Choosing childcare is a big decision for you and your family. You can contact us on our freephone number 0800 0196 330 for advice and guidance on childcare types, information on local childcare available, and help with the cost of childcare . Alternatively you can search for childcare online through our search facility here.
If you are working and paying for registered childcare, you may be eligible for some help towards the cost of childcare. Details of the financial help available can be found on our Help With Childcare Costs page.
Free childcare entitlement for 2 years olds is currently offered through the Welsh Government programme Flying Start, which is targeted in specific areas across Wales.
You can check to see if you are living in a Flying Start area by calling us on Freephone 0800 0196 330 or speaking to your Health Visitor. More Information about Flying Start can be found here.
There are lots of programmes in Torfaen that support children, young people and families (including parents to-be). Call us on freephone 0800 0196 330 to access information based on your individual needs. You can also visit our Family Support Page for details on Families First and more.
In Torfaen, application forms are sent to home addresses of children in the September before their third birthday. You will need to complete the form and take it to your choice of provision before the application deadline (typically during the first week of October).
Parents will be notified of the outcome of their application by the education service. If you have moved since your child was born, you may need to contact Torfaen Education Service on 01495 766915 to update your child's address. Contact us Freephone 0800 0196 330 or email fis@torfaen.gov.uk for details of local nursery provision.
Children in Torfaen can apply for early education (Foundation Phase Nursery), the term after they turn three years old. Parents are sent applications for nursery education (see above) in the September before their third birthday, and children may be eligible to start the term after their third birthday ( a rising three nursery place).
Rising three places are dependant on whether state nursery provision (nurseries based at a school) or private childcare settings (education providers) have availability. Torfaen Education Service will notify families if children can access a rising three placement.
Example: If you child turns 3 in October 2018, forms for nursery education will be sent in September 2018. Your child might be eligible to start nursery education January 2019 or April 2019 (providing space is available).
The Childcare Offer For Wales is a Welsh Government initiative and will provide eligible working parents with 30 hours childcare for 3-4 year olds only. The 30 hours childcare will be a combination of early education (between 10 - 12.5 hours) and childcare (between 17.5 - 20 hours), for up to 48 weeks per year.
The Childcare Offer for Wales will be available for the whole of Torfaen from September 2018. More information can be found on our dedicated page here.
When you contact FIS you will receive a friendly and professional service and your enquiry will be treated in confidence. We will do our best to answer all your questions and provide you with any useful publications and information, we will also signpost you to other services that may be able to support you if you need further help.
We will create a tailor-made information pack for you, which you can receive through the post or email. Alternatively you can come and speak to us face to face at Cwmbran Integrated Children's Centre, Ton Road, NP44 7LE.