Useful Websites
The following are links to, or contact details for, membership organisations and government departments which may helpful to providers of childcare, both new and long-established.
Ofsted - the regulatory and inspection body for childcare in England and Wales. The website offers downloadable forms for providers (e.g. DC2, DC2A), and the opportunity to order Ofsted publications. Parents can access the latest inspection reports on providers.
Sure Start - is the government initiative bringing together early education, health, childcare and family support, with the aim of providing the best start in live for every child.
http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/earlyyears/surestart/whatsurestartdoes/
Direct Gov - childcare finder - a section on the Direct Govwebsite for parents to access information on local childcare providers, and advice on choosing childcare. Prospective providers can us this to check on current provision in the area.
http://childcarefinder.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder/
Pre-school Learning Alliance - the PLA is an umbrella organisation of over 17,000 pre-school providers. They offer training as well as support to providers. The Southampton branch has an office in Northam, telephone 023 8033 7067.
4 Children - formerly Kids Club Network, this organisation is particularly concerned with the provision of out of school care.
NCMA - the National Childminding Association is a charitable membership organisation for childminders in England and Wales. It provides support and advice, and offers training and useful publications. There is a local support network in Southampton. The local NCMA office, at Shirley Warren may be contacted on 023 8078 9486.
PANN - is the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses, (part of the Professional Association of Teachers) and is the union for day nursery staff and nannies. they provide information about employment rules for nannies and nanny agencies.http://www.voicetheunion.org.uk
NDNA - The National Day Nursery Association is a charitable membership organisation which provides support and advice in the UK.
Daycare Trust - campains for quality affordable childcare for all children aged 0 to 14, representing children, parents and carers.
http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/
Learn Direct - a national training provider, offering childcare courses, and advice on training.
NEC - National Extension College - offers distance learning courses in childcare.
Open University - provides a variety of distance learning courses at all levels relating to childcare and child development.
Learning & Skills Council - offers modern apprenticeships to those aged 16 to 24. Courses are not offered to people above this age. They offer advice and training that can be completed to give people the skills to start up and run a childcare business. They do not offer direct business training. Most services are free although some will incur a small charge.
Inland Revenue - ensures that everyone understands and receives what they are entitled to and understands and pays what they owe.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm
Southampton & Fareham Chamber of Commerce - Chamber members have access to a range of networking oppotunities with other local businesses. They can also access legal advice, legal expenses insurance, stakeholder pensions and business advice. An annual membership fee is required which varies depending on the size of the business.
http://www.soton-chamber.co.uk
Business Link Network - Business Links offer general business advise over the phone and can provide information and legislation. They can allocate business advisors for ongoing support and advice. Ther links do not directly deliver training but will advise of suitable courses that meet indiviual business needs. Courses may be free owing to government funding although some courses will incur charges.
Telephone: 0845 600 9006
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?domain=www.businesslink.gov.uk&target=http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/
Small Business Advice - Advise on a range of business support issues including start up, finance, sales & marketing and legal issues.
http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk
NFEA - National Federation of Enterprise Agencies offer a range of services including business training, business counselling and financial services (including loans & grants). Business advice and services are usually offered free of charge althought some charges can be incurred for continued advice and training. Charges will vary by agency and service.
