Childcare
There is a lot to think about when choosing the right type of childcare. Allow enough time to research the best option for your child and make contact with providers as soon as possible, as there can be waiting lists.
Family friendly leave, career breaks and flexible working are offered to all University employees’ to assist with their work-life balance. Further details can be found here.
There is a wide selection of childcare facilities for children under five years of age. Day nurseries for children from six weeks to five years old and after care from 8am to 6pm. Local Authority nursery schools offer full and part-time hours, as well as before and after sessions. The parents usually pay for these sessions. Pre-schools (from age 3 to 5) and playgroups offer care in their local communities, either as a morning or afternoon session. Nannies provide care for children in the family home and are employed by the parents. Child-minders are self-employed professionals who work in their own homes, offer flexible hours, and look after children from birth to sixteen years of age.
The University of Cambridge has a Childcare Office, which manages two nurseries solely for University staff. The “Family Information Directory” at the Cambridgeshire County Council website will allow you to search local childcare providers.
All child-minders, nurseries, and pre-schools are regulated by a government body known as Ofsted and are periodically reviewed and rated. It is important to research the quality of each provider. Ofsted reports are available online and they provide the clearest indication of how well the nursery is running and what facilities they offer your children. Also, ask your colleagues in your department for recommendations or advice.
A number of websites provide lists of child-minders, nurseries and pre-schools in the Cambridgeshire area, such as Cambridgeshire Council, Childcare.co.uk and Day Nurseries.co.uk.
Schooling
Schooling is compulsory in the United Kingdom for children between five and sixteen years of age. This includes all children, whether they are UK nationals or not. If your child is under sixteen and will be with you as your dependent for more than six months, they should be able to go to a state primary or secondary school free of charge. You may teach your child at home, full or part-time (“home schooling”), but you must inform the school and your local council, if you choose this option.
The academic year for state primary and secondary schools is September through July. The academic year is broken up into three terms. Half way through each term there is a holiday of one week. Education in the UK is divided into primary (5 to 11 or 12), secondary (11 to 18), further education (over 16) and higher education (18 and over).
There are also private schools, which charge fees to attend. For a list of all private schools, see The Independent Schools Council (ISC).
Admission to state schools in Cambridge is governed by Cambridgeshire County Council. Your children should be entitled to access free State schooling if you are any of the following:
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A British Citizen;
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EEA/Swiss national resident in the UK by or before 31 December 2020;
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A non-EEA national holding a visa which permits you to work or study in the UK;
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A non-EEA visiting academic, coming to the UK for up to 12 months to undertake research and have obtained a visitor visa in advance of coming to the UK.
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Note: all other non-UK visitors are not permitted to access free State schooling.
The Local Authority have ten teaching days to respond to applications. You can apply for up to three schools and there are no restrictions on which ones you apply for. For further information, and for guidance on the admission process, please see Cambridgeshire County Council’s webpages.