Looking for Childcare?

The Aberdeenshire Childcare Information Service provides information on a wide range of childcare services led by the needs of children, their families and carers. As part of the Childcare Strategy for Scotland, the Aberdeenshire Childcare Information Service was set up in January 2000. The National Childcare Strategy recognises how important it is for parents and carers to have access to information about childcare provision, to allow them to respond quickly to employment, training and education opportunities.

If you are looking for childcare, please call the Information Service on 0800 298 3330 or access the Childcare Link website (link on right of page).

Childminders look after children in the childminder's own home.

They will have been inspected by the Care Commission to ensure that the property is safe and meets the required health and safety standards.

Childminders care for children of all ages, from babies to age 14 (age 16 for children with special needs) and provide a very individual service based on the individual needs of each child.

Childminders will generally look after only a few children, depending on the recommendations from the Care Commission.

Out of School Clubs

Out of school clubs provide care for school age children for a couple of hours after school.

They may also provide care for an hour before school each morning (usually known as a breakfast club) and some also operate holiday clubs during the school holidays.

Each club is run by qualified staff and will have been registered and inspected by the Care Commission.

Activities provided for the children range from board games and football to trips away such as ice skating or swimming. They are usually based at schools or community centres.

Nurseries

Nurseries provide children with a more structured time for learning and playing.

There are all kinds of nurseries – some run by voluntary or community groups, some by employers or local authorities. Others are privately run.

There are also nursery classes attached to primary schools.

Nurseries are for children aged 3 to 5, depending on demand some younger children will be allocated places.

Playgroups

Playgroups provide sessions of play and education for children.

Parents help the staff normally on a rota basis and many parents learn about child development through their involvement.

Children in playgroups are usually aged between two and a half and five years old.

Parent and Toddler Groups

These groups are quite informal.

They give parents an opportunity to meet other parents and let children experience a social setting.

They provide a form of support. They may only meet for a few hours each week.

Holiday Clubs

These are run for school age children, usually up to age 14, and are often extensions of already existing out of school clubs.

They provide care for children in the holidays, to attend for either whole days of half-day sessions.

Activities such as art and crafts, swimming and ice-skating are arranged for these sessions.

Day Nurseries

Day Nurseries provide daycare for children aged from a few months to 12 years.

They offer a structured environment for children to learn and play.

The hours of care available for parents is extended day care, usually from 8am to 6pm.

Children are cared for in age appropriate groups to ensure that all their needs are fully met. For example there would be an area for babies that would allow them a quiet area to sleep and for older children there would be activities organised for them such as going out a nearby park.