Childcare providers

Starting Life Well Service

The Early Years Service has been renamed Starting Life Well. This reflects a shift in focus to support children in the early years to reach their full potential, regardless of their family income or background and that we continue to narrow the inequalities gap across the city and to help improve and enhance the lives and experiences of all children aged from birth to five years, in Salford.

We want all our children and young people to have the best start in life and to be able to lead safe, healthy, fulfilling lives. We want them to make a positive contribution to their communities and to society.

The provision of nursery education and childcare places supports many aspects of family life in Salford. Not only does it enhance children’s development and educational achievement, but assists parents’ economic needs, by helping them to work or train and develop professionally. Quality childcare provision can also provide opportunities for children’s social development, positive play experiences and support for parents with their challenging but satisfying role of bringing up children in today’s world.

Salford is committed to working in partnership with our childcare providers to develop a high quality childcare workforce across the city and facilitate a thriving, sustainable childcare market. We aim to provide the support, advice and training to meet the legal and development needs of our childcare providers.

How to contact the Starting Life Well Service

Email us at SLW@salford.gov.uk.

Training programme

Childcare provider essential training booklet.

Child protection

Salford Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB) is responsible for co-ordinating, monitoring and improving services to make sure that children and young people receive the care and support they deserve. You can download a leaflet aimed at professionals working with children, young people and families, below.

Basic awareness in child protection e-learning module  

If you have attended our basic safeguarding training and would like a refresher, there is now an e-learning course which can be accessed via the council’s website. The course content has been validated by the Salford Safeguarding Children Board strategic training group. The course is open to any adult who has internet access and an email address. A certificate is provided for those who successfully complete the course.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Get information on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the new single framework for services working with children aged up to five years.

Salford Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2011

The Salford Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2011 is now complete and available to download. The report looks at the supply of, and demand for, childcare in the city and if there are any key gaps in the market.

Childcare insurance

There are many companies that offer Insurance for the childcare sector, listed below are links to some of the more well-known companies.

• NCMA
• Pre-school Learning Alliance
• Morton Michel 

Free resources

Visit iChild For free resources for parents, grandparents and childcare providers, hundreds of free printable activities for babies through to 11 year olds.

Do you want to buy, sell or give away office furniture? The want don't want website allows you to do just that. You might pick up a bargain for your provision.

Vetting and barring scheme put on hold

The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) for nine million people working with children and vulnerable adults has been halted so that a review can be carried out for a more measured approach. Voluntary registration with the VBS for new employees and people changing jobs was due to start on 26 July 2010. This registration has now been stopped. The scheme will now be scaled back to more common-sense levels, the government said, amid concerns that it was disproportionate and infringed on civil liberties. The Home Office will be in charge of remodelling the scheme with the Department for Education and the Department of Health. Details are being finalised and will be announced shortly. The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will continue to maintain the lists of those people who are barred from working with children and adults. Current requirements for Criminal Records Bureau checks will continue to apply.

National Associations and support for childcare providers

• National Childminding Association (NCMA)
• Pre-School Learning Alliance
• National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
• Out of School Alliance 
• Ofsted
• Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC)
• SkillsActive - playwork

Who to contact

Name

Salford Starting Life Well Service

Address

Children's Services
Second Floor
Unity House
Swinton
Salford
M27 5AW
Map to this location

Telephone

0161 909 6508

Email

SLW@salford.gov.uk

Additional information

Text 0797 191 3293

This page was last updated on 23 September 2011