Childcare Information Services

Reliable, up to date information, in an accessible form, is vital to allow parents with childcare responsibilities to respond quickly to job, training and education opportunities. The Government set up a national childcare information website at http://www.scottishchildcare.gov.uk. There are 30 local childcare information services, one in each local authority area except for the North, East and South Ayrshire Councils who have a joint childcare information service. Local childcare information services have a website linked to the national site and their own telephone helpline. The Scottish Government sets minimum standards which it expects information services to meet.

Childcare Information Services were set up primarily to provide information for parents to help them choose the right childcare as quickly as possible. They are also useful sources of information for, among others, childcare providers and employers. However, they have another vital role, which is to provide information to Childcare Partnerships on the supply of childcare and unmet demand which is crucial for their strategic planning of childcare expansion.