Most parents either want or need to return to work because of personal circumstances and necessity. This can be a difficult process for parents with or without children with disabilities with increased levels of anxiety, stress and pressure. This section details where to get advice and support on Returning to Work and information on Childcare settings, Childcare Voucher scheme and Inclusion Support for Settings.
Where to look for work
The people who are most successful in looking for work are those who don't give up in their search and know all the right places to look. There are a number of ways you can search for jobs - for example local newspapers, magazines and radio - but most employers now advertise online. New jobs are often filled very quickly and it’s important you look regularly to make sure you don’t miss an opportunity. Direct.gov has one of the UK's largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly, and has a database which can be searched according to your location, desired job and hours.
Next Steps is a government initiative to support individuals to return to work by helping to improve their skills and knowledge and develop their CV to increase their chances of securing employment.
Contact: Freephone 0800 100 900
Flexible working does not just mean part-time working. There are several different types of flexible working patterns, such as flexitime, homeworking and compressed hours. If you are thinking about working flexibly, you should consider which pattern would suit your needs before making an application to your employer.
Anyone with a child under 6 years of age or a disabled child under 18, or employees who have responsibilities for caring for adults (i.e. people who are 18 or above) has the right to request flexible working from their employer.
Who can apply for Flexible Working?
Direct.gov gives explanations of all flexible working that may suit your personal circumstances. Therefore take a look before you start job searching.
There are a variety of different types of childcare available across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to meet parent's needs.
will support you to find childcare which meets your families needs. They can help you with...
Deciding if it's right for your child
When you visit possible childcare options, look for these quality pointers:
for more information and advice please contact the following:
Nottingham City FIS– Tel: 0800 458 4114 or Email: fis@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Information For Families Service (County) - Tel: (08449 808080 calls cost 3p per minute, calls from mobiles may cost more) or email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk
Nottinghamshire County Council also have a number of useful fact sheets about Childcare.
The Day Care Trust is the national childcare charity, who have been working since November 1986 to promote high quality affordable childcare for all. They know how important it is to make the right decision about childcare for your child and they have information and services to assist you through this process.
The Day Care Trust have a range of information available to you, including factsheets and booklets, and in particular there is a factsheet on Childcare for Children with disabilities and special needs. They are also able to speak to you directly about your childcare issues via Information Line on 0845 872 6251, open five days a week, and email enquiry service.
So whether you are looking for help in finding and choosing the right sort of childcare that fits in with your situation and want to know what your options are, or you need help with your childcare costs, you will be able to find something for you in theParent Information section.
What are Childcare Vouchers?
Childcare Vouchers are a means of paying for childcare – they are one of the ways in which an employer can help their employees with childcare costs.
If you joined your employer’s scheme on or before 5 April 2011 you can get up to £55 each week, or £243 each month free of tax and NICs. If you joined your employer’s scheme on or after 6 April 2011 you can still get up to £55 each week free of tax and NICs if your employment earnings are not more than the higher rate threshold. If your earnings are more than the higher or additional rate thresholds then the amount you can get free of tax and NICs is reduced.
What age is a qualifying child?
Inclusive Support Grant – Nottingham
The Inclusive Support Grant is available to help cover the additional costs of settling a child with special needs into a nursery or with another childcare provider. It can be used for extra staffing costs, to buy special equipment or make adaptations to the premises. To find out about more about the grant the childcare provider should contact the Families Information Service on 0800 458 4114 or Email fis@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Inclusion 'Support for Settings' - Nottinghamshire