Quality Childcare
The Family Information Service works closely with childcare providers to keep their information as up-to-date as possible. The FIS send out regular update forms and information requests so that things like opening times, school collections and costs help enquirers make the most informed choice possible.
The childcare providers in Lincolnshire are also supported by a number of development teams who help to develop new childcare provisions and work with existing child carers to maintain and improve the quality of care being offered.
Childminders are supported by the National Childminding Association (NCMA) which has Development Workers in each of the districts, plus other projects to support childminder caring for children with disabilities and the children of teenage parents. The NCMA carry out regular visits, offering support whenever needed and offer training to new and existing childminders.
Early Years settings such as day nurseries and pre-schools are supported by the Birth to Five Service whose Development Officers assist with new developments and support existing childcare settings to maintain and improve the quality of their care. The Birth to Five team also administer the Early Years Entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds, and child carers must undergo an additional inspection by the Birth to Five team in order to offer this to parents, and which is an additional measure of quality.
Out of School settings such as after school clubs and holiday schemes are developed by Lincolnshire County Council’s locality-based Development Officers who ensure they have the right initial support, after which 4Children’s development team offer support and challenge to maintain and improve quality.
The Workforce Development team at the Birth to Five Service offer a range of training and development opportunities to all child carers in order to maintain and improve quality.
Lincolnshire County Council also has a duty to carry out a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment every four years and uses the findings to support the childcare sector, identifying gaps and the needs of parents/carers to better develop appropriate childcare.
Contact Details
Go to downloads tab for a list of NCMA development workers.
The Birth to Five Service
The Birth to Five Service (formerly Early Years Support Service) monitors, challenges, supports and provides training to Early Years Providers within Lincolnshire which cater for children from birth to five. The main aim of the Birth to Five Service is to ensure that all Early Years Providers have access to efficient and effective support in order to deliver the 'Every Child Matters Agenda', the 'Early Years Foundation Stage’ framework' and to make a real difference for young children ...
