Childcare

If you are starting a new job or training programme, you may need to consider who will look after your children. Even if your work or training fits into school hours, you might still need to make arrangements for school holidays and unexpected events. Childcare options can include:

• registered childminders
• pre-school playgroups
• nurseries
• children's centres
• out-of-school and breakfast clubs
• holiday play schemes
• approved nannies (England)
• extended schools (England)
• a work or college crèche, and
• friends and family.

You could look out for childminders' advertisements in local schools, libraries, community centres and shops. You can also get details and more advice about childcare in your area from your personal adviser.

If you live in England, your local Children's Information Service (CIS) has information on all local childcare, early education and other care and support services for children and parents. Call 0800 2 346 346 or visit the ChildcareLink website www.childcarelink.gov.uk for your local CIS contact details. You can also search for childcare and early-education providers in your area on the ChildcareLink website. Or get in touch through your local council. You can find the details of your local council on the Directgov website.

If you live in Wales, ChildcareLink can put you in touch with your local CIS. Contact ChildcareLink on the details above, or get in touch with the CIS through your local council.

In Scotland, the Scottish Childcarelink website www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk can direct you to local services providing information on registered childcare. You can also use the website to search for local childcare providers in Scotland.

Registered childcare

Being registered means that a childcare provider has met national standards for childcare and follows regulations. In England, some paid childcarers (such as nannies) do not have to be registered, but they can apply for approval through the Sure Start Childcare Approval Scheme. This means they have been checked and meet basic standards for childcare. If the carer you use is approved under the Childcare Approval Scheme, you may also be able to get some help with childcare costs. For more information about the Childcare Approval Scheme, phone 0845 767 8111 or visit www.childcareapprovalscheme.co.uk

In Wales, day-care services for children, including childminding, full day care, sessional day care, out-of-school care, crèches and open access play, are regulated by the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales.

In Scotland, all childminders, day care and early education for children services (including nursery classes, crèches and after-school clubs) must register with the Care Commission. A childcare agency that provides or introduces parents to a childcarer who looks after a child up to the age of 16, mainly in the home of that child (for example, nanny agencies), must also be registered.

More information about parental leave and time off work to deal with emergencies