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Welcome to this special edition of Outlook: the newsletter from the early years and childcare section of North Lanarkshire Council, Learning and Leisure Services.
This newsletter brings together a number of articles and sources of information which should answer any questions you may have about the childcare services you need as a parent or carer in North Lanarkshire.
If you need to find out about primary admissions, nursery applications, support for working parents, or who to ask about tax credits, we have tried to answer all your questions.
If you think there's something we haven't covered, please let us know! The next edition of this special newsletter will be available this Autumn in web only format at the nlchildcare website.
I am sure you will find the information useful and interesting.
Ray Murphy
Education Officer, Early Years and Childcare
Childcare services in North Lanarkshire
Contents
How do I choose the right kind of childcare for me?
| If you aren't sure about what type of childcare you want – nursery, playschool, childminder, babysitter, what the differences are between them, or what the costs of childcare are likely to be, ask for a copy of the new Choosing Childcare leaflet, available from the Childcare Information Service or to download from the nlchildcare website. This handy leaflet also gives details of what to look for in a childcare centre – legal requirements, training, and certificates you can ask to see. |
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How do I find information on childcare?
Have you struggled to find out about childcare provision in your area? North Lanarkshire Childcare Information Service is a telephone helpline and web-based service which provides information and advice on the whole range of childcare services available for children aged 0-16 throughout North Lanarkshire. Visit scottishchildcare, call the helpline on 01236 812281 or email chis@northlan.gov.uk. The website can give you a list of all providers in your area or near a given postcode. The telephone helpline can also give you advice on specific requirements (such as dietary requirements), availability, and will send you a list of providers which meet your criteria.
New website launched!
A new website with quick links to everything you need to know about childcare in North Lanarkshire has been developed. The nlchildcare website has information on and links to the Childcare Information Service, the local area networks, information on tax credits, childcare vouchers, and all the other information from this newsletter. If there is anything else you think should be available on the website, email add@nlchildcare.co.uk or comment in the web forum.
How do I apply for a nursery place?
Since 2002, a free nursery place is available in North Lanarkshire for every three and four year old child. You need to fill in an application form to apply for these places, and the application forms must be submitted in February each year. As well as independent and voluntary sector nurseries, there are three types of council establishments which offer nursery places:
Nursery classes
Located in primary schools, classes offer term time places of a minimum of two and a half hours per day usually for five mornings or five afternoons each week. Places are available for three and four year old children. In
larger classes, subject to availability, you may be able to pay for additional childcare.
Nursery schools
Nursery schools are managed by a nursery head teacher and offer term time places of a minimum of two and a half hours per day usually for five mornings or five afternoons each week. Places are generally available
for three and four year old children. In larger schools, subject to availability, you may be able to pay for additional childcare.
Nursery centres
Nursery centres are managed by a head of centre and are open all year including school holidays. They can provide full-time places subject to availability.
The availability of free places depends on the age of each child. In independent and voluntary sector nurseries there may be the option to pay for additional childcare over and above the free place given.
More information on free nursery places is available from the Choosing Childcare leaflet, which can be downloaded from nlchildcare or the Childcare Information Service on 01236 812281.
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