Are you looking for childcare?
Whether you are going back to work, starting a course or just want to know what activities are going on in your area for your child, then the Wakefield District Children's Information Service (CIS) can help you by providing a comprehensive Childcare Report.
How to obtain your personal Childcare Report
If you would like a personalised Childcare Report just contact the CIS Information Team on 0800 587 8042 and we will search for childcare based on your specific requirements, then post, email or fax the report to you. To view a sample copy click on the ' sample childcare report' in related downloads. You will also receive leaflets about the different types of childcare, average childcare costs, information on Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.
To help you make an informed choice open the 'Looking for Childcare' booklet on the right which is packed full of information and facts along with lists of useful questions to ask about the setting and some do's and dont's when choosing and arranging childcare. It also contains information on Balancing Family and Work for parents.
Once you have decided the type of childcare you are going to use, you might find the 'Choosing a .........' leaflets useful in the Related Downloads, and the links at the bottom of this page will take you to a list of answers to frequently asked questions about choosing different types of childcare.
Help with Paying for Childcare
There are a number of ways in which you might be eligible to get help to pay for your childcare which are as follows:-
Child Tax Credit/Working Tax Credit - to find out if you are eligible call the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900
Childcare Vouchers - if you work for an employer who provides a childcare voucher scheme you may be able to save upto £1066 per year on the cost of your childcare (depending on the level of income tax and National Insurance Contributions you currently pay). For parents who are unsure whether or not they would save money with childcare vouchers, or are worried about how this could affect their Tax Credits call the CIS. We have an Estimator which calculates whether you would be better off using vouchers, so call for a free calculation.
Nursery Education Funding - a free part-time nursery education place is available for all 3 and 4 year old children at either a local authority nursery or reception class or through a private, voluntary or independent nursery provider that is eligible to receive nursery education funding. For a list of eligible providers contact the CIS.
For those parents who are very young, who are students, lone parents or those who are entering training or work see the Financial Help for Parents in Related Downloads on the right for further support.
If you would like information on how to manage money, keep track of your finances, plan ahead, choose financial products and stay informed about financial matters follow the FSA link on the right.
How to make a complaint about childcare
If for any reason you have concerns about a childcare provider and feel it necessary to make a complaint you should in the first instance discuss your concerns with the provider. If you are not satisfied with the response from the provider you can call the Early Years Complaints Line on 0845 6014772. For more information see Concerns and Complaints in related links on the right.
Family Support
The CIS is able to provide parents with information on a wide range of issues such as parenting, crying baby, in car safety, health, child starting school and more. For parents of children with special needs looking for childcare, the CIS offers an enhanced service, whereby we provide a 'tailored report' after personally contacting the providers to ensure they can look after your child. Currently the CIS is in the process of auditing the provision of Parenting Support across the Wakefield district. Once this has been completed, a list of all known Parenting Support Groups, along with their contact details will be accessible through this website from October 2007. In the meantime, if you need information on Parenting Support call the CIS on 0800 587 8042.
Worklife Balance
Since April 2006 the CIS has taken part in Parent Direct, a free information and advice service that aims to support working parents in finding out their employment rights. The CIS will provide impartial guidance on the rights of working parents for example maternity and paternity rights, flexible working and time off for dependants. We are the joint first CIS in Yorkshire and Humberside to take part in Parent Direct and are one of only 16 across the country. To find out more follow the Parent Direct link on the right or contact the CIS.
Events
During the year the CIS will be involved in a range of outreach activities and events across the Wakefield district, and information will appear here as and when arranged. In the meantime to see where our Outreach Officer will be in the district over the coming weeks follow the link on the right for Outreach Events for a list of dates, times and venues.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What age can I leave my child at home alone?
A. Parents often wonder when it is safe to leave a child at home alone. The law does not specify an age when a child can be left home alone, however, parents can be prosecuted for neglect if by leaving the child alone they are putting them at risk.
The NSPCC advises that no child should be left alone under the age of twelve, or overnight under the age of sixteen.
Q. Leaving a child over 12 at home on their own
A. Age alone is not a sufficient guide to when you can leave a child at home on their own. If you are considering leaving a child over 12 at home alone you should ensure they able to cope in an emergency and know what to do and how to contact the emergency services. It's also a good idea to leave telephone numbers of where your child can contact you.
Q. How old does a babysitter have to be?
A. There is no legal age for a babysitter. Parents should carefully assess a babysitter under sixteen. Under some circumstances parents can be prosecuted if any harm comes to their child whilst a babysitter under sixteen is supervising them.
Q. When can an older child look after a younger one?
A. You will need to decide whether the older child is mature enough to look after the younger child. If the older child is under sixteen you must be prepared to take responsibility for anything that should go wrong in your absence. You are also responsible for the care and safety of your older child.
