Childcare

Childcare

In this section you will find information about Childcare provision in Pembrokeshire.

This includes information about:

• Childminders
• Day Nurseries
• Playgroups
• Mudiad Meithrin (opens in a new tab)
• Holiday Clubs
• After School Clubs
• Parent and Toddler Groups

Information and guidance about what to look for when choosing a childcare service (opens in a new tab)  

Childcare within Pembrokeshire are supported by Childcare Development Officers employed by Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC)

Claire Cockwell

Child Care Development Officer (North East)

01437 775281 claire.cockwell@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Joanne Harding

Child Care Development Officer (North West)

01437 776217 joanne.harding@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Karen Hunt

Child Care Development Officer (South East)

01437 775592 karen.hunt@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Claire Durham

Child Care Development Officer (South West)

07909408444 Claire.Durham@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Childcare Regulations

The New Inspection Framework

From April 2016 CIW will inspect using a new framework that will place a greater focus on child development and well-being outcomes. When inspectors visit you, they will consider four themes:

• Well-being
• Care and development
• Leadership and management
• Environment

For further information about the framework and what CIW will consider under each theme: Care Inspectorate Wales (opens in a new tab) or if you provide Funded Education to three year olds then you’ll need to see the joint inspection framework (opens in a new tab)

Who regulates childcare provision?

The regulative body responsible for childcare is the Care Inspectorate Wales (opens in a new tab) (CIW).Their role is to encourage the improvement of social care, early years and social services by regulating, inspecting and reviewing services. Their aim is to raise standards, improve quality, promote best practice and tell people about social care.

CIW regulates and inspects services for everyone from the very young to older people. Their work can affect the majority of people living in Wales at some time in their lives. CIW decide who can provide services, inspect childcare services and make sure that the minimum standards are met, they also deal with complaints.

Regulation covers

• Registration – they decide who can provide services
• Inspection – they inspect those services and publish reports
• Enforcement – they take action to make sure that requirements of the Care Standards Act and associated regulations are met
• Complaints and concerns– they are keen to hear from users of services about their experiences and any concerns about the services we regulate.

To download a copy of the National Minimum Standards for Regulated Child Care: Care Inspectorate Regulations (opens in a new tab)

CIW carries out its functions on behalf of Welsh Ministers, and although they are part of a Department within the Welsh Government there are a number of safeguards in place to ensure their independence.

They have three regional offices across Wales. The main office that covers Pembrokeshire is the South West Wales office based in Carmarthen.

CIW

Telephone: 0300 7900 126
Fax: 01267 245140

Contact us (opens in a new tab)

For more information: Care Inspectorate Wales (opens in a new tab)  

If you would like to find an inspection report on any registered childcare setting in Pembrokeshire: Inspection reports (opens in a new tab) 

Playgroups

List of playgroups (opens in a new tab)

Pre-school playgroups offer a safe and stimulating play environment for children aged between 2 ½ – 5yrs, mostly in term time only. Some are also registered to provide early years education.

Playgroups must be registered with the CIW. Sessions are about two to three hours long, and the playgroup will run between two and ten sessions. Many are open five mornings a week, and some also run afternoon sessions. Their aim is that children learn and play in small groups and so learn to develop socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically.

Day Nurseries

List of day nurseries (opens in a new tab)

Day Nurseries provide full day care and education for children from as young as six weeks to pre-school five year olds.

Day Nurseries can be privately run, community, council or workplace services. However, they must all be registered and regularly inspected by the CIW, and must comply with strict guidelines on staff/children ratios. Staff must have, or be working towards, the relevant qualifications in childcare.

Most nurseries are open from Monday to Friday generally from 8am to 6pm, and some provide a pick up and drop off service providing wrap-a-round care for school age children.

Childminders

List of childminders (opens in a new tab)

Childminders are self-employed professional day carers who work in their own homes to provide care and learning opportunities for other people’s children, in a family setting. A childminder must be registered with the CIW and he/she and any other adults (aged 16+) in their home are given a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Childminders can be registered to look after up to 10 children including their own.

Nannies

A nanny is employed to look after your child in your own home. Nannies do not need to have formal childcare qualifications, but many do have nursery nurse or other qualifications in childcare.

There is no national nanny register at present. Unless they are looking after more than two families, nannies are not inspected by the CIW like other carers, so parents are responsible for interviewing and checking references.

Creches

Crèches are short sessional or temporary childcare arrangements to cover things as shopping trips, conferences or training events.

They provide a play area for a small group of children whose parents are busy doing other things, but are still on the same premises.

Crèches must be registered if it takes children under 8yrs, runs for 2 hours or more per day and for 6 or more days per year.

Out of School Clubs

List of out of school clubs (opens in a new tab)

School aged children need safe care after school and during school holidays, right through the primary years and often into the first couple of years of secondary education.

Out-of-school clubs are usually based in or near schools, and some nurseries offer after school care too.

An after school club is a safe and secure place for children to go after the school day has finished for a few hours to engage in fun and play activities, or relax in a quiet corner reading or doing homework

Activities are planned so that your child can relax, learn, play and have fun with their friends. The pick-up time is usually 6pm, and some offer breakfast club facilities from 8am for parents who start work before school hours. Some services run before and after clubs, opening both in the morning and afternoon.

Holiday Playschemes are run in the school holidays, often by the same organisation, and offer extra activities and days out. All are regulated and inspected by the CIW.

Parent & Toddler Groups

List of parent and toddler groups (opens in a new tab)

These are mainly for children under 2 ½ yrs of age, and provide play opportunities for the child and social opportunities for parents, the parent/carer must stay with the child throughout the session. It is an ideal place for parents and carers to meet and make new friends, to discuss childcare and parenting issues, and to access relevant information. It also provides a happy, safe and stimulating environment for children to meet, socialise and play.