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 research by Age UK  (formerly known as Age Concern), 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.

It has been suggested 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 the 'childcare element' of the 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 Family 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 children's centres, reading sessions at libraries or join in the under 5s activities in health centres and parent and toddler groups.

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 or call 0800 731 1696.

Age UK offer advice and promote Grandparent's Day which falls on the first Sunday in October. To find out more visit the site www.ageuk.org.uk.

BeGrand.net is a  new website for grandparents, with articles on everything to do with grandparents - from fun & free things to do in the holidays to trusworthy information about benefits and rights.

Social networking for Lone Parents

One Space is a parenting site for single parents. 

Find advice and information on all aspects of parenting alone, a lively online community supported by experienced single parenting specialists; low cost or free events for you and your family, plus online learning courses, including Assertiveness, Ways into Work and much more!

One Space is a project delivered by Single Parent Action Network to support single parents with parenting alone. Visit the site www.onespace.org.uk.

The Family Information Service does not endorse any providers listed on this site. The information is provided to inform.