Have you ever thought about a career in childcare, but didn't know where to start?  If the answer is yes then a Childcare Taster Session would be a good starting point. 

These free, informal sessions will enable you to meet people already working in childcare, early years or playwork who will give you an insight into what it's really like. You will be given information about available training opportunities, the different jobs in childcare and the qualifications required to do those jobs. 

If you would like to find out more about when and where the Childcare Taster Sessions are taking place, call the Families Information Service (FIS) on 0800 587 8042.  For information about the different types of jobs in the different types of childcare settings see Careers in Childcare in Related Downloads.

Alternatively, you might want to consider working as a childminder in your own home so you could combine looking after your own child(ren) with that of others.  If you would like to know how to become a registered childminder call the FIS to discuss this option and we will also send you an information pack detailing the steps you need to take.

If you are interested in looking for a different type and more challenging caring role there are opportunities to become an adoptive parent or a foster carer because Wakefield has a wide range of children from different backgrounds needing a new family. 

Adoption - there are a number of children in Wakefield waiting for adoption, so if you think you can provide a secure, loving home to a child for life call the Family Placement Services on 0845 8 503 503 to discuss how to apply to become an adoptive parent.

Fostering - there are different types of fostering, short-term, long-term, permanent, respite, parent and child placements, and Connect Care.  To find out more about becoming a foster carer see the link for the Fostering - Room in Wakefield website.