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Choosing childcare

Childcare case studies

Choosing childcare is a challenging experience for any parent with no 'one size fits all' solution.

Thankfully, in Calderdale, parents can get all the help, impartial advice and support they need when it comes to making that difficult decision.  Calderdale's Families' Information Service exists to let parents know the options available to them and to help them make the right decision for their family.

We asked some Calderdale parents why their childcare provider works for them.

Childminder

Amy Sharp, 25, of Holmfield, Halifax, has sons, Elliot, 4, and Seth, 6 months.  Elliot has been going to a childminder since he was 10 months old.  He started school earlier this year, making space at the childminder's home for little brother Seth when Amy returns to work.

Amy could not afford to leave work so, when Elliot was 4 months old, she began looking at childcare settings.

'We were originally planning to send him to a nursery but when we started looking around I just knew they weren't right for us.

'Then we heard about this childminder.  We came to have a look around and just fell in love with the house and her.  We just felt at ease here straight away.

'It is a home-from-home environment.  They get hot home-cooked meals, go to the supermarket, into town, to the park - all the things I would be doing with them if I wasn't at work.

I know if Elliot is upset he will be picked up and given a cuddle.  She is like part of our family now.'

Stay at home

Dad Stuart Powell and Tegan, 3, do everything together - bake buns, dance, go on long walks.

Stuart, of Todmorden, is a full-time dad while wife Lynn goes to work.

When Tegan was younger Stuart continued working as a youth worker and shared the day-time care with a childminder.  But when their childminder decided to call it a day the family decided Stuart would leave work and become a full-time dad.

'Lynn has a better job than I can ever get but it was hard financially and mentally giving up work.

'Dads seem to think they can cope for an hour or so and that's it.  But once you change your attitude and say to yourself "I can do this, I am equipped" it's great.

'A lot of people think all I do is sit at home but I can promise you it's hard work.  I do everything for Tegan and we go everywhere together.

'But we have great fun and I wouldn't change it.'

Nursery

Teacher Debra Greenwood always knew twins Holly and Emma, 3, would go to nursery.  It wasn't an option financially for Debra to stay at home.

'I work in the reception class so I see children come into school from all different settings.  I just felt that nurseries offered the care we were looking for.  I wanted them to be part of a big environment.  They are always learning something new and there are plenty of activities going on.

'They are on top of each other all the time at home but at least here if they want to be in separate rooms they can be.'

Emma and Holly go to a private Day Nursery, just round the corner from Debra's work.

'I never thought about putting them in a nursery near to work originally but it works really well.

'The girls love it, even when I am off with them in the summer holidays they ask if it's time for nursery.  Sending them to nursery gives us the flexibility to change their hours.  In the summer break we still send them one day a week so they don't get out of the routine.'

You can find out what childcare provision exists in Calderdale by contacting:

• Name
• Families' Information Service
• E-mail
• fis@calderdale.gov.uk
• Telephone
• 01422 253053.

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