Solihull Childcare Month
For many parents, life can be a juggling act between looking after their children and going to work or enjoying their own hobbies and social life.
Sometimes they need somebody else to take care of their children for them, whether it's for a whole day or a few hours.
Often parents use informal childcare such as a family friend or relative because they don't understand what a registered childcare provider can offer or think they would be too expensive.
Registered child childcare providers such as Holiday Playschemes , Out of School Clubs , Day Nurseries , Pre-Schools , and Childminders , support children's learning and development from a young age in areas such as language skills, social skills, physical development, intellectual development, and creativity.
And from 21 May until the end of June Solihull childcare providers are taking part in Solihull Childcare Month to give parents / carers the chance to find out more about the quality of childcare and the options available in Solihull.
All children aged three and four are entitled to 12.5 hours of free Early Education places at many local childcare providers and this is increasing to 15 hours from September 2010.
Financial help is also available for many parents towards the cost of childcare through Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits
Throughout Solihull Childcare Month, over 30 childcare providers will be opening their doors and holding special events to showcase their services.
Our Children's Information Service can provide all the help and advice parents need on finding the right people to care for their children.
Childcare for under 8s lasting 2 hours or more is Ofsted inspected (some exceptions apply for example sports based activity groups) and checks are carried out on all staff. More advice about what kind of questions parents should be asking care providers is available on this website.
Recently, we asked parents for their views about the childcare available in the borough. Their feedback will help us improve and develop the services on offer.
And why not take the opportunity during Childcare Month to visit our dedicated websites designed especially with children and young people in mind http://www.4u2dosolihull.org/ and www.solihullyouthspace.org/
They are packed full of information, events and activities for children and young people.
Parents and carers can also find useful information on the Solihull One Voice website at http://www.solihullonevoice.org/