Solihull Children's Information Service

Childcare

Information for parents and carers

Childcare help for busy parents

Dedicated to helping busy parents make the right decision about childcare, and where applicable, gain financial assistance, is the Solihull Children's Information Service, the public face of the early years and childcare service.

This friendly information resource can provide all the help and advice you need on finding the right people to care for your children - pre-school, out of school or during the holidays.

Confidential, free and impartial advice

Our expert staff are here to help you make the most of the services which are available locally including:

• childminders - for children of all ages including out of school and holiday care based in the home.
• day nurseries - providing full day care for children up to the age of 5 years
• playgroups - childcare, play and early years education for children between 2 and 5 years
• out of school clubs - open before and after school for 4 to 11 year olds
• holiday play schemes - for children up to 14 year olds, a great place for youngsters to meet and enjoy a range of activities
• parent and toddler groups - including 'play and stay' and 'two's groups' - organised for children under 5 and their carers
• schools - maintained and independent
• Working Tax Credit - financial assistance for most working families on low and middle incomes
• Child Tax Credit - available for most working parents who pay for registered childcare

Our helpline facility is available 24 hours a day (answerphone service for out of hours calls) or please visit http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/.

Choosing Childcare

These documents will help you to select the best childcare option for you and your children:

• Choosing a childminder (PDF)
• Choosing a day nursery (PDF)
• Choosing a playgroup (PDF)
• Choosing out of school and holiday childcare (PDF)

Contact

Telephone helpline 0800 389 8667 (24 hr answer machine)
childrensinfo@solihull.gov.uk for further information.

http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/