Home » Living » Children and families » Childcare » Choosing childcare

Choosing childcare

Choosing childcare is an important and very personal decision. The childcare arrangement which is right for you depends on your child(ren)'s needs and your own situation. Salford Family Information Service can provide you with up to date, impartial, quality information to help you find out about early learning and childcare near where you live or work.

On the linked pages you can find out about:

The different types of childcare provision in Salford, from childminders to out of school clubs

Ofsted registered childcare

The Early Years Foundation Stage

How to get help with childcare costs

Who to contact if you have concerns or wish to complain about childcare provision

Seven essentials when choosing childcare:

Research your options - contact Salford FIS about available places, hours, costs etc

Make sure that the childcare is high quality - have a list of questions and don't be afraid to ask

Find out if the provider is registered with Ofsted and whether they've been inspected recently

Ask other parents about what's worked for them - go with what you think is best

Think about what best suits your child - take your child with you to see how they get on with the staff and surroundings

You can always combine different types of childcare to suit you, but make sure you get it all in writing once a decision has been made

You should always visit before you choose and feel free to go back for a second viewing, preferably at a different time of day

For more information on choosing a childcare provider visit the Daycare Trust website for their top tips, advice on what to look for and what to ask when you visit a setting, advice on taking up references and considering children's views.

You can also download the DCSF's 'Essential Guide to Early Learning and Childcare for You and Your Family: 0-5 Years', from the bottom of the page or request a hard copy from Salford FIS. Other booklets in the series include the Essential Guide to Childcare for 5-11 Year Olds and the Essential Guide to Out of School Hours and Holiday Activities for 11-16 Year Olds, which can be downloaded below.

Parent discussion forums

Talking to other parents about their experiences is really beneficial. There are a number of parents' forums that you could use to talk about childcare and a vast array of other topics related to children and parenting.

• Netmums - click on 'coffee house chat' for the online forum
• Dadtalk
• Dads-Space
• One Space - for single parents
• Contact-a-Family has it's makingcontact forum pages, which link families of disabled children

Want to know more?

Whatever you want to do, whatever questions you have, call the Salford Family Information Service FREE on 0800 195 5565, text 0797 191 3293 or email us at FIS@salford.gov.uk.

This page was last updated on 15 March 2010

• Childcare
• Concerns and complaints about childcare
• Quality and standards in childcare