Southampton Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership

The Partnership is made up of members from the voluntary, private, statutory and independent sectors. Its aim is to help develop early years and childcare provision throughout the city for children aged 0-14, and up to age 16 for children with disabilities. The Partnership provides support for early years and childcare providers to meet the Care Standards and registration requirements. It also helps providers to raise quality by offering training, business and marketing support.

There is a range of early years and childcare settings throughout the city, including pre-schools, playgroups and day nurseries. Some young children may be offered a place at an Early Years Inclusive Centre or nursery attached to a special school, where their specific needs will be met. Once your child is at school you may wish them to attend an out of school club.

All early years and childcare settings offer inclusive provision and have policies to make sure they offer equal opportunities for all children, including those with special needs. To make sure your child gets the right support, please discuss their needs with the childcare provider as soon as possible. Additional funding and support is available to providers to help them meet any extra requirements. You will need to pay for child care, but if you are working you can use Working Tax Credit and other benefits you receive to help with this cost. Part time funded early education is also available to all children from the term after their third birthday.

For information on childcare in your area, Working Tax Credit, and early education please contact:- Southampton Children’s Information Service (CIS)

Southampton Children’s Information Service (CIS) is a free service offering information about childcare support services and activities in Southampton for 0 - 19 year olds.  CIS can provide details of:

• Working in childcare
• Support & advice groups
• Childminders
• Nurseries & Pre-schools
• Playschemes
• Out of school clubs
• Parent & toddler groups
• Leisure activities
• Benefits / finance

›	Southampton Children’s Information Service (CIS) 68 Commercial Road,  Southampton, SO15 1GD
	0800 169 8833 (freephone)
	cis@southampton.gov.uk
:	www.southamptonchildcare.org.uk

If you live in Hampshire please contact:

›	Hampshire Children’s Information Service
	0845 602 1125
:	www.hants.gov.uk/childcare

For information about the Partnership, contact:

›	Early Years Development & Childcare Team Southampton City Council, Education Services 4th Floor, Frobisher House, Nelson Gate Southampton, SO15 1BZ
	023 8083 2045