Frequently Asked Questions

View this page in Welsh
 
The Family Information Service and Early Years and Childcare Section finds itself answering the same sorts of questions to parents in Monmouthshire. In order to help you out, we've put together a handy answer sheet to our frequently asked questions.
 
 
1)  How do I apply to my local School Nursery?
A nursery application form can be obtained from the local school or from the Nursery Admissions Officer at Innovation House, Magor (01633 644534).
 
 
2) When should I submit an application form for my child’s School Nursery place?
 Closing dates for September nursery admissions are at the end of every January before that September.  Closing dates for January and April intakes are the end of each previous October.  It is rare that there are waiting lists for any of our School Nurseries so you do not need to apply more than a year in advance of the intake. More information is available here.
 Please note: We do not issue nursery places on a first come first served basis.  Application forms will not be processed until after each closing date.  Confirmation to parents will not be given until the summer term (September intake), November (January intake) and February (April intake).
 
 
3)  When will my child be eligible for Early Education Funding?
Every child is eligible for Early Education funding the term following their 3rd birthday.  The start of each term dates is January 1st, April 1st and September 1st regardless of when holidays start and end.  The funding available is £6.50 per session, up to 5 sessions a week (2 ½ hours per day up to 12 ½  hours per week ) and each session must be on a different day.  The funding is only available at one of Monmouthshire’s approved playgroups or nurseries.  Details of these nurseries and playgroups can be found here
 
 
4)  How do I become a registered childminder?
Read our 10 step guide to becoming a childminder here. 
 
 
5)  Can I receive any help towards Childcare costs?
 Monmouthshire County Council do not provide any support towards childare, however, there is support available for Early Education funding and Flying Start Childcare if you live in an eligible area.   Additional help and support for childcare costs, such as employers childcare vouchers and the childcare element of working tax credits can be found here.
 
 
6) How do I know if my Childcare Provider is registered?
 
A Childcare Provider must be registered with Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) if they plan to run for over two hours a day or for longer than one week.  If your Childcare Provider is registered with CSSIW, they will have a CSSIW Registration Number which they should be able to give you.  Your Childcare Provider must be registered with CSSIW if you wish to claim the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit.
 
 
7) What should I check for when looking for childcare?
 
Read our guide to choosing the most suitable childcare for your child here.
 
 
8) How do I find Childcare in my area:
 
This website has a comprehensive list of childcare throughout the county.  Choose your Childcare type and then your chosen area in the purple search facility on the top right hand side of this website.  Alternatively, you can download a guide to print out here, email info@monfis.org.uk or ring 01633 644527 during office hours.
 
 
9) I don't live in Monmouthshire, how can I access childcare information for my area?
 
Every Local Authority has a Family Information Service.  You can find contact details and web addresses here.
 
 
10) What do I do if I want a Childcare Provider to work in my home?
 
You may be able to find someone suitable by looking in our Nannies, Babysitters and Au Pairs section.