How do I assess childcare and caring needs?

Access information on how to assess your caring needs regarding childcare

Navigating Childcare

Choosing the right childcare for you and your family can be a challenging experience for many parents. During this process we may have concerns arise for the wellbeing of our child and sometimes it can be difficult to know which direction to go.

Defining childcare needs for your family

Finding quality and affordable childcare remains one of the key barriers impacting parents' return to work plans.

It is useful to consider the following:

• What are your current childcare responsibilities?
• How do you see your caring needs changing in the future e.g. in the next 12 months?
• What level of care or involvement is required? e.g. do you have support from grandparents, partner, family, friends?
• Are your caring needs fixed e.g. regular days or hours?
• What caring needs to you anticipate you will have on work days?
• What is realistic for you to cover?
• What support can your partner, extended family or friends provide?
• Consider any further caring responsibilities you have as a family unit and what will be important when it comes to navigating the best childcare solution.