Link to Council Connect
Contact details
Related links
Disability Information Link

The first fews years are the most important in your child's life, and as a mum or dad you have the biggest influence of all on their learning and development. As well as in the home, the learning and experiences that your child has when being cared for - whether in playgroups, nurseries, childminders or at school - really help to shape them and their development.

For support and information please see North Somerset birth-4 Years Parenting Booklet

Healthcare

Your doctor's surgery should be central in supporting you to keep your children fit and healthy. It is not only the doctor, but the nurse and health visitor who should have an active involvement in your children's early life.

Childcare - Making Choices

There's no single type of childcare that best suits every family.  Many young children have a mix of early learning and childcare from nurseries, childminders, playgroups and friends and relatives.  There are lots of options for childcare and early learning, so you can make the choices that help balance your committments.

  • Day nurseries - Opening hours can be from 7am to 7pm, though this varies
  • School nursery class - Open during school hours, offering full or half-day sessions.
  • Pre-schools and playgroups - Offer sessions of between 2.5 and 4 hours in term time.  Many offer 15 hours a week free early learning for three and four year olds
  • Childminders - Usually look after children in the childminder's own home.  Most will work early mornings, evenings and weekends and in the holidays.
  • Nannies - Come to your home, and will often fit in with non-typical working hours.  May choose to register with Ofsted.

Sure Start Children's Centres are a one-stop shop for children and families.  You can go there for childcare, play and early learning, expert advice, healthcare, parenting and family support, help with skills and getting qualifications, and links to training and work.

Daycare Trust have several publications which can help you when it comes to choosing childcare:-