Childcare and Your Child by Age

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Considering My Child's Age What I Could Be Doing Now

You are Pregnant

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

By confirming your pregnancy with your doctor you will enter a support system that includes your health visitor, the midwifery service, hospital system and birth preparation classes.
Ante-natal and then Post-natal groups often continue as parent support groups. The NCT (National Childbirth Trust) also run local birth preparation classes and support groups for parents with new babies. Kingston Families Information Service (FIS), can give you contact details for the local groups.
Kingston FIS can also provide a Borough wide list of local Parent and Toddler Groups that you may like to go along to once your baby has been born.

If you will need childcare when your maternity leave ends:

If you would like to consider using a Registered Day Nursery start looking as quickly as possible and put your name on any suitable waiting lists.You may be asked to pay a retainer fee. There are limited baby places and so waiting lists can be long.
Having investigated Day Nurseries and put your name on any suitable waiting lists you may also want to consider using a Registered Childminder, they are the largest providers of day care in the Borough of Kingston. You will generally be too early to look for a childminder until your baby is born, however you could ask Kingston FIS for a Public list of childminders in your area to see the availability.
If you wish to consider using a Nanny or home based childcarer who can provide childcare in your own home or to share with another family you can make initial enquiries with Nanny Agencies. They should advise you about when you will need to register the position, the costs, legal obligations involved and things to consider when employing someone in your home.
There are many support agencies and voluntary groups that can give you information and advice about Maternity Leave, Benefit Entitlement, Working Tax Credit and general information about becoming a working parent. Some of them are listed on Useful Websites or contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

Birth to 6 months

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

You can attend post natal support groups, either continuing on from your antenatal group and or attending a local group for parents with young babies such as those run by the local NCT (National Childbirth Trust). Kingston FIS can give you contact details for local groups.
You can attend as many local Parent and Toddler Groups as suit your needs. There are a wide range of groups all around the borough on different days and at varying times.
You can look at Crèches around the Borough if you would like to study or take part in a leisure activity or an exercise class.
Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their babies such as baby and parent swimming or exercise classes, baby massage classes etc. Contact your local leisure centre for details or Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the Borough.

If you will need childcare when your maternity leave ends:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
If a Day Nursery is your first choice of childcare hopefully you will have your child’s name on any suitable day nursery waiting lists, if not you must do this as quickly as possible. Please be aware that a retainer fee may be charged.
You can ask the FIS for a public list of Registered Childminders in the area that you will want your childcare to be, to check on availability. You can also approach any that would be very convenient to see if they are likely to have a vacancy coming up. Please be aware that a retainer fee may be charged.
Registered Childminder - Working back from your return to work date allowing for a settling in period (usually 2 weeks) and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list. Having received a list through the post you can then telephone the FIS for the latest updates and new vacancies.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, employment record, and check their training and qualifications.

6 to 12 Months

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

You can attend as many local Parent and Toddler Groups as suit your needs. There are a wide range of groups all around the borough on different days and at varying times.
Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their babies such as baby and parent swimming or exercise classes, baby massage classes etc. Contact your local leisure centre for details or Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the Borough.
You can look at Crèches around the Borough if you would like to study or take part in a leisure activity or an exercise class.

If you will need childcare when your maternity leave ends:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
If a Day Nursery is your first choice of childcare hopefully you will have your child’s name on any suitable day nursery waiting lists, if not you must do this as quickly as possible.
Registered Childminders- Working back from your return to work date allowing for a settling in period (usually 2 weeks) and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder ask the Kingston FIS for a vacancy list. Having received a list through the post you can then telephone the Kingston FIS for the latest updates and new vacancies.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.

12 to 18 Months

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

You can attend as many local Parent and Toddler Groups as suit your needs. There are a wide range of groups all around the borough on different days and at varying times.
Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their babies and toddlers such as swimming or exercise classes, music and movement classes etc. Contact your local leisure centre for details or the Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the Borough.
You can look at Crèches around the Borough if you would like to study or take part in a leisure activity or an exercise class.
If you would like your child to attend a Playgroup or Pre-school you can start looking at them now. the Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list. You will need to put your child’s name on a waiting list usually when they are between 15 and 18 months old.

Some Pre schools and playgroups offer extended sessions to meet the needs of parents who are studying or working, if the sessions are not long enough for your needs then Registered Childminders will often take and collect children from pre- schools and playgroups.
There are a wide variety of leisure activites to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact the Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
If a Day Nursery is your first choice of childcare put your child’s name on any suitable day nursery waiting lists as quickly as possible as baby places for children under 2 years are limited.
Registered Childminder - Working back from the date that you plan to start work allow for a settling in period (usually 2 weeks) and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder. (If you need care for two or more children, unsocial hours or out of borough school pick ups you may need to allow a little longer)
Ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list, having received a list through the post you can then telephone for the latest updates and new vacancies.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.

18 months to 2 years

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

You can attend as many local Parent and Toddler Groups as suit your needs. There are a wide range of groups all around the borough on different days and at varying times.
Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their babies and toddlers such as swimming or exercise classes, music and movement classes etc. Contact your local leisure centre for details or Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the Borough.
You can look at Crèches around the borough if you would like to study or take part in a leisure activity or an exercise class.
If you would like your child to attend a Playgroup or Pre-school some groups are registered to take children from 2 years old although most start children at between 2 years 6 months and 3 years old. Look at those available to you and where suitable put your child on their waiting list. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list.
If you want your child to attend a Nursery Class or Nursery School you could look at the individual schools, obtain a Primary School prospectus and check the final application date that relates to your child’s date of birth. As there are not always enough places for those that would like them, see also Early Education Funding for settings outside maintained schools where your child could access funded early education.
You may also want to look at Independent or Private Schools
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit and the element for childcare, the Childcare Tax Credit.
If a Day Nursery is your first choice of childcare put your child’s name on any suitable day nursery waiting lists as quickly as possible as baby places for children under 2 years are limited. Staff ratios are lower for children aged over 2 years and so there may be a slight increase in available places.
Registered Childminder - Working back from the date that you plan to start work allow for a settling in period (usually 2 weeks) and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder. (If you need care for two or more children, un-social hours or out of borough school pick ups you may need to allow longer) Ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list, having received a list through the post you can then telephone Kingston FIS for the latest updates and new vacancies.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.
If you would like your child to attend a Playgroup or Pre-school some groups are registered to take children from 2 years old although most start children at between 2 years 6 months and 3 years old. Look at those available to you and where suitable put your child on their waiting list. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list. Some pre schools and playgroups offer extended sessions to meet the needs of parents who are studying or working, if the sessions are not long enough for your needs then Registered Childminders will often take and collect children from pre- schools and playgroups.
If you want your child to attend a Nursery Class or Nursery School you could look at the individual schools, obtain a prospectus and check the final application date that relates to your child’s date of birth. As there are not always enough places for those that would like them, see also Early Education Funding for settings outside maintained schools where your child could access funded early education. Some offer extended childcare wrapped around the early education.

2 to 3 years

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

You can attend as many local Parent and Toddler Groups as suit your needs. There are a wide range of groups all around the borough on different days and at varying times.
Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their young children such as swimming and exercise classes, music and movement, art and craft activities etc. Contact your local leisure centre for details or for a list of centres around the Borough.
You can look at Crèches around the borough if you would like to study or take part in a leisure activity or an exercise class.
If you would like your child to attend a Playgroup or Pre-school some groups are registered to take children from 2 years old although most start children at between 2 years 6 months and 3 years old. If you choose to send your child to a playgroup or pre-school ask your provider about Early Education Funding which can help pay the costs for eligible 3 and 4 year olds. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list of pre-schools and playgroups identifying those who can accept early education funding.
If you want your child to attend a Nursery Class or Nursery School ensure that you have applied by the final application date for your child’s date of birth. This information and the individual school’s entry criteria are available from the schools prospectus and the Primary Schools Information Book. As there are not always enough places for those that would like them, see also Early Education Funding for settings outside maintained schools where your child could access funded early education. Some offer extended childcare wrapped around the early education
You may also want to look at Independent or Private Schools
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS.

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
If a Day Nursery is your first choice of childcare put your child’s name on any suitable day nursery waiting lists as quickly as possible as baby places for children under 2 years are limited. Staff ratios are lower for children aged over 2 years and so there may be a slight increase in available places.
Registered Childminder - Working back from the date that you plan to start work allow for a settling in period (usually 2 weeks) and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder. (If you need care for two or more children, un-social hours or out of borough school pick ups you may need to allow longer) Ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list, having received a list through the post you can then telephone Kingston FIS for the latest updates and new vacancies.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.
If you would like your child to attend a Playgroup or Pre-school some groups are registered to take children from 2 years old although most start children at between 2 years 6 months and 3 years old. Look at those available to you and where suitable put your child on their waiting list. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list. Some pre schools and playgroups offer extended sessions to meet the needs of parents who are studying or working, if the sessions are not long enough for your needs then Registered Childminders will often take and collect children from pre- schools and playgroups.
If you choose to send your child to a playgroup, pre-school or day nursery ask your provider about Early Education Funding which can help pay the costs for children from the term following their 3rd birthday. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list of groups identifying those who can provide early education funding.
If you want your child to attend a Nursery Class or Nursery School look at the individual schools, obtain a prospectus and ensure your application will be received by the final application date for your child’s date of birth. As there are not always enough places for those that would like them, see also Early Education Funding for settings outside maintained schools where your child could access funded early education. Some nursery classes and schools offer extended sessions to meet the needs of parents who are studying or working, if the sessions are not long enough for your needs then Registered Childminders will often take and collect children from nursery class or school.

3 to 4 years

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

You can attend as many local Parent and Toddler Groups as suit your needs, some have specified age limits but most cater for the pre school children. There are a wide range of groups all around the borough on different days and at varying times.
Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their children such as swimming and exercise classes, music and movement, art and craft activities. There are also activities and classes just for children. Contact your local leisure centre for details or contact Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the borough.
You can look at Crèches around the Borough if you would like to study or take part in a leisure activity or an exercise class.
If you choose to send your child to a playgroup or pre-school you may find one with a suitable vacancy. Do ask your provider about Early Education Funding which can help pay the costs for eligible 3 and 4 year olds. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list of pre-schools and playgroups identifying those who can accept early education funding.
If you want your child to attend a Nursery Class or Nursery School there may be places available at individual schools. However as there are not always enough places for those that would like them, see also Early Education Funding for settings outside maintained schools where your child could access funded early education.
You should check the Primary Schools Information Book for final application dates depending on your child’s age for entry into Infant and Primary Schools. Even if your child attends the nursery class at a school you must re-apply for entry into the Infant or Primary school.
Some Breakfast and After School Clubs are open to 3 and 4 year olds, check with your Nursery class or school for your options.
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area and some do cater for 3 and 4 year olds.
You may also want to look at Independent or Private Schools
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit and the childcare element, the childcare tax credit.
If a Day Nursery is your first choice of childcare check the individual groups for their current vacancy situation and if necessary put your child’s name on any suitable waiting lists. Kingston FIS can provide you with a borough wide listing.
Registered Childminder - Working back from the date that you plan to start work allow for a settling in period (usually 2 weeks) and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder. (If you need care for two or more children, un-social hours or out of borough school pick ups you may need to allow longer). Ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list, having received a list through the post you can then telephone Kingston FIS for the latest updates and new vacancies. If you know which school or nursery class you are planning to send your child to check that the childminders you approach would be able to collect from that school.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.
Some Playgroup or Pre-school groups could have vacancies but if not and where suitable put your child on their waiting list. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list. Some pre schools and playgroups offer extended sessions to meet the needs of parents who are studying or working, if the sessions are not long enough for your needs then Registered Childminders will often take and collect children from pre- schools and playgroups.
If you choose to send your child to a playgroup, pre-school or day nursery ask your provider about Early Education Funding which can help pay the costs for eligible 3 and 4 year olds. Kingston FIS can supply you with borough wide lists of groups identifying those who can provide places under the early education funding scheme.
If you want your child to attend a Nursery Class or Nursery School there could be a place available at individual schools. However as there are not always enough places for those that would like them, see also Early Education Funding for settings outside maintained schools where your child could access funded early education. Some nursery classes and schools offer extended sessions to meet the needs of parents who are studying or working, if the sessions are not long enough for your needs then Registered Childminders will often take and collect children from nursery class or school. Or some Breakfast and After School Clubs are open to 3 and 4 year olds, check with your Nursery class or school for your options.
You should check the Primary Schools Information Book for final application dates depending on your child’s age for entry into Infant and Primary Schools. Even if your child attends the nursery class at a school you must reapply for entry into the Infant or Primary school.
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area and some do cater for 3 and 4 year olds.

4 to 5 years

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

You can attend as many local Parent and Toddler Groups as suit your needs, some have specified age limits but many cater for the under 5’s. There are a wide range of groups all around the borough on different days and at varying times.
Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their children such as swimming and exercise classes, music and movement, art and craft activities. There are also activities and classes just for children. Contact your local leisure centre for details or KIngston FIS for a list of centres around the Borough.
You can look at Crèches around the Borough if you would like to study or take part in a leisure activity or an exercise class.
If your child is not already attending a playgroup, pre-school, day nursery or Nursery Class or Nursery School you may still find one with a suitable vacancy. Do ask your provider about Early Education Funding which can help pay the costs for all children from the term following their 3rd birthday. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list of groups who are eligible for early education funding.
You should ensure that your child’s application or applications for entry into Infant and Primary Schools will be received before the final application dates. Check these dates in the Primary Schools Information Book or see the individual school details. Even if your child attends the nursery class at a school you must reapply for entry into the Infant or Primary school.
Some Breakfast and After School Clubs are open to 4 and 5 year olds, check with your Nursery class or school for your options.
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area, some who cater for 4 and 5 year olds.
You may also want to look at Independent or Private Schools
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS.

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
Day Nurseries are usually registered to care for children up to the age of 5. You would need to contact individual groups for their current vacancies, for a full list contact Kingston Families Information Service.
Registered Childminder - Working back from the date that you plan to start work allow for a settling in period and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder. (If you need care for two or more children, un-social hours or out of borough school pick ups you may need to allow longer) Ask for a vacancy list, having received a list through the post you can then telephone Kingston FIS for the latest updates and new vacancies. If you know which school your child will attend check that the childminders you approach could collect from that school or Kingston FIS can provide you with a list of childminders who collect from specified schools.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.
If your child is not already attending a playgroup, pre-school, day nursery or Nursery Class or Nursery School you may still find one with a suitable vacancy. However your child will probably have their name down for a place at infant or primary school with a start date. Do ask your provider about Early Education Funding which can help pay the costs for all children from the term following their 3rd birthday. Kingston FIS can supply you with a borough wide list of groups who are eligible for early education funding. Some groups offer extended sessions to meet the needs of parents who are studying or working, if the sessions are not long enough for your needs then Registered Childminders will often take and collect children from early education groups.
Some Breakfast and After School Clubs are open to 4 and 5 year olds, check with your Nursery class or school for your options.
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area some who cater for 4 and 5 year olds.
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

5 to 8 years

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

Leisure centres around the Borough often run activities that parents can do with their children such as swimming and exercise classes, music and movement, art and craft activities. There are also activities and classes just for children. Contact your local leisure centre for details or Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the borough
Your child will normally be attending full time school. Around the school day there will be a variety of activities available depending on the school they attend. Contact the school for clubs run by the school or on school premises such as Breakfast and After School Clubs, homework and activity clubs or uniformed groups such as Brownies or Boys Brigade. For a lists of Breakfast and After School Clubs , and other activities contact Kingston FIS or look in your local Library, Parents News etc
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area that run during the school holidays.
You may also want to look at Independent or Private Schools
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
Registered Childminder - Allow for a settling in period and approximately 8 to 10 weeks to find the right Registered Childminder. (If you need care for two or more children, unsocial hours or out of borough school pick ups you may need to allow longer). Ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list. Information about which schools a registered childminder collects from is on the vacancy list or Kingston FIS can provide you with a list of minders, whether they have registered vacancies or not who collect from specified schools. Registered Childminders can know in the previous term that they will have a vacancy for a school age child so for a school pick up you can contact them well in advance.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.
Most Breakfast and After School Clubs are open to 5 to 8 year olds, check with your Nursery class or school for your options or ask Kingston FIS for the full list.
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area who cater for 5 to 8 year olds, ask Kingston FIS for the full listing.

8 to 12 years

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

Leisure centres around the Borough run activities for children and young people such as swimming and sport, music and movement, art and craft activities. Contact your local leisure centre for details or Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the Borough.
Your child will normally be attending full time school. Around the school day there will be a variety of activities available depending on the school they attend. Contact the school for clubs run by the school or on school premises such as Breakfast and After School Clubs, homework and activity clubs or uniformed groups such as Brownies or Boys Brigade. For a list of Breakfast and After School Clubs , and other activities at leisure centres etc contact Kingston FIS or look in your local Library, Parents News etc
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area that run during the school holidays ask Kingston FIS for a list.
You may also want to look at Independent or Private Schools
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
Registered Childminder – currently childminders registration stops at age 8. However a lot of minders continue to care for the over 8’s. Ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list and or a list of minders, whether they have registered vacancies or not who collect from specified schools.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.
Breakfast and After School Clubs may cater for 8 to 12 year olds, check with your child’s school for possible options or ask Kingston FIS for the list.
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area who cater for 8 to 12 year olds, ask Kingston FIS for the full listing
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

12 to 14 years

Whether you plan to return to work or remain at home:

Leisure centres around the Borough run activities for children and young people such as swimming and sport, music and movement, art and craft activities. Contact your local leisure centre for details or Kingston FIS for a list of centres around the borough.
Your 12 to 14 year old will normally be attending full time school. Around the school day there may be a variety of activities available depending on the school they attend. Contact the school for clubs run by the school or on school premises such as Breakfast and After School Clubs, homework and activity clubs or uniformed groups such as Girl Guides or Army Cadets.

For a list of Breakfast and After School Clubs and other activities at leisure centres etc, contact Kingston FIS or look in your local Library, Parents News etc
There are a wide variety of Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area that run during the school holidays ask Kingston FIS for a list.
You may also want to look at Independent or Private Schools
There are a wide variety of leisure activities for you and your 12 to 14 year old to enjoy in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

If you will need childcare:

See Information for Working Parents
Check your eligibility for Working Tax Credit
Registered Childminder – currently childminders registration stops at age 8. However a lot of minders continue to care for the over 8’s. Ask Kingston FIS for a vacancy list and or a list of minders, whether they have registered vacancies or not, who collect from specified schools.
If you want to use a Nanny investigate registering with a nanny agency or prepare to advertise yourself. You can also look in publications such as your local paper, “The Lady”, “Nursery World” etc for individuals who have placed their own adverts.

Whichever method you choose always allow time to take up personal references, check their employment record and their training and qualifications.
Breakfast and After School Clubs may cater for 8 to 12 year olds, check with your child’s school for possible options or ask Kingston FIS for the list.
There are some Holiday Playschemes in the Kingston area that cater for 12 to 14 year olds, ask Kingston FIS for the full listing.
There are a wide variety of leisure activities to enjoy with your child or children in Kingston and the surrounding area. These include Leisure Activities, Dance and Drama and activities throughout the holidays for listings contact Kingston FIS. Email: fis@rbk.kingston.gov.uk

How to choose high quality childcare:

The sooner you start, the more choice you will have, for local options and availability, contact Kingston Families Information Service. Ask about all the options available to you, opening hours, price ranges and the ages of children they care for.

There are lots of differences between the various types of childcare, early education or pre school services and also between individual childminders, nurseries and out of school options. Try and give yourself enough time to visit several possible options in your area to get a good idea of what could suit your child.

Dont forget, you are an expert on your child and should trust your feelings.

You could ask questions regarding the childcare setting and any training undetaken for the role. Whether you can view outside spaces that your child may play in and how long they have been working with children.

Always take up references and if possible, ask for other parents that are using the same service to find out what they think of the service.

Listen to your child and find out more if your child seems unhappy.

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