Children's
& Young People's Services
Extended Services In and Around Schools
Family Services
Introduction
Family services in Bexley are supported and developed through the Extended
Services In and Around Schools team.
This section of the website includes information for those looking for help and
advice on balancing family and work life, including information on Returning
to Work, Studying and Working
Benefits.
If you need advice on childcare, the Extended
Services in and Around Schools section includes lots of helpful information and guidelines. If you are thinking
about a career in childcare, or thinking of providing childcare services, the
Careers in Child Care section may be of interest.
The Directory of Services for Children and Families also provides comprehensive
information, advice and guidance on the full range of services available for
children, young people and families in Bexley, including non-council service
providers.
What do I do if I find out I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant and would like information on how to make choices around
maternity care contact the Maternity
Choice Midwife.
Information for Parents/Carers Returning to Work
Over 50% of mothers with pre-school children return to work and many more will return to some kind of employment once their children have started school. It may be that following the birth of your child you wish to continue your career, having another role in life again apart from that of a carer. Alternatively, it may be that for financial reasons you have to return to work as soon as your paid maternity leave has ended.
Whatever the reason you need to think about you and your child’s childcare needs as early as possible, especially if you are returning to work when your child is still a baby, as there is limited provision for the under two’s. The sooner you start to explore your options, the more options you will have and the more satisfied you will be that you have made a real choice.
Who will care for my child?
Childcare Providers - At the FIS we can provide information on different types of childcare in the area, provide you with up to date vacancy lists and make suggestions of which childcare package would best suit you and your child’s needs. We also send helpful leaflets explaining the different childcare provision available. We hold information on childminders, nurseries, playgroups, nannies/au-pairs, playschemes and out of school clubs, as well as other general childcare information.
Paying for childcare
Childcare is often the biggest and most expensive obstacle to parents/carers returning to work. You will have to ask yourself if you can afford childcare when you return to work. Expense is often more of an issue for lone parent families than for two parent families.
Benefits - You may be eligible to apply for the Childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. For further information contact HM Revenue & Customs help desk on 0845 300 3900 or visit  www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits
Workplace Nurseries - Nurseries are sometimes subsidised by employers and so may be cheaper than other daycare provision. Unfortunately on-site work nurseries are rare, as they are simply not affordable to small companies. The problem faced by many of those parents/carers who are lucky enough to have a nursery on-site is the journey to and from work, which in a city can often mean a long and difficult journey. Many parents prefer to leave their children in the local community where they can be easily dropped off and picked up. This also has the added bonus of allowing your children to make friends with local children.
The Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP) - is a London-only pilot, the largest childcare investment programme funded by the London Development Agency (LDA) and Sure Start. It provides lower income families with access to subsidised full day and flexible childcare. The programme is designed to offer such families greater choice, flexibility and quality to enable them to remain in, or return to, full or part-time work or training.
Subsidised childcare places are available until December 2008. All places are provided by Ofsted registered nurseries or NCMA accredited Childminding Networks.
Working arrangements
Work Life Balance employers do exist, so have a chat with your personnel department or direct supervisor to see which company work policies you may be able to take advantage of. If none are in place maybe suggest one of the following (this will depend greatly on the type of employment you are in):
Flexitime allows employees to choose their starting and finishing time each day within a set period, thus allowing you to combine work and home life.
Part-Time Working allows you to work and fulfil your commitments to a young family. It may be that your employer will let you work during school hours and to take time off for school holidays.
Job-Share is an arrangement whereby two or more people share a full-time position, sharing the workload and responsibilities.
Working from Home this may be an option for you depending on the type of employment you have. Remember it is hard to work and look after children at the same time, so you will still need to sort out some form of childcare especially as you will still be expected to spend some time in the office.
Career Breaks of up to five years may be available. You may find that your employer requires you to work a few weeks each year to keep up your skills and confidence, or at least to meet regularly so that you do not lose touch with the workplace completely.
Issues to consider upon returning to work:
Are you presently breastfeeding? You could express your milk to leave for feeds with your child’s carers or you could combine formula milk during the day and still breastfeed when you are with your child.
Is your child used to meeting others? To allow your child the opportunity to gain in confidence before you return to work look at attending carer and toddler groups in your area, which will allow you and your child to socialise. You should also allow some time to settle your child into the childcare environment, perhaps begin this a couple of weeks before you return to/start working.
If you need any further help deciding which childcare would suit you and your child’s needs or any other information about returning to work, please contact the FIS by simply phoning our helpline where our information officers will be happy to advise you and to send information on any of the provision’s mentioned.
Other Useful Contacts :
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