Pregnancy, childbirth, a new baby - few experiences in life have as much impact on someone as becoming/being a parent.

Our carer coordinator can help answer some of the questions you may have regarding flexible, affordable childcare.  She can also support you in looking at which childcare option will suit you best.

Bi-monthly drop-ins ware being ran at both South Tyneside and Sunderland Royal Hospital sites, where you can come along and find out what it is you need and how we can support you. There will also be a member of staff available at these events from payroll and HR, to answer any questions on maternity leave, pay and the parental policy we have. Clink the link below to find out dates and locations.

For more information on support with childcare, click on the other links below.

Bi-monthly drop-in sessions

Date 

Time 

Venue  

12th April 2023 

11.30 till 12:30 

Sunderland – ED Seminar Room 

8th June 2023 

11.00 till 12:30 

Sunderland – Room 114 - Education Centre

10th July 2023 

11.30 till 12:30 

South Tyneside Function Room in the Restaurant 

6th September 2023 

11.30 till 12:30 

South Tyneside Function Room in the Restaurant 

12th October 2023 

11.00 till 12:30 

Sunderland – ED Seminar Room 

13th November 2023 

11.30 till 12:30 

South Tyneside Function Room in the Restaurant 

Please note if you are attending the Sunderland drop-ins then you must let Susan Matheson know so that you can gain access on the day 

Tax free Childcare Scheme and 15/30 hours free childcare

How free childcare works (15 and 30 hours) 

Currently, parents/carers are entitled to 570 hours of free childcare a year. This is usually taken at up to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. You can stretch it out longer by using fewer hours each week, but many councils want your child to attend for at least 2.5 hours a week.

You can either use this allowance in school term time, or you can usually use it over the entire year. To get it, simply ask your local nursery or childcare provider if it has space. You must let them know that you want to take advantage of the free 15 hours when you sign up.

Parents/guardians of children between the ages of three and four can get an additional 15 hours of free childcare a week (totalling 30 hours a week or 1,140 hours a year), if they work and meet certain conditions. 

To get the first 15 hours for free, you just contact the provider. However, for the extra 15 hours, you need to apply for the extra hours' free childcare through the Gov.uk website. If you're approved, you'll receive a code to give to your childcare provider. You'll get the extra hours once the next term starts.

Families with a low income, and on certain benefits, may also get free childcare for two-year-olds.

Tax free Childcare

The Government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme offers up to £2,000 a year per child, towards childcare costs, including nursery, childminder and wraparound care.

The Government-backed Tax-Free Childcare scheme is designed so that for every 80p you put into your Tax-Free Childcare account, the state will add 20p. It essentially gives you basic-rate tax back on your bill – hence the scheme's name.

For more information click here: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Local nurseries (including those with NHS discount/working to NHS rota's)

Click here to find a list of nurseries* across South Tyneside and Sunderland, some of which offer NHS discount, and some of which will operate to an NHS rota.

*information correct as of March 2023.

School holiday dates and holiday scheme information

We want to encourage those who care for children to think ahead during 2023, and seek help or advice from our Carer Coordinator if they need childcare during the school holidays.

Please see school holiday dates for 2023 below (these may vary depending on local authority area)

Monday 20th - Friday 24th February

Monday 3rd - Friday 14th April

Monday 1st May (Bank Holiday)

Monday 8th May (Bank Holiday - King's Coronation)

Monday 29th May (Bank Holiday) - Friday 2nd June

Friday 21st July - Friday 1st September

Monday 23rd - Friday 27th October

Thursday 21st December - Friday 5th January

If you need childcare support for any of the school holidays, please contact our Carer Coordinator on 0191 4041242 or email s.matheson@nhs.net

You can also click here to view a list of holiday schemes* running in South Tyneside, Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham.

*information correct as of March 2023.

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