The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
What is the Childcare Approval Scheme?
This is a voluntary scheme that will ensure that non-registerable childcare can be checked against basic criteria. It will ensure that childcarers have a relevant childcare qualification, that they are 18 or over, have an appropriate first aid certificate and that there is nothing in their background that makes them unsuitable to care for children by way of a Criminal Records Bureau check.
For more information on the Scheme call 0845 7678111 or visit the Childcare Approval Scheme website.
I have childcare qualifications from another country. How can I find out if they are suitable?
You should contact UK NARIC who will be able to tell you the English equivalents of your qualifications. Call UK NARIC on 0870 9904088 or email info@naric.org.uk or visit the UK NARIC website.
How do I complain about the care my child receives from a pre-school?
Complaints about care should be made to the manager or supervisor in the first instance. If you feel that your complaint is not dealt with adequately you should contact OFSTED. Please ring 0845 6014772 or visit the OFSTED website.
How do I complain about the care my child receives from a nursery school or class?
Complaints should be made to the head teacher in the first instance. If you feel that your complaint is not dealt with adequately you should then contact the chair of governors of the school, and if the matter is still unresolved you should contact OFSTED. Please ring 0845 6014772 or visit the OFSTED website.
How do I complain about the care my child receives from a Children's Centre?
Complaints about care should be made to the centre manager in the first instance. If you feel that your complaint is not dealt with adequately you should contact Slough Sure Start Service on 01628 605990, and if after this the matter remains unresolved you should contact OFSTED. Please ring 0845 6014772 or visit the OFSTED website.
How do I complain about the care my child receives at a day nursery?
Complaints about care should be made to the manager or supervisor in the first instance. If you feel that your complaint is not dealt with adequately you should contact OFSTED. Please ring 0845 6014772 or visit the OFSTED website.
How do I obtain independent inspection reports about pre-schools?
Details of inspection reports about pre-schools are available on the OFSTED website. Alternatively you can contact the pre-school directly.
How do I obtain independent inspection reports about nursery schools?
Details of inspection reports about nursery schools are available on the OFSTED website. Alternatively you can contact the school directly.
How do I obtain independent inspection reports about Children's Centres?
Details of inspection reports about Children Centres are available on the OFSTED website. Alternatively you can contact the Children's Centre directly.
Where can I get a list of day nurseries in my area?
To get a list of day nurseries in your area call SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk.
Alternatively, you can visit the Childcare Link website where you can find a list of day nurseries.
Where can I get a list of pre-schools in my area?
To get a list of pre-schools in your area, call SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk, for a list of pre-schools.
Alternatively, you can visit the Childcare Link website where you can find a list of pre-schools.
Where can I get a list of Children's Centres in my area?
To get a list of Children's Centres, call SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can visit the Childcare Link website where you can find a list of children's centres.
How do I obtain independent inspection reports about day nurseries?
Details of inspection reports about day nurseries are available on the OFSTED website. Alternatively, you can contact the nursery directly.
Will the day nursery staff be qualified to care for my child and are they checked in any way?
The manager and deputy of a day nursery will be qualified to at least level 3, and at least half of all other staff will be qualified to at least level 2.
What is the Nursery Education Grant and who qualifies for it?
All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 2.5 hours a day, 12.5 hours per week nursery education. For further info ring SSIS on 01628 660098.
What is a Children's Centre?
Children's Centres provide full day care, education and health services in modern, purpose-built accommodation.
What is the Birth to Three Framework, with regards to schools?
It is now recognised that the years between birth and three are particularly important. As a large number of children under the age of three spend time with a carer, Birth to Three Matters is a guide to the way your child is cared for. It ensures that your child's needs and enjoyment are taken care of and that their time in a childcare setting is happy and productive.
Will the nursery school staff be qualified to care for my child and are they checked in any way?
The nursery school staff will include qualified teachers and nursery assistants. They will have been police checked (CRB) and there will also be a qualified first aider on duty.
Will the pre-school staff be qualified to care for my child and are they checked in any way?
The supervisor and deputy of a pre-school will be qualified to at least level 3, and at least half of all other staff will be qualified to at least level 2.
All staff are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.
Will pre-schools be able to cater for my child if they have special needs?
Yes, pre-schools should be able to cater for special needs, but you must contact the pre-school to discuss your child's individual requirements.
Will nursery schools be able to cater for my child if they have special needs?
Yes, nursery schools should be able to cater for special needs, but you must contact the nursery school to discuss your child's individual requirements.
Will day nurseries be able to cater for my child if they have special needs?
Yes, day nurseries should be able to cater for special needs, but you must contact the day nursery to discuss your child's individual requirements.
Will Children's Centres be able to cater for my child if they have special needs?
Yes, Children's Centres can cater for special needs, but you must contact the children's centre to discuss your child's individual requirements.
Will a Nanny be qualified to care for my child and are they checked in any way?
Most Nannies have a recognised childcare qualification or nursery nurse training although this is not compulsory.
Will a Nanny be able to cater for my child if they have special needs?
You should contact a Nanny Agency and ask them to recommend a suitably qualified and experienced Nanny who will be able to cater for your child's needs.
Where can I find out about childcare and playwork training available in Slough?
Contact the recruitment and training team via the SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk.
They will be able to send you the up to date comprehensive training guide that lists all courses currently available/
What other services are available in Children's Centres?
Children's centres also offer drop-in services for you and your family, including health visitors, midwives, social services workers, Jobcentre Plus advisors as well as many more. Slough's Children Centres offer adult education classes with childcare on site.
What is a nursery school or class?
Nursery schools or classes provide care and early education for children aged between 3 and 5 years old. Some are part of the state education system, and some are privately run.
Children learn and develop in ways appropriate for their age. The learning is based on the Birth to Three Framework and the Foundation Stage.
What is a Day Nursery?
A day nursery provides care and early education for children aged between 6 weeks and 5 years old. Many also offer before and after school and holiday care to 5-11 year olds.
Should I insist on signing a contract with the Children's Centre?
Yes, it is important that there is a contract in place for each child within the children's centre.
Should I insist on signing a contract with the day nursery?
Yes, it is important that there is a contract in place for each child within the day nursery setting.
Should I insist on signing a contract with the pre-school?
Yes. All registered pre-schools are required by the National Daycare Standards to have a contract with the parent of each child they look after.
How much does a nursery school or class cost?
State run nursery schools and classes are free, although there may be charges for extras such as meals and trips. Privately run nursery schools will charge fees. Contact SSIS on 01628 660098 for more information on fees.
How much does a Nanny cost?
Costs vary throughout Slough. You will also have to pay the Nannies tax and National Insurance contributions and holiday and sick pay.
How many children will there be in a pre-school session?
The size of a group never exceeds 26 but must follow adult/child ratio's as set down in the National Daycare Standards.
How many children will there be in a nursery class?
The size of a school or class will vary, but one carer will be allocated to every 13 children.
How many children will there be in a day nursery?
Children will be grouped together by age and will be looked after by carers according to the National Daycare Standards ratios. This will ensure that your child gets the attention they need.
How many children will there be in a Children's Centre?
Children will be grouped together by age and will be looked after by carers according to the National Daycare Standards ratios. This will ensure that your child gets the attention they need.
How many children will a Nanny care for?
There are no regulations for the number of children a Nanny can care for.
What age range are the children in a Children's Centre?
A Children's centre provides care and early education for children aged between 3 months and 5 years old. As the centres are based on school sites, they may be able to offer care for children over 5 as well.
What age range are the children in a day nursery?
A day nursery provides care and early education for children aged between 6 weeks and 5 years old.
What age range are the children in a nursery school or class?
Nursery schools and classes can generally take children between the ages of 3 and 5.
What age range are the children in a pre-school?
Pre-schools can generally take children between the ages of 2 and 5, but check with the pre-school for further details.
Should I insist on signing a contract with the Nanny?
You should put everything in writing, such as job description, hours, sick/ holiday pay etc.
How long can a Nanny care for a child during the day?
Nannies can fit in with unusual working hours and may also be able to help with other tasks around the home. You should agree with your nanny the working hours required.
How long are the care sessions in a pre-school?
Pre-schools offer sessions from 2.5 to 4 hours, during term time, and usually every day, but check with the pre-school for further details.
How long are the care sessions in a day nursery ?
Day nurseries are usually open for 50 weeks a year, and are generally open between 8am and 6pm. Care is normally available full or part time.
What age range of children can a Nanny care for?
There are no regulations for the ages of children a Nanny can care for, although nannies can care for children of different ages which may be better for families and less expensive.
What are the opening hours for nursery schools or classes ?
Nursery schools and classes are open during school hours, usually term time only, and the session is normally two and a half hours long.
How do I obtain independent inspection reports about Nannies?
Nannies are not registered, although they can now apply to the Childcare Approval Scheme and become approved.
How do I apply for the Nursery Education Grant?
The nursery would apply for the grant on your behalf.
How can I be sure of good quality care from a Nanny?
You should encourage your Nanny to sign up to the Childcare Approval Scheme. When choosing a Nanny, always use a reputable Nanny agency and check references. Talk to at least two previous employers.
How can I be sure of good quality care at a pre-school or nursery?
A registered pre-school or playgroup is regularly inspected by OFSTED to ensure that the quality of the care and education is satisfactory. All staff are police checked (CRB) to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. At least half of the staff will be adequately qualified.
How can I be sure of good quality care at a nursery school or class?
A nursery school or class is regularly inspected by OFSTED to ensure that the quality of the early education is satisfactory. All staff are police checked (CRB) to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. The staff will include qualified teachers and nursery assistants.
How can I be sure of good quality care at a day nursery?
Day nurseries are regularly inspected by OFSTED to ensure that the quality of the care and education is satisfactory. All staff are police checked (CRB) to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. At least half of the staff will be adequately qualified.
How can I be sure of good quality care at a Children's Centre?
A Children's Centre is regularly inspected by OFSTED to ensure that the quality of the care is satisfactory. All staff are police checked (CRB) to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.
Can my child attend more than one care provision each day?
Yes. There are no restrictions on the number of settings looking after your child, however the nursery education grant would only apply to one 2.5 hour session per day.
Are Nannies covered by accident insurance?
Nannies do not have to take out insurance, although you must take out employer's indemnity insurance in case of an accident.
Are all the Children's centres covered by accident insurance?
Yes, all Children's Centres must have public liability insurance.
Are all pre-schools covered by accident insurance?
All pre-schools must have public liability insurance.
Are all nursery schools covered by accident insurance?
All nursery schools must have public liability insurance.
Are all day nurseries covered by accident insurance?
All day nurseries must have public liability insurance.
Can I get any help with my childcare training costs?
If you live in Slough or work in a childcare setting within Slough there may be funding available to assist you in your training. Please contact the recruitment and training team via the SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk for more information.
How long are the care sessions in a Children's Centre?
Slough's Children Centres offer five sessions per day, from 8am to 6pm. The session structure ensures that parents get the most choice and value for money. For more details of the session times please ring SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk.
How much does a Children's Centre cost?
Costs vary throughout Slough. Discounts may be available although there are strict criteria to be followed. Contact SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk for more information on cost.
How much does a day nursery cost?
Costs vary throughout Slough. Contact SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk for more information on cost.
How much does a pre-school cost?
Pre-school costs vary throughout Slough. Contact SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk for more information on cost.
What is a Nanny?
Nannies are home based childcarers who are usually employed to work in the child's own home.
If a nanny lives in, you as their employer, would be expected to provide them with a room and food on top of their salary.
What is a Pre-School or Playgroup?
Pre-schools or playgroups provide care and early education for children aged between 2.5 and 5 years old. It is a group organised by the community or voluntary groups on a not-for-profit basis.
Pre-schools are a good way of extending childcare. The pre-school may be able to offer 'wraparound' care before or after nursery or pre-school sessions, and many are developing in this way.
What is the foundation stage, with regards to schools?
It is the first stage of the National Curriculum, focusing on the needs of children aged 3 to the end of the reception year in primary school.
The foundation stage builds on enjoyment of play, and there are a number of Early Learning Goals that sets out what most children are expected to achieve.
What is the Slough Resource Centre?
Slough Resource Centre offers a toy and equipment library, a scrap store for recycled materials, creative workshops and publications.
Membership of the centre is open to individuals, families, childcarers, groups and schools and is reasonably priced. Concessions will be given to those on benefits.
For further information please contact the centre on 01628 696060 or SSIS on 01628 660098, email sure.start@slough.gov.uk
Where can I find out about a career in childcare or play work?
Contact the recruitment and training team via the SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk. They will be able to advise you on the steps you need to take.
Will the Children's centre staff be qualified to care for my child and are they checked in any way?
The National Daycare Standards state that the manager and deputy of a day care setting will be qualified to at least level 3, and at least half of all other staff will be qualified to at least level 2. The staff in Slough's children's centres are trained and qualified to a significantly higher level, and their continuing professional development ensures that staff attend training on a regular basis.
All staff are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.
Where can I get a list of Nannies in my area?
To get a list of Nanny agencies in your area call SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk. SSIS does not hold details of nannies.
Where can I find out about studying towards a childcare qualification?
Contact the recruitment and training team via the SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk.There are a range of courses available to allow you to continue your professional development.
Where can I get a list of nursery schools and classes in my area?
To get a list of nursery schools and classes in your area, Call SSIS on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk, or contact the education department on 01753 875700.
Alternatively, you can view a list of nursery schools and classes.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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