Publications

Choosing the right kind of childcare setting can be a difficult decision but help is available. Altogether Better for Children, the Government’s Early Years campaign has produced a Childcare Checklist that you might find helpful when choosing the type of childcare best suited to your situation. 

Your child's learning, development and care: birth to five
This pack is aimed at parents and carers and outlines what good quality childcare should be and provides ideas about the simple, free things which can be done at home to provide a rich home learning experience. Download the pack here

0-5 Years: The Essential Guide to Early Learning and Childcare For You and Your Family  The first few years of a child’s life are a precious time. So if parents are looking for early learning and childcare, it is important that it's in a stimulating environment with adults who are warm and who care. This booklet lists the options available to parents, tells them about all the measures in place to make sure providers offer children fun and play, and keep them safe. It also contains information on free entitlement, tax credit support and other ways to help pay for it. This will make a difference to helping parents make the right choice and give them the confidence that whatever they choose, their baby or child will be happy, safe, learning and developing in a way that is right for them.
Download a pack

The Essential Guide to Childcare For You and Your Family: 5-11 Years - Booklet  This booklet provides parents of 5-11 year olds with the most up-to-date information on childcare and out of school clubs to enable them to make the best choice for their child. It forms part of a series of booklets that replace the popular “Looking for Childcare” booklet. Download a pack

The Essential Guide to Out of School and Holiday Care: 11-16 Years  Once their child reaches secondary school there may be times when parents or other family members can’t be there to look after them. Work hours and school times don’t always fit. But bringing together information on support and activities available can help parents with their choices. This booklet contains everything parents need to know about their options, how to choose and how to get the financial help available to pay for it. Download a pack


Care to Learn  This leaflet is aimed at young parents and explains the Care to Learn Scheme and benefits of staying on in learning. It also provides information on how to apply for support. Download a pack