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Childcare and Early Learning

children drawing

High quality childcare can give your child a better start in life. It can also give you the freedom to return to work or education or simply to take a break from your everyday routine, safe in the knowledge that your child is in good hands and a stimulating environment.

There are many different types of childcare available, each of which offers different advantages and flexibility. You just need to work out what suits you and your family’s needs best, based on the hours you work, your budget and where you live.


Important Information about Childcare in Sandwell

Sandwell Family Information Service (FIS) works closely with local childcare providers to ensure information published on the FIS Hub is accurate and up to date. However, Sandwell FIS accepts no liability for out of date or inaccurate information published on the FIS Hub. Please contact childcare providers directly to receive the most up to date information on opening times, costs and vacancies.

Disclaimer


Useful advice and information

Choosing Childcare

Finding good quality childcare can be a difficult task for parents. There are lots of things to look out for and to remember to ask when you visit a childcare setting. How do you know if your child will be happy? Will they cater for More…

Childminding and Child Development

A Childminder is one childcare option for families. Childminders look after children in a home environment. They are Ofsted registered and will look after smaller groups of children than a nursery or pre-school playgroup. They can be flexible and may also offer care evenings and More…

Childcare for children with special educational needs and disabilities

Children who have disabilities and their families are entitled to good quality, affordable, flexible childcare, just like any other child or family.  Finding the right childcare is important when your child has a special educational need or disability (SEND). There are laws to protect children from More…

Free Childcare for 2 year olds

Free childcare is available for eligible 2 year olds, for 15 hours a week during term time. Your child will have the chance to have fun, play, learn socialise and make new friends. If your child is eligible, they can take up a place at More…

Free Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds - 15 hours (Universal Entitlement)

All 3 and 4 year old children are entitled to a maximum of 570 hours of free childcare a year (15 hours a week for 38 weeks a year). Free childcare is an opportunity for your child to play and learn in a quality environment More…

Free Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds - 30 hours (Extended Entitlement)

Working parents with 3 and 4 year old children may be entitled to an extra 15 hours a week of flexible free childcare giving them 30 hours childcare a week for at least 38 weeks a year (1140 hours a year).  Free childcare is an More…

Holiday Childcare

Finding suitable, affordable childcare during school holidays can be a challenge. Many  playschemes and childminders are open, and there are usually lots of activities to keep the kids busy. Choosing the right option for your family can take time. It may be that you have More…

Holiday Activities and Food

Sandwell Council support for children entitled to free school meals during school holidays. Holiday clubs taking part in the Holiday Activities and Food programme will provide a healthy meal and a range of play activities for school aged children during Easter, Summer, October Half Term and Christmas More…

Help paying for your childcare

You can get help with paying for childcare if it's provided by an Ofsted Registered provider. To find out what options are available to you the best place to start is Childcare Choices  Use the Childcare Calculator to work out what help you can get with More…

Childcare Brokerage Service

Finding the right childcare for your family is really important. Getting to know about the different childcare options for your child, how much childcare providers charge, what their Ofsted report means, these things may feel a bit daunting, especially if you are a new parent. More…

Asylum, Refugees and Resettlement Scheme

Information, advice and support to help newly arrived families settle and feel welcomed in Sandwell. Newly arrived families, asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants should feel safe, respected and understood.  Families need support with accommodation, education, childcare, family support, health, benefits and employment. There is lots More…