New horizons for the former Hampshire Children’s Information Service
As from April the Hampshire Children’s Information Service will be called the Childcare and Family Information Team (Cfit) to reflect more appropriately the support that the service provides and its inclusion within the wider Hampshire Family Information Service, as per the requirements of the Childcare Act 2006, section 12.
The Childcare and Family Information Team (Cfit) also provides information through a range of leaflets, available free of charge to parents and practitioners. If you would like copies of these resources, if you would like to speak to a Cfit Outreach Worker, attend an information or an open day event for families please contact the helpline above.
The Hampshire Family Information Directory (FID), previously called the Hampshire Parent Know How Directory, has been available since January, replacing Hantsfish.
The Directory can be found at www.fid.hants.gov.uk.
The new Directory provides parents and practitioners with the ability to search for information about childcare and family services in their local community, in other neighbouring authorities and nationally. The Hampshire Family Information Directory also replaces the national website, Childcarelink.
Please note: to update your provider service records on the Directory contact the Early Education and Childcare Unit (EECU) provider helpline on 01962 813887 or email childcare@hants.gov.uk.
Changes to the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme
In January it was announced by the Learner Support Service that there were policy changes to the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme. These changes have been made to the eligibility criteria.
Further details are available from www.direct.gov.uk/freechildcareforlearning.
Update on employer supported childcare vouchers
In December 2009, it was announced that the decision to scrap childcare vouchers and employer-supported childcare has been reversed. However, this type of support will only continue on the basic lower rate of tax at 20 per cent, meaning there will only be one level of support for all.
Higher rate tax payers, who currently receive the tax relief at 40 per cent, will continue to do so as long as they are a member of the scheme. From April 2011, any new entrants will only receive the tax relief from vouchers at the 20 per cent rate, even if they are higher rate tax payers.
Affordable Childcare event
On 1 February Hampshire County Council, in partnership with Southampton City Council and Isle of Wight City Council, hosted an event for professionals working with families to highlight the schemes available to access affordable childcare. The event was facilitated by the national charity Daycare Trust at the Novotel Hotel, Southampton.
Over 130 representatives attended the two sessions and were treated to a whistle stop tour of the range of schemes available in order for families to access childcare and other support. Tax credits continue to be the main source of support for families in order to help pay for childcare.
Daycare Trust’s website has a comprehensive range of information for parents, please visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk for more information.
Carey Owen
Senior Development Officer
(Parent Information)