Frequently asked questions
General
What is the Family Information Service (FIS)?
For parents
Where can I get a list of childminders in my area?
Where can I get a list of nurseries or
playgroups/pre-schools in my area?
Where can I find out about parent and toddler groups
in my local area?
Where can I get a list of out of school clubs and
holiday playschemes in my area?
What is the Nursery Education Grant and when will my
child be eligible for the grant?
How do I complain about the childcare my child
receives?
Careers in childcare
How can I become a registered childminder?
How do I open up an out of school provision or a day care setting?
Where can I find out about a career in childcare?
General
What
is the Children's Information Service (CIS)?
The
Family Information Service provides information
on the full range of Oftsed registered childcare available in the
borough. We hold details of childminders, nurseries, playgroups,
breakfast and after-school clubs and holiday playschemes.
We also provide information on Tax Credit advice, parent and
toddler groups, childcare funding, activities for 0–19 and
information for families of children with special needs. We can
help you to find childcare specific to your needs.
For parents
Where
can I get a list of childminders in my area?
A list of childminders with vacancies can be
obtained from the
Family Information Service or you can search
for childminders on the
National Childcare database.
Where
can I get a list of nurseries or playgroups/pre-schools in
my area?
A list of nurseries or playgroups/pre-schools with
vacancies can be obtained from
Family Information Service or you can
search for nurseries or playgroups/pre-schools on the
National Childcare database.
Where
can I find out about parent and toddler groups in my local
area?
For a list of parent and toddler groups in your area telephone the Family Information Service or you can search for groups on the National Childcare database.
Parent and toddler groups are ideal places to meet other families with pre-school children. They are set up in for parents and carers of children who are aged 0-5 years. Members often run the groups themselves on a voluntary basis. Some groups meet during term time, and as many have waiting lists it is advisable to telephone the contact number first.
Where
can I get a list of out of school clubs and holiday
playschemes in my area?
A list of out of school clubs and holiday
playschemes with vacancies can be obtained from
Family Information Service or you can search
for out of school clubs and holiday playschemes on the
National Childcare database.
What
is the Nursery Education Grant and when will my child be
eligible for the grant?
The Nursery Education Grant entitles every three and four year old attending an eligible provider in the borough to a subsidised early education place. A child becomes eligible the term after their third birthday.
How
do I complain about the childcare my child receives?
All registered childminders, nurseries, playgroups,
breakfast/after-school clubs, holiday playschemes and crèches are
inspected by The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
If you have a concern or complaint with a childcare setting, your first step should be to discuss your concern with the childminder or setting.
If you feel you cannot resolve your concern or feel unable to approach the childminder or setting, you can contact Ofsted by ringing the Early Years Complaints helpline on 0845 601 4772. Or alternatively contact the Family Information Service who will forward your complaint to Ofsted on your behalf.
Careers in childcare
How
can I become a registered childminder?
To register as a childminder you will need to
contact the
Family Information Service. An information pack
will be sent to you, and at a later date you will be invited to a
pre-registration session for new childminders.
How
do I open up an out of school provision or a day care
setting?
To register as an out of
out of school provision of day care setting you
will need to contact the
Family Information Service. An information
pack will be sent to relating to the type of setting, the process
and support available.
Where
can I find out about a career in childcare?
If you need advice on working in the childcare
profession or are looking for childcare job vacancies you can
telephone Freeha Khan, recruitment officer, on (020) 8825 5946 or
email
frkhan@ealing.gov.uk.