Information on Early Years and Child Care

These pages provide a wide range of information on childcare options in Sheffield for parents and carers.

 

 

The following definitions aim to provide you with more information about different types of childcare, making it easier for you to select the type that best suits your needs.

 

 

These provide term time care for school pupils before school or after school.  They may be Ofsted registered depending on how long they are open.  Provision will be dependent on demand.  They offer a place to play, meet and sometimes catch up on homework.  Most after school clubs and breakfast clubs are linked to schools, although they are not necessarily based on school sites.

 

Out of school clubs are sometimes called kids clubs, and can open before and after school or all day long during school holidays, giving 3 to 14 year-olds (and up to 16 for children with special needs) a place to play, meet and sometimes catch up on homework.

 

Children’s Centres are a new way of supporting families with children under 5.

They offer access to integrated childcare and early learning, health and family support, help

with finding jobs and training, drop-in sessions and groups. Children’s Centres bring services closer to you, and because they are all in one place, you’ll find it easier for you and your family to get the services, advice, help and information you need all in one go.

 

Services could include baby and toddler activities, speech and language sessions, drop-in sessions by midwives and health visitors, parent/carer groups and lots more.

 

 

Provide occasional care for children under eight. Some may be in permanent premises and care for children whilst parents are engaged in particular activities, e.g. shopping or sport. Others are available on a temporary basis to care for children while their parents are involved in time-limited activities, e.g. a conference or exhibition.

 

 

Day nurseries provide full and part-time childcare for children aged from birth to 5 years. Many nurseries can care for children aged from three or six months although some only take children over 2. Some offer after school care too.

 

 

 

 

Home-based child carers are Ofsted registered and self-employed child carers who look after children of any age in the child carer’s own home. They can provide integrated childcare and education to small groups of children in a domestic setting and can offer flexibility including early starts and late evenings. Home-based Child carers are also often referred to as Childminders.

 

 

Maintained simply means that the classes are funded (and often run) by the Local Authority. Often, maintained childcare is run by schools and EYECS children’s centres.   

 

 

Similar to Home-based Childcarers in that they are based in a home environment, but Nannies and Au Pairs will care for your child in your home. 

 

 

The terms pre-school and playgroup are often used interchangeably, but essentially, they both provide childcare for less than 2 hours without registering with Ofsted.

 

 

Are not strictly classed as childcare, as the parent(s) remain with the child/children.  Toddler groups provide a networking opportunity for parents and carers to mix and meet new friends.

 

You can find further details of all types of childcare providers in your area at ask Sid, Sheffield’s Children and Young People’s Services Directory, which provides access to free, impartial, up-to-date and accurate information.

 

 

Alternatively, please contact the Sheffield Information Link :

 

In person:

 

11 Leopold Street

Sheffield

S1 2GY

 

Sheffield Information Link website.

 

Opening hours:

 

 

By telephone:

 

(0114) 275 6699 (out of hours answerphone)

 

Email:

 

 

Alternatively, visit the Early Years Education and Childcare pages for further information.