All options at your fingertips from database

Finding out about childcare has never been easier. The Sandwell Childcare Information Service provides free information on all aspects of childcare in Sandwell and each month answers more than 300 enquiries.

The aim of the service is to help parents and carers select the best childcare options to suit their needs.

The Childcare Information Service has a database of more than 500 childcare providers throughout the borough. As well as childminders and day nurseries it also has information on parent and toddler groups, holiday play schemes, out of school clubs and playgroups.

It provides information on costs, opening times, special provision and Ofsted registration details.

A trained member of staff is always on hand to deal with enquiries and the Service can be contacted either by phone or at its drop-in information point at the Training and Development Centre, Popes Lane, Oldbury. Increasingly enquiries are now being dealt with by e-mail and fax.

You can also look at our website for lots of useful information, by following this link: Childcare Information Service

The Childcare Information Service can also help anyone considering childcare as a career, signposting them in the right direction.

The Service also works closely with the under 8's team at Barnardo's, guides childcare providers through the Ofsted childcare provision process, and works alongside the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership to promote local and national initiatives.

Those with Internet access can find some of the Service's childcare providers on the website, at http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/.

The website also contains information on childcare provision throughout the United Kingdom.

Sandwell Childcare Information Service is open five days-a-week and can be contacted by telephone on 0121 569 4914 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There is a 24-hour answerphone and the Service can even be faxed, on 0121 569 4919. Or call in to the Training and Development Centre, Popes Lane where friendly staff can help with a range of services including Working Family Tax Credit, the nursery education grant and any other issues to do with childcare.

SCIS specializes in information about childcare facilities within the borough of Sandwell.

The SCIS ensures where applicable that information provided about facilities required to register under the Children's Act 1989, are duly registered with Ofsted.

The service is confidential for users. Childcare information is provided in a variety of formats and languages and is free of charge.