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Books for all ages and interests in our February giveaways - you can win STUNT BUNNY, DEVIL'S TRIANGLE, LENNY/ANIMAL123, EASTER BOOKS, BOOBELA, BODY IN THE FOG, WORD BOOK. Full details and entry form.

 

Child care

As the time approaches for a new Mum to think about 'going back to work' there are many decisions to be made. These are sometimes very difficult decisions or it may be quite straight forward.The important thing is that the baby and Mum are happy. I have outlined some alternatives for you here. Remember there is no right or wrong solution- so read on and perhaps this will help you reach the decision you need for your baby and you.

Time to go back to work
Time to go back to work
Different forms of daycare
Different forms of daycare
Creches and playgroups
Creches and playgroups
Childcare at home and with childminders
Childcare at home and with childminders

There are many alternatives and your needs will change as your child grows. Make sure you take time to visit a range of childcare settings, and talk to others about what is on offer in your area. Initially, you may need full time care for your child but once he or she starts school, you will want to explore different options. Many schools now offer 'wrap-around' care, which gives the opportunity for your child to be cared for in one place from 8am to 6pm, for 48 weeks of the year. 

Questions to ask - childcare settings
Questions to ask - childcare settings
How do I know my child will be safe?
How do I know my child will be safe?
Childcare qualifications
Childcare qualifications
Early Years Grant
Early Years Grant

Childcare and early schooling
Childcare and early schooling
Childcare by nannies
Childcare by nannies
Childcare in nursery schools
Childcare in nursery schools
Preparing for school
Preparing for school
Free Download

Birth to Three Matters
Birth to Three Matters
Every Child Matters
Every Child Matters

More information about Early Years can be found on our Early Years pages. Our page on 'Give your child a headstart' is full of ideas for you to use to help your child before starting school, and in the early stages of school.

Childcare Vouchers

 

Want to save money on childcare? Luckily for you, help is at hand. Childcare vouchers, a Government scheme designed to help working parents, can save families up to £2,000 a year, hassle-free! There is no means-testing, no claim forms, and it only takes 10 minutes to register.
So, how do childcare voucher schemes work?
Childcare vouchers can be provided by your employer, and are usually received instead of part of your salary through a system known as ‘Salary Sacrifice’. Unlike your salary, you don’t have to pay any tax or National Insurance on childcare vouchers, meaning that you can make massive savings. 
You can use childcare vouchers to pay for many types of childcare, including: nurseries, nannies, childminders, before and after-school care, and even holiday play-schemes. All you need to do is register, and then pay your childcare provider with vouchers instead of cash. It really is that simple.
At the moment, you can receive childcare vouchers of up to £55 a week (or £243 a month) from your employer, however, after April 2011 higher-rate taxpayers will only be eligible to receive tax and National Insurance relief on up to £28 a week (£124 a month) of childcare vouchers. This means, if you are a higher-rate taxpayer and you are interested in signing up to receive childcare vouchers the clock is ticking! You need to join the scheme before April 2011 to ensure that you don’t miss out on higher savings. 
What makes the scheme even better is that it’s not only you that childcare vouchers benefit. By offering a salary sacrifice scheme your employer can save up to 12.8% of National Insurance Contributions, or £373 per employee per year.
There is, however, just one little thing to be wary about. Childcare vouchers can affect the amount of tax credits that you receive, so if you do receive tax credits we recommend that you seek guidance from HMRC’s Tax Credits helpline on 0845 300 3900 before joining the scheme.
 

 

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Early Years

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