * crèches - provide occasional care for children under eight * [...]

Early years education

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 All three and four year olds are entitled to twelve-and-a-half hours of free early years education a week, for 38 weeks a year, with a ‘registered provider’ such as a school, nursery or playgroup, regardless of income or circumstances. Some large employers provide registered early years education at the workplace. You can also use a registered [...]

Getting Started: Developing childcare in and around schools

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 A resource for schools and partners A must have resource providing essential guidance on delivering the childcare element of the extended schools core offer – extended primary schools are required to offer access to childcare 8am-6pm, 48 weeks a year. This guide supports all those developing childcare in and around schools and covers the essential elements of [...]

Why choose a childminder?

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 Using childcare in a home environment can be more flexible than other forms of childcare. Also, your children can enjoy real-life learning experiences like cooking, shopping, gardening, mealtimes and outings to the park and library. Childminders can be spontaneous, too - making the most of a sunny or unexpectedly snowy day as a great opportunity for [...]

Resources for local authorities

Posted by admin on June 9, 2008 Whether you’re a children’s information service, childcare team or employer you will find the following leaflets of interest. You can view the leaflets by clicking the leaflet titles. NCMA also offers a range of leaflets aimed at childminders and parents which you can distribute in your area. Visit the parent library and childcarer library to download [...]