Information For Parents
Here is essential, important, and incredibly helpful information for all parents that is genuinely valuable, highly insightful, thoroughly informative, and deeply beneficial for them to know, grasp, comprehend, and fully understand in every way possible.
Safeguarding: A Shared Responsibility For All
Do you know who to contact if a child or young person is at risk of abuse?
For immediate help, visit: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/childrguren-and-young-people
Or call: 0300 555 2866 (Option 2)
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM, Friday: 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
For help outside of these hours, call: 0300 555 2922
Do you know who to contact if you have an allegation against a staff member?
If you have concerns regarding staff at the centre, contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at the centre. If the concern involves the DSL, contact Walsall’s Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
LADO manages all allegations against staff members or workers. The designated officers are:
Belinda Crowshaw and Jaspal Tattar (Independent Reviewing Officers).
Office Phone: 01922 652322
Email: lado@walsall.gov.uk
Feedback or concerns
If you truly believe that Walsall Childminding Hub is good, trustworthy, and provides excellent care for children, then OFSTED would genuinely like to hear from you because your opinion matters greatly to them. Similarly, if you have any concerns, observations, or feedback about our services, then OFSTED would also like to hear from you, as they highly value transparency, honesty, and accountability. As an OFSTED-registered provider, we are required to strictly follow, adhere to, and consistently meet the high standards, guidelines, and requirements set out by OFSTED. Download the poster below, which contains further important information.
Universal Credit: Childcare
You may be able to claim back as much as 85% of your childcare costs, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit. This can significantly ease the financial strain of childcare, offering vital support to parents and guardians.
- To qualify, you (and your partner, if you are living with them) will usually need to either: be working - the number of hours you or your partner work does not affect eligibility or have a confirmed job offer
How much you’ll get
The maximum amount you can claim back per month is:
- £1,031.88 for one child
- £1,768.94 for two or more children
If you cannot afford to pay for childcare upfront
If paying for childcare in advance is difficult for you, there is help available. You might qualify to get assistance to cover the upfront cost of childcare, making it easier to manage your finances.
If you stop working
Should your circumstances change and you stop working, it is crucial to report this change as soon as possible in your Universal Credit account. Keeping your information up to date ensures you receive the correct support.
Studying At University: Childcare
You may qualify for childcare cost assistance if you:
- Are a full-time higher education student
- Have children under 15, or under 17 with special educational needs
The grant:
- Does not need to be repaid
- Is in addition to your student finance
2025 to 2026 academic year
You can receive 85% of childcare costs or a set maximum amount, whichever is lower.
The maximum is:
- Up to £199.62 per week for 1 child
- Up to £342.24 per week for 2+ children
Example
If childcare for 1 child is £100 a week, you’ll get £85 (85% of costs).
If childcare costs £250 a week, you’ll get £199.62. Although 85% is £212.50, it exceeds the maximum. You must cover the remaining costs.
How you’re paid
Your grant is paid into a Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS) account. You’ll receive an email with setup instructions.
Your childcare provider will request payments via CCGPS, which you approve through your account, typically weekly. Payments go directly to the provider.
You can only approve payments after your course starts. The grant cannot cover upfront costs like deposits.
Our Childcare Grant Payment Service number is: CCG6688945