Family Services Directory For Brighton & Hove Children and Young People's Trust


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Whilst the FIS works with service providers to try and ensure that the information contained within this directory is accurate and up to date, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information. The FIS does not accept any responsibility or liability for the information or links to information on websites supplied by providers or the service that is provided. FIS is an impartial service and does not recommend, support or endorse any services. It is the responsibility of families to choose services carefully and FIS has developed some guidelines to help you that are detailed below.

The FIS also reserves the right to refuse or delete publication of any organisation or information which it believes, or for which evidence has been provided, contravenes the laws of the UK. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including, without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damages whatsoever arising from use or loss of use of data or profits arising out of or in connection with the use of the Family Services Directory.

It is very important that you carefully consider which services you would like to use and which would be suitable for you. When you decide to contact a service take some time to find out about them to make sure they are safe to use.

Below are some questions that you could ask. Remember good services will always welcome your questions.

  • Is the service registered with Ofsted? Ofsted now has 2 ways of registering services. See the table below for details. You can view Ofsted reports at: www.ofsted.gov.uk
  • Regularly visited by Ofsted inspectors
  • Follow Early Years Foundation Stage
  • Staff CRB checked
  • 50% of staff trained to level 2
  • Managers trained to level 3
  • Given a quality grading
  • Reports available on-line

All childcare setting regularly caring for children under 8:

  • Day Nurseries
  • Pre-school playgroups
  • Childminders
  • After school clubs caring for children under 8
  • Playschemes caring for children under 8
  • Service chooses to register
  • Ofsted check paper work and policies
  • Staff CRB checked
  • Staff have basic training including first aid
  • Nannies
  • Au-pairs
  • Childminders (caring for children over 8)
  • Crèche
  • Activity based groups for children
  • Do staff and volunteers have CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks? All Staff working with, or having access to children, young people or vulnerable adults should be CRB checked.
  • Are staff and volunteers appropriately trained, supported and supervised?
  • Does the service belong to a professional organisation or quality assurance scheme?
  • Does the service have the following policies in place: Child Protection, Health and Safety, Complaints?
  • Is there a commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice? – How do staff ensure that all users are included and feel comfortable?
  • Think about visiting the setting or group before you start using them regularly.
  • Phone for written information.
  • Ask for references or try and speak to other people using the service.
  • If your children are using a service ask them questions about their activities and listen to any concerns they may have.
  • For more information about choosing childcare please contact the Family Information Service or read the Childcare Choices booklet available on this site.

The organisations listed below may be able to support you with quality and safety issues.

Ofsted: Registers childcare and education providers. They have a new voluntary register see table above.

tel: 08456 404040
web: www.ofsted.gov.uk

CRB checks: Criminal Records Bureau Checks for individuals, voluntary and community groups and commercial organisations.

web: www.crb.gov.uk

Safety Net: offer child protection training and protective behaviours

tel: 01273 696622

Working Together Project: offer a wide selection of training for the voluntary sector

tel: 01273 234773
web: www.workingtogetherproject.org.uk
email: enquiries@workingtogetherproject.org.uk

Business in the Community - Brighton & Hove ProHelp: Businesses that support community projects

tel: 01273 770075
web: www.bhbcp.org.uk

Resource Centre: offer equipment and information for community groups

tel: 01273 606160
web: www.resourcecentre.org.uk
email: info@resourcecentre.org.uk

City Early Years & Childcare (CEYC): offer support to childcare providers including training, business support, quality assurance and development.

tel: 01273 293545
email: familyinfo@brighton-hove.gov.uk

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