A small team of Childcare Support Officers is responsible for providing advice and support to existing childcare providers and for individuals and organisations that may be interested in setting up childcare provision.
The team is responsible for ensuring the Local Authority fulfils its statutory duties under the 2006 Childcare Act. The main areas of work include:
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Ensuring there is sufficient childcare within Gateshead to meet the needs of parents and carers, where reasonably practicable.
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Maintaining up to date information on childcare provision and activities for children and young people, 0 to 19. Family Information Service Online
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Providing information, advice and guidance to parents/ carers through the Family Information Service.
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Co-ordination of the flexible free nursery entitlement for all 3 and 4 year olds.
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Management of the free nursery entitlement for eligible 2 year olds.
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Providing business support to childcare providers.
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Supporting childcare providers with information relating to Ofsted registration.
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Producing a training directory for childcare providers.
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Administration and monitoring of grants to childcare providers, for example Graduate Leader Fund.