Help and Advice

Information Guides and Resources

Welcome to the Childcare.co.uk resource area. Parents and childcare providers will find lots of useful free hints, tips and advice on a range of childcare and parenting topics.

For help in using our website and frequently asked questions please see our FAQs page.

Please ensure you read our Safety Centre for advice on how to stay safe.

You can also search our Resource Library which contains hundreds of online guides and resources.

 

Information for Parents

Hiring, Interviews and References

Checking Childcarer Documents and References

Finding Emergency Childcare

Building a good relationship with your Childcare Provider

Choosing the Right Childcare

Summer Holidays Childcare Options

Childcare for School Age Children

Free Childcare and Early Education

 

Babysitters

Finding the right Babysitter

How much should I pay my Babysitter?

Babysitting Checklist

Free Sample Babysitter Contract

 

Childminders

What is a Childminder?

Should I choose a Childminder or Nanny?

Settling in Tips

Overnight Care Childminders

 

Nannies

Choosing the right Nanny

Paying your Nanny

Hiring a good Nanny

Hiring a Live-In Nanny

Hiring a Night Nanny

Nanny Interview Questions

Nannies and Self Employment

Nanny Contracts

Free Nanny Contract - Free Sample Nanny Contract Template

Free Nanny Reference - Free Sample Nanny Reference Template

Nannies who bring their own Children

My Nanny is Pregnant!

How to keep a good Nanny

Should my Nanny be Insured?

Nanny Shares

Bedtime Nannies

 

Nurseries and Pre-Schools

Nursery - Is your Child Ready?

Setting up a Nursery

 

Toddler Groups

Setting up your own Toddler Group

Running a Toddler Group

 

Schools

Preparing your Child for School

Parent's Guide to School Readiness

Starting School

Key Stage One - The Facts

Parent's Guide to Managing Homework

 

Maternity Nurses

What is a Maternity Nurse?

Do I need a Maternity Nurse?

How to Interview and Select a Maternity Nurse

 

Au Pairs

What is an Au Pair?

What is an Au Pair Plus?

 

Private Midwives

Why hire a Private Midwife?

 

Doulas

What is a Doula?

 

Special Educational Needs

Autism Spectrum Disorders

ADHD in Children

Caring for Children with Special Educational Needs

 

Information for Childcare Providers

Childcare Provider Tips

Childcare Provider Tips

Writing your Childcare.co.uk profile

Settling new Children

Interview guide for Maternity Nurses

 

Childminder Information

How to register as a childminder in England

Things to consider before registering as a Childminder

Top 5 tips for Setting up as a Childminder

What are the start-up costs to become a Registered Childminder?

Who do you need to information about your Childminding business?

What insurance do you need to work as a Childminder?

Childminder Safety Blog with lots of useful information on keeping children safe whilst in your care.

Tax Support for Childminders

 

Nanny Information

Obtaining a DBS Check for Nannies

How to apply for Ofsted Registration as a Nanny

Insurance - a guide for Nannies

A Nanny's Guide to Getting Hired

Safeguarding Children in your Care - a guide for Nannies

Nannies guide to PAYE, Tax and National Insurance

Introduction to Pensions for Nannies

How to Avoid Nanny Scams

 

Parenting Guides

Being a parent is the hardest job in the world, so we've produced some free Parenting Guides covering a wide variety of parenting topics for children of all ages.

 

Registered Childminder Guides

Registered Childminder gold members of Childcare.co.uk also get access to over 500 free guides on all aspects of childminding that have been written by an Outstanding Rated Ofsted Registered Childminder. To view the guides login to your account and click Childminder Guides.
 

Legal Guidance Infographics

Employees & Confidentiality

Differences between Employee, Worker & Self-Employed

Money Disputes prior to Court Action

Taking a customer to court over an unpaid debt

 

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