School aged children need safe care during the school holidays, right through primary education and often into the first couple of years at secondary school. There are now increasing numbers of holiday schemes. These are based in school premises, youth or community centres.

Choosing childcare is a big step for you and your child. Ask about opening hours, price, and age of children and if there is a space for your child.

It can be a good idea to take your child with you to see how staff talk to him or her. Try to go when children are there so you can see if they are calm, happy and busy.

To obtain a copy of the Holiday Scheme list, please use the contact details below, or download a copy of the holiday scheme list (156KB PDF file).

What to ask for?

Here are some suggested questions to ask when you visit. Add your own questions as well:

  • How long have you been working with children?
  • Have you undertake any training for your job? Any qualification? Do you enjoy being with children and why?
  • Does your setting have a safeguarding policy in place?
  • Can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play space?
  • If there is no outside play space- how will you make sure my child gets the chance to play outside?
  • Where will my child rest?
  • What kind of food and drink will you give?
  • What will my child do all day?
  • How do you encourage good behaviour?
  • Will my child be with a regular group of children?
  • How old are they?
  • How will their timetable fit in with my child?
  • How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?

What to look for?

When you visit possible childcare options, look for these quality pointers. You could add your own as well.

  • Are the children calm, safe and happy?
  • Do children play and talk together?
  • Are the staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
  • Are the staff friendly and proud of their work?
  • Are the staff joining in with what the children are doing?
  • Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? Can children plan some of these themselves?
  • Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
  • Are the premises clean, well kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?
  • Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?
  • If there are other things you want to know, do not be afraid to ask. Good childcare staff expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them

Top Tips

  • Always take up references. You could ask for names of other parents to talk to about your chosen service
  • Listen to your child and find out more if he or she seems unhappy.
  • Always trust your own feelings about your childcare - you know your child best

How much does a holiday scheme cost?

  • Holiday schemes can cost from £100-£150 per week.

Child Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit supports families with children and young persons who are under 20 years of age. You can claim whether or not you are in work. There are various elements to this credit. The extra amount of Child Tax Credit for having a baby under the age of one was stopped from 6 April 2011. This change means if you were getting this payment for the last tax year, you won't get it for the new tax year - even if your child is still under the age of one.

All families with children, with income of up to £40,000 a year, can claim the credit in the same way. If your income is over £40,000, your basic Child Tax Credit payment of £545 will be reduced.

If your childcare provider is registered with Ofsted, you are entitled to claim the childcare element of working tax credits which is up to £175 per week for 1 child and £300 for 2 or more children. The maximum proportion of costs that can be claimed is 70%.

Tax Credit helpline

Tel:0845 300 3900

Inland Revenue website

Note: When claiming costs for assistance with childcare costs please note that only registered childcare is eligible.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, Waltham Forest's Family Information Service cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors. We strongly recommend that you check the details with each provider. As we offer an impartial service we cannot recommend or endorse any of the childcare providers listed.

  • When you have chosen your holiday scheme it is important to negotiate and confirm a contractual agreement with them to ensure that arrangements for your child's care are clearly agreed
  • The holiday scheme list is fully updated fortnightly
  • You may view holiday scheme inspection reports at OFSTED Web site (external) or contact the holiday scheme directly. If you experience any difficulties obtaining a report we will endeavour to get it for you

How to get in touch with the Family Information Service

Telephone us

Call us on 020 8496 3000 and ask for the Family Information Service. Our staff will provide information over the phone and in writing.

We have an answer phone service when the service is closed.

Email wffis@walthamforest.gov.uk
Fax 020 8496 2313

Visit us

Waltham Forest Family Information Service
Silver Birch House
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow  E17 5SD

Opening hours

Our offices are open to the public Monday-Friday 9am to 4.30pm.