Synergy - Enquiry

You can search for childcare in Barnsley by clicking the above box that says 'click here to search for childcare'

Follow these quick steps:

Step 1: Select the provider type

Step 2: Add your postcode

Step 3: Add how far you would travel in the range box

Step 4: Press search

The search results will show a list of childcare settings and a map showing you where the settings are.

What next?

Click on the setting name and the box will expand so you can read the full record

All settings are inspected by Ofsted to make sure they meet required standards. If you would like to look at the providers full Ofsted report visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ and search for the provider by name.

The information on the records has been written by the childcare settings, so if you like what you read and are interested, contact the setting to talk through the times and days you need and arrange a visit

Take a look at the questions you should ask when visiting a childcare setting for the first time.

Are nappies and wipes included in the fee or do you provide your own?
Are meals included or paid as extra?
What kind of food and drinks do they provide?
What is the notice period when ending a contract?
What qualifications do the staff have?
How will they keep you up to date with your child’s progress?
How is good behaviour encouraged?
What activities will your child do?

It’s important that you read the settings policies and understand them, if you have any questions you should talk to the setting.

Arrange a visit to look around the building and outside play areas.

Settling in period

Ask about settling in visits. These are an agreed amount of time to help settle your child in the setting. It can help you and your child to feel confident and safe.

Read more

Take a look at the PACEY (Professional Association Childcare and Early Years) parent guide for more information about choosing a childcare setting.

Please keep visiting this section, we will keep adding to the FAQ's

Sometimes settings can talk about things that you may not be sure of.

Below is an explanation of some of the terms or words that you may hear.

What is Ofsted?

Ofsted register and regulate childcare.

Click here to find out more information.

What are ratios?

All settings must work to staff ratios. This is the minimum number of adults needed when caring for children. The younger children are, the more adults are needed.

For example:

1 adult to 3 children under the age of 2
1 adult to 4 children aged 2
1 adult to 8 children aged 8 and above

What hours can my child attend?

Depending on the type of childcare you choose, they will offer you times to suit you and your child's needs.

For example, some settings open early for breakfast club and stay open until late in the evening where as others will offer typical 9 - 5pm sessions.

Read more about the different types of childcare and what they typically offer here.

What is a stretched offer?

Instead of taking your funded hours at 15 hours each week for 38 weeks, your child could, as an example, have 11 hours each week for 51 weeks of the year. This will all depend on the settings flexibility of delivering the funded education, not every setting is able to provide this.

What is a deposit?

A deposit is normally refunded when the parent decides their child will leave the nursery, or it can be used to pay the last months fees instead. In some cases the childcare setting use the deposit as part payment for the first instalment due when the child starts. (please discuss these fees direct with your setting to establish what the fee covers)

What is a retainer fee?

A retainer fee differs from a deposit as it allows a parent to reserve a place at a childcare setting for their child that could be offered to someone else. The retainer fee can be charged by the setting for the weeks that they are waiting for your child to start. (please discuss these fees direct with your setting to establish what the fee covers)

My child is accessing a funded place, but I've received a bill for food, nappies and snacks what do I do?

Talk to your setting. The funding covers the cost of early education. Some settings do charge extra for things like food, snacks, nappies and sun-cream so you should always check your contract before taking up your place; However, your childcare setting should let you bring a packed lunch, or your own snacks, nappies etc as an alternative. Paying the extra costs cannot be a condition of your funded place.

What is a notice period?

When your child starts a childcare setting you will sign a contract. In the contract there should be section about notice periods. This is usually the amount of notice you need to give if you want to change settings. You should not start a new setting before the end of your notice period because you may have to pay for both settings.

Sometimes you may hear or read some of the phrases listed below, we have added a brief explanation to what they mean:

• Small World – Using figures, animals and small toys to encourage imaginative play for example Dolls House, Farmyard and Train set.

• Curiosity Approach – Learning through awe and wonder and sparking curiosity in young minds such as using real items such as clocks, switches and other familiar fixtures and fittings.

• Free Flow – Allows children to use different spaces to suit their needs. Allowing them to move freely between indoor and outdoor play.

• Practitioner – The specialist staff who support and nurture the social and educational development of babies and children from birth to five within the childcare setting.

• EYFS – This is the Early Years Foundation Stage. For more information about this click here.