Employers

The Employers For Childcare team have a friendly and supportive approach and provide an excellent service. As a social enterprise their values are aligned with ours and I would have no hesitation in recommending them to other employers.

Alex MainCom & Bens Manager, IKEA

Discount scheme

We offer all employees, not just those using Childcare Vouchers access to a discount scheme which gives them the opportunity to save money on gift cards from some of the high street’s top retailers.

Freephone Helpline

Our Freephone Helpline is a great place to start for parents who need information on any aspect of childcare or work related issues. Our specialist advisors can provide support and advice on a diverse range of queries, as well as referrals to other related services. The Freephone Helpline is available to parents, employers and childcare providers just call 0800 028 3008.

Family Benefits Advisory Service

Our advisors work specifically with parents to make them aware of the potential support available. They offer one-to-one confidential benefits advice and information on help with childcare, including tax credits, Childcare Vouchers and flexible working arrangements. Correct and timely advice is crucial to empowering parents about their rights and entitlements, enabling them to make well informed decisions about their own personal circumstances. To avail of our Family Benefits Advisory Service contact us on Freephone 0800 028 6538.

Employers' Seminars & Conferences

We regularly organise employer seminars and conferences and provide professional support and guidance for employers on all key issues relating to childcare and work.

Research

Our research team is committed to addressing childcare as an economic and a labour market issue. We undertake both quantitative and qualitative research and have produced high quality, informative research to influence childcare and family work related policies. Our niche area of research offers in-depth analysis of issues pertinent to childcare and employment. Research that we carried out last year included the first ‘NI Childcare Costs Survey for 2010’ and the first independent comparative study of childcare policy to be carried out within the four regions of the UK ‘Sizing up.’

Policy & Lobbying Government

We work to enact change at Government level on the important and integral role of childcare as a labour market and economic issue. We successfully led the ChildcareSOS (Save Our Savings) campaign, which had a key part to play in overturning the Prime Minister’s initial proposal to phase out the Childcare Voucher Scheme. We will continue to lobby and influence policy on childcare and work related issues for the benefit of working parents.

Online Childcare Search

One of the first challenges for parents when considering childcare is to find out exactly what provision is available in their area. This online facility is easy to use and comprehensive. Parents have access to information on all types of childcare, including day nurseries, after-school clubs, breakfast clubs, crèches, playgroups, holiday schemes, nursery schools and units, parent and toddler groups and childminders.