While you work or study, you'll want to know that your children are in safe hands and enjoying a stimulating learning environment. Childcare facilities in Scotland are well regulated with high standards of care expected from all registered childminders, nurseries, playgroups and out of school clubs. It is in your best interests to ensure that your childcare provider is properly registered with the Scottish Commission for Regulation of Care.

So while you make the most of your opportunities, you'll know your children are making the most of theirs - making friends, learning new skills and having fun.

Pre-school playgroups

Playgroups are available for pre-school children in most areas of Aberdeen and most areas of Aberdeen and Grampian. You will generally have to accompany your child to the group unless he or she is between 3 and 5 years old, in which case your child is eligible for free pre-school education if there is suitable local provision.

Playgroup gives your child the opportunity to interact with other children and gives you the chance to meet other parents in the local area. All playgroups must be registered with the Care Commission of Scotland and there are regular safety checks made on premises and staff.

To find a playgroup see www.childcarelink.gov.uk for an up to date list of groups, or contact your local Children's Information Service by calling freephone number 08000 96 02 96.

Nurseries

Nurseries provide supervision for children under five years old to play and learn while their parents work or study. They are usually open all day for most weeks in the year. Part-time places are often available.

Most nurseries are registered with the Care Commission and inspected each year. Nurseries are run by a team of staff and activities are planned to help children enjoy learning. At nursery children are involved in activities such as playing, learning new skills and making friends.

There are different types of nursery:

• Private nursery - designed to cater for the children of working parents
  
• Local authority nursery - run by the local authority for children in the local community
  
• Community nursery - a non-profit nursery run for children in the local community
  
• Workplace nursery - some employers run childcare schemes for children of their employees

How much does a nursery cost?
Nursery charges vary in different areas. Expect to pay between £80 and £180 per child per week if your child attends a private nursery. If your childcare provider provides early years education and is in partnership with your local authority, they will receive a grant enabling them to give your child a free part-time place from the term following their third birthday and until your child first becomes eligible to start primary school.

Talk to your local Children's Information Service (CIS) to find out more about nurseries in your area or see www.childcarelink.gov.uk. The ChildcareLink freephone service will provide details of your local CIS on 08000 96 02 96.

Childminders

Childminders generally look after children in the childminder's own home. They are registered with the Care Commission and inspected at least once every year. Childminders who look after children for more than two hours a day must be registered before they begin work with children. You can ask to see a childminder`s registration certificate and latest inspection report.

Children can go to a childminder from when they are a few months old right through until they reach secondary school.Because childminders are self-employed, they decide on their working hours. Most childminders will provide you with childcare between the hours of 8am and 6pm. You will need to negotiate hours and payment with the childminder. Charges vary in different areas. There is no national rate, but most childminders will charge between £60 and £120 per child per week for full-time care.

Ask your local Children's Information Service (CIS) for advice about childminders in your area. The ChildcareLink freephone service will provide details of your local CIS on 08000 96 02 96.

Out of school clubs

Out of school clubs are usually based in or near schools and can offer children a range of activities out of school hours if, for example, the child's parents are still at work.

Out of school clubs must be registered with the Care Commission. Registered clubs are inspected each year. Playworkers will often pick children up from local schools where the club is separate from the school.

There are different types of out of school clubs such as:

• breakfast clubs
• after school clubs
• holiday playschemes

You can find out more from www.childcarelink.gov.uk or by contacting:

Scottish Out of School Care Network (SOSCN)
Floor 9
Fleming House
134 Renfrew Street
Glasgow
G3 6ST

Tel: +44 (0) 141 331 1301

Nannies

Nannies can look after children of any age and work flexible hours. Make sure the hours are reasonable and clearly explained before the nanny starts to work with your children.

Employing a nanny means you become responsible not only for paying the nanny's wage or salary but also for deducting the tax and National Insurance contributions. The Inland Revenue operate an Employers Helpline on 08457 143 143. You can find out more about nannies from your local Children's Information Service or you can talk to nanny agencies in your area.

You can find out more about nannies from your local Children's Information Service or you can talk to nanny agencies in your area.