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Childcare

Choosing the right kind of childcare is an important and very personal decision; the best type of childcare for you depends on your family situation.

The different types of provision may seem confusing without adequate information.  We aim to ensure that you are able to make an informed choice, knowing that you have considered all options available.

The big childcare choices are Childminders, Day Nurseries and Out of School Childcare Clubs.  In addition, Playgroups and Cylchoedd Meithrins offer care and activities for pre-schoolers, often only for part of the day.

Any provider of a service in which children under 8 years old are looked after for a period of two hours or more must register with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW) in accordance with the Children Act 1989. Further information about minimum standards can be obtained from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales. Some settings may have gained quality assurance awards. You may wish to check this with individual providers.

There are a wide variety of Childcare and Early Years Education settings. More details of these can be found in the appropriate section of this website. Your local Children's Information Service will be able to offer advice and guidance on all childcare issues.

Blaenau Gwent Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) has produced its first Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.  The Assessment aims to provide Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council with an assessment of sufficiency regarding the supply of childcare and parental demand for childcare to enable the council to perform its Childcare Duty as outlined in the Children Act 2006.  The assessment is now available for consultation and this will take place betwenn 21st July 2008 and 15th September 2008. The EYDCP is anxious to hear your comments on the assessment, a full copy of the assessment can be found below along with a copy of the consulation questionnaire.