Schools, early years and childcare

Parents who are working or studying need good quality childcare for their children and in Medway there are several options to choose from.

The type of childcare will depend on the age of the child and the parent's particular circumstances, such as whether they work full or part time, the age of their child and whether they prefer a social or family environment.

Parents should take time to choose carefully and visit as many different providers as possible. When they leave their child in the care of others, they need to know that their child will thrive and that they can depend on the carer. It's important to think ahead. Children need continuity in their care, so aiming to stay with a particular carer for the foreseeable future is a good idea.

Having got as much information on as many childcare providers as possible, parents must then decide which they prefer. Many childcare providers have a waiting list for places, so it is always useful to think ahead. Women intending to return to work after the birth of their child should start considering their options even before their baby is born.

Points to be considered

Babies (up to two years old) need to build close relationships with consistent adults, as they learn to trust and communicate. Care must be taken with their food, hygiene and sleeping arrangements. If a parent is intending to return to work after maternity leave, making arrangements for the care of the baby will be a priority. There are three options: a childminder, a nursery or a nanny.

If a parent is able to stay at home with the baby, they may want information on where to get health advice, find out about places to go, how to socialise with other parents and how to get the best from local facilities. This kind of support can be very important, especially if it is a first child. Medway Family Information Service can help.

Toddlers (two to three years old) are constantly developing lots of new skills, like running, jumping and motor skills. They also need time to rest and play quietly. They test the limits of their world and learn rules. As a child explores the world, he or she may be ready to venture out into playgroups or nurseries. Parents may think about returning to work full or part time. If they are working full time, they may also require a mix of childcare to give their child a range of experiences, such as a playgroup in the morning and a childminder who picks up and cares for the child in the afternoon.

Pre-school children (three to five years old) concentrate on trying out new skills and testing those they have already learnt. They develop social skills, such as sharing and negotiating and they are learning about social roles and values.

The childcare chosen will still depend on whether a parent is working or at home with the child. Nurseries, childminders and nannies are still the three main options for working parents but most parents will use a mixture of care. Some children may start at a pre-school playgroup or school nursery class, so the care they had previously, e.g. a childminder, may only be needed part time.

For more information, please use the following links:

• Help with costs
• School-age childcare

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