Finding childcare

Choosing the right childcare can be a daunting task. There are many different types of childcare available and you need to decide which type or types will best suit the individual needs of you and your child.

Shropshire Children’s Information Service (CIS) has been established to help you make the best use of childcare and children’s services available in your area. We can provide free, impartial and up to date information on all registered childcare and early years provision and can support you in making an informed choice about the type of quality setting you want your child to access.

The CIS can provide information on the following registered childcare,

• childminders
• day nurseries
• pre-school playgroups
• out of school clubs
• holiday playschemes
• crèche.

They also have information on,

• carer and toddler groups
• children and young people’s activity clubs.

Contact the Children's Information Service for a full list of what's available in your area and supporting information, including a DVD entitled Choosing Quality Childcare.

This page also offers publications on the following subjects:

• general information about Shropshire Children's Information Service
• A Guide to Childcare, Early Education and Play
• link to Ofsted for general information for parents.

If you have any difficulties downloading these items please contact us for copies.

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

Shropshire County Council has a statutory duty to undertake an assessment of the sufficiency of childcare in the county by the end of March 2008. This assessment will identify whether there is enough childcare to meet the needs of children and families. In particular, it will need to focus on the needs of working parents and children with a disability.

We are required to identify any gaps between the demand and supply of childcare taking into account:

• Type of childcare
• Age range
• Geographical location
• Times of opening
• Special needs
• Affordability

In order to assess this, the Early Years Education and Childcare Team in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and other teams within the County Council is undertaking the first county wide consultation with parents, young people, professionals, early years and childcare providers, and employers to identify whether existing provision meets needs.

This consultation will take place using a range of consultation methods throughout the autumn, resulting in the publication of the draft findings for further comment by the end of the year. The final report is due to be published by the end of March 2008.

Shropshire County Council will then have 12 months in which to fill any identified gaps where practicable.

For a copy of the statutory guidance visit www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/search/IG00194 (follow the link on this page)

If you would like any further information about the assessment please contact Jo Williams on 01743 254569.