Useful Childcare links
This page contains other sources of childcare information and
useful websites.
Childcare link
The Government launched the ChildcareLink helpline and website
in December 1999 as part of the National Childcare Strategy. This
strategy aims to help people back into the workplace by removing
the childcare barrier. The ChildcareLink service is funded by the
Department for Education and Skills and the Scottish
Executive.
The ChildcareLink service comprises the ChildcareLink web
site, a national information line 08000 96 02 96, and details of
local Children's Information Services (CIS). The CISs provide
face-to-face or phone advice on all aspects of childcare.
The ChildcareLink national website provides childcare and
early years information collected from over 170 English and
Scottish local authorities, with sign-posting information from the
Welsh National Assembly. The website helps you find useful
information about the different types of childcare and early
education in your local area and helps you to make the right choice
for the whole family. The site also contains details of your local
Children's Information Service, who can provide additional help and
advice with all aspects of childcare and early years.
The details are updated on a regular basis and all providers
are registered with, and inspected by OFSTED, in England, and the
Care Commission in Scotland.
Daycare Trust
The Daycare Trust is a charity promoting quality childcare
that is affordable, accessible and based on principles of equality.
It addresses childcare in the context of both children's needs and
their parents' employment, training and support needs. The Daycare
Trust provides a free information service to parents and publishes
research, guides and information packs.
EDNA - Essex Day Nurseries Association
Founded in response to a need for a local organisation to
represent independent day nurseries and enable them to speak with
one voice.
Members in Harlow:
School Gate Day Nursery 01279 416708; Jigsaw Day Nursery 01279
441277; Hare Street Family Centre 01279 635251 and Pre School Unit,
Kingsmoor House 01279 446125.
4Children
4Children is the major charity for Out of School Childcare in
the UK, offering: practical help and support for those wishing to
start up a scheme; an information 'helpline' about out of school
care; training for playcare workers and advice on all aspects of
out of school care.
The Pre-School Learning Alliance
The Pre-School Learning Alliance (formerly Pre-School
Playgroups Association) are the national umbrella organisation for
pre-school playgroups. They provide support, advice and information
to playgroups and parents and those who might like to work in a
playgroup.
Essex Pre School Learning Alliance, Dorset Avenue, Great
Baddow, Chelmsford,
Tel: 01245 478497 or Pre School Learning Alliance, National
Centre, 69 Kings Cross Road London, WC1X 9LL
Parentline Plus
A national organisation for anyone parenting a child or young
person and who is in need of support, guidance or
information.
FREEPHONE 0808 800 2222. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat
9.30am-5pm; Sun 10am-3pm. TEXTPHONE 0800 783 6783. Open 9am-5pm
Mon-Fri.
Parentline Plus, Third Floor, Chapel House, 18 Hatton Place
London EC1N 8RU
Tel: 020 7209 2460
Fax: 020 7209 2461
National Childminding Association
(NCMA)
The National Childminding Association is a registered charity
formed to raise standards and enhance the image and status of
childminding. The association works to improve conditions for
childminders, children, parents and daycare officers. They offer
training, information and advice and encourage local childminding
support networks. They can help people who wish to take up
childminding and can give advice to parents on what to look for in
a childminder.
Childminding Services Manager - Essex
Northgate House
Plough Road Centre
Great Bentley
Colchester CO7 8LG
Tel/Fax: 01206 252301
The Early Years and Childcare Service
The Early Years and Childcare Service works with
partner childcare organisations to provide training and development
to staff who work in childcare.
Major partner organisations are the Pre-School Learning
Alliance, 4Children, National Childminding Association and Day
Nursery Association.
Early Years and Childcare Resource Centre
Broomfield Place
189 Main Road
Broomfield
Chemlsford CM1 7EQ
Children's Information Service
01245 440400
Can provide information to parents and carers about the
different types of Ofsted registered childcare that is available in
Essex and our aim is to ensure a universal nursery education place
for every three and four year old who wants one
www.childcarelink.gov.uk
OFSTED
Has responsility to register and inspection of day-care and
childminder provision to ensure that providers meet the national
standards. Parents can be confident that registered childcare
providers meet a set standards of childcare