Early years and preschool

Choosing childcare for Parents and Grandparents

Informal Childcare

Many families use informal childcare as an option when returning to work or training rather than formal childcare such as nurseries or centre-based care. According to recent research by Age Concern England, one in four UK grandparents look after their grandchildren while the parents go out to work, providing millions of hours of free childcare. Some grandparents take on an even greater role when their child is unable to parent, and so become primary carers for the second time around.

An article published by SureStart suggest that rather than continue as the invisible backbone of many families, grandparents should receive the social and financial recognition they deserve. Formalising the role of the grandparents by encouraging them to register as childminders means they receive payment from the parent, who then claims some to the cost back through Working Tax Credit. This also means that grandparents are less likely to feel undervalued while the parent can be reassured by the official check on the quality of care being provided.

If you would like more information about registering as a childminder contact the Children's Information Service or call 020 7641 7929.

Support for grandparent carers

Many playgroups and toddler groups make grandparents welcome by stating that they are open to 'carers' as well as parents. Grandparents carers can make use of children's services such as toy libraries, reading sessions at libraries or join in the under 5s activities in health centres.

For more information about children's services, the Children's Information Service produce the under 14s directory of children's service which is available to download.

Useful links

Contact the Grandparents Association at www.grandparents-association.org.uk For the helpline, call: 01279 444964.

Grandparents Plus is at www.grandparentsplus.org.uk or call 020 8981 8001.

The Family Rights Group can offer grandparent carers legal financial and practical advice. Visit www.frg.org.uk/projects/projects_gp.asp or call 0800 731 1696.

Age concern offer advice and promote Grandparent's Day every September. To find out more visit the site www.ageconcern.org.uk.