What is contracted Childcare?

Contracted Childcare allows an employer to book an emergency nursery place for an employees child(ren) when their regular childcare is unavailable, thus with the potential of preventing that staff member attending work.

Childcare services can be booked for whenever you need back up care - today, tomorrow or in 3 months time on a day-at-a-time basis. You can book a nursery place as late as 30 minutes before the nursery opens, as long as there is availability.

Each nursery updates their own spaces, so each nursery will be able to see immediately if places are available.

Why would I need to use the service?

Employers would need to use this service to reduce staff absence and sickness levels i.e to promote attendance levels. Whether it's a last minute panic booking or a pre-emptive solution booked well in advance, we provide the choices parents need. Parents can be confident that your child is in the best possible hands.

How does the service work?

Initially the employer would need to contact Rosy Apple Childcare Ltd, 23 Herschell Street, Preston PR1 3QU on 01772 200718 or email sharon@rosyapplechildcare.com to register.

Once registered with Rosy Apple and childcare is required, you will need to contact the nursery of your choice to check availability and book an emergency childcare session(s):

• Little Achievers Day Nursery, Ribbleton Preston PR2 6BJ tel 01772 704664
• Little Achievers @ Ribbleton Children’s Centre, Ribbleton, Preston, PR2 6EE tel 01772 794846
• Little Achievers @ Headstart Nursery, Preston, PR1 3QU tel 01772 201004
• Headstart Nursery and Pre-School, Bow Lane, Preston, PR1 8ND (city centre) tel 01772 561973
• Little Achievers @ CountryFields Nursery, Ramsgreave, Blackburn, BB1 9DQ tel 01254 246712

The parent will need to complete a child registration form with the setting to provide the Childs information. Our form is detailed, however easy to complete and contains all the relevant information required. This ensures the emergency childcare you book has all of the details they need to provide the highest level of care. Each child only need to register once at the setting. Parent Registration can be completed when they attend the setting for childcare. Authorisation for the contracted emergency care will be obtained by Rosy Apple with the employer.

Is there a registration charge?

There is an initial one off fee of £50 administration charge for the employer registering for contracted childcare. There is no fee to register children at any of the nurseries.

How can I be assured of the quality of the childcare?

The quality of the childcare we offer is paramount and that is why:

• All our nurseries are Ofsted registered (with at least a "satisfactory" grade) . Rosy Apple Childcare is a multi award winning organisation (link to awards page on website) and each of our settings holds Childcare Quality Awards.

What's the latest time I can book for that day?

You can book a nursery place as late as 30 minutes before a nursery opens, as long as there is availability.

How do I know that the childcarer has all the information they need?

Whilst developing the childcare registration form, we have worked very closely with key childcare professionals, working within Ofsted guidelines to ensure all the correct information is collected.

Even so, if there is time before the booking commences the nursery manager will take the time answer any questions you might have and gather any further information about your child you deem relevant.

What if the child needs specific medication?

All information regarding illnesses and medication should be recorded in the relevant sections on the child registration and medication form. We do recommend that you talk through your child's requirements during booking.

What if the child has a problem settling in at a nursery?

All of the nursery nurses involved in Contracted Emergency Childcare are highly trained and experienced carers. If, in their professional opinion, your child isn't settling in they will contact you and arrange pick up arrangements. Under these circumstances 50% of your fee will be refunded to you. We already provide emergency childcare for police, probation, various charity organisations and the local authority.

What are the daily nursery prices?

Emergency childcare is in line with our normal nursery fees – there is no additional charge. The childcare fees will be provided at the time of the employer’s initial registration with the company and updated on an annual basis – each January in line with nursery fee increases. The childcare costs will be invoiced on a monthly basis to the employer.

Are there any additional costs?

Meals and snacks will be charged for if hourly emergency childcare is required.

What if I need to cancel the booking?

An administration charge of £20 per child per cancelled session will be charged to the employer.