The Childcare Strategy Team works with people who are involved in supporting, providing, developing and expanding services for children aged from 0-16 and their families.  The Team implement the Perth & Kinross Childcare Strategy, which has three key elements:

Ø  Childcare - aims to make high quality, accessible and affordable childcare available to every neighbourhood.

Ø  Sure Start – aims to enable access to support, development opportunities and services at the earliest possible stage to improve life chances and promote social inclusion

Ø  The integration of childcare and pre-school education - supporting the development of wraparound care services for 3-5 year olds attending school nurseries.

The Childcare Strategy Team was formed in order to take forward the work of the Childcare Strategy.  The team works with voluntary, private and public agencies and organisations to develop, deliver and support a range of services which meet the needs of local communities, including

·        Perth & Kinross Childcare Information Service, which can provide information on childcare throughout the area www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk

·        Playstart, a mobile crèche facility

·        Kids Clubs and after school clubs, which provide out of school hours care for school-aged children

·        Parenting Forum offering networking and support opportunities for professionals involved in supporting families

·        Parenting Support, a range of groups and taster sessions designed to support parents dealing with a range of issues relating to the care of their children

·        Community Crèches, where parents can meet and engage in a range of activities while Playstart crèche workers care for their children

·        Training opportunities for childcare workers or those interested in working with children, including both formal and informal learning opportunities

·        Advice for anyone thinking about developing a career in childcare

·        Support and development of Parent & Toddler and Playgroup provision

·        Support to, and development of, Childminding Services across Perth & Kinross, including start-up support for new Childminders

·        Partnership with Home Start to support families with children under five

·        Partnership with organisations supporting the provision and development of services for children with additional support needs, including SHIP, SPLASH and Capability Scotland

·        Partnership working with Perth & Kinross Childcare Network

·        Support and advice to Childcare providers on Child Protection and Behaviour Management issues

·        Quarterly Newsletters with information specific to Childminding, Parent & Toddler and Playgroups, Kids Clubs, Playstart, Training and Workforce Development

·        Bi-monthly Network Meetings for Childminders and those involved in Playgroups and Parent & Toddler Groups

·        Training and Development Resource Library

·        Representation / discussion with the Care Commission and the Scottish Social Services Council

·        Advice on use of Childcare Vouchers and the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit

If you need information or advice about childcare services in Perth & Kinross, please contact us on 0845 601 4477 (local rate) 01738 634934, fax 01738 446871 or email: childcare@perthgrammar.pkc.sch.uk