Childcare, early years education, play and toddler groups
Click here for direct link to search for childcare
Click here to send OCIS an enquiry about childcare
(Data Protection - We will not pass your personal information to 3rd parties. We do however keep the information for monitoring purposes. If you would prefer OCIS not to hold your personal details please do not use this form but ring the helpline on 08452 26 26 36 then select option 1)
Information we hold
Who is it for?
How can we help?
Using the OCIS Helpline
Language Line
OCIS publications
Emergency Childcare
Childcare Gaps
Help with childcare costs for families returning to work
Information we hold
Information on Ofsted registered childcare and early education provision including:
- childminders
- nurseries
- pre-schools
- holiday and out-of-school play schemes
- crèches
- help with costs of childcare
Who is it for?
For parents and carers of children and professionals working with children.
How can we help?
Our Helpline team deals with around 1,000 enquiries a month.
If you are looking for childcare, the Information Officer can discuss different types of childcare, and help available to pay for childcare. We will send you an individual report of what is available in your area. This will include:
- contact information
- vacancies
- opening hours
- any additional services.
If you need extra help to find childcare the Helpline team can provide a more in-depth service e.g. if your child is disabled or English is not your first language. Please ask us about it .
Our information service is entirely free.
The service is impartial – we inform people of the childcare available so that they can choose what is best for their family.
For information about regulation of registered childcare you can view Ofsted inspection reports on http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/.
Using the OCIS Helpline
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Phone
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08452 26 26 36 low cost calls
(or 01993 894380)
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Helpline |
9 – 5 Monday – Friday |
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E mail us
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Please be clear about the information that you need and leave your phone and postal contact details if necessary.
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Texting service
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Text us and a member of OCIS staff will call you back on your mobile.
If you are a looking for childcare or parenting information text 'information' to 07895070818 If you are looking for a job in childcare or want information on childcare recruitment text 'recruitment' to 07895070818 This a texting service only. We will only respond to texts during office hours. |
Language Line
OCIS uses Language Line for an immediate telephone interpretation service for people who do not speak English. We will ask what language is needed then an interpreter will interpret between Helpline staff and the caller.
OCIS Publications
OCIS has produced local Information Guides for each of the Oxfordshire District Council areas (see publications page)
OCIS publications are available free through our Helpline.
Looking for emergency childcare? Please contact us for a list of Oxfordshire childcarers who are willing to offer emergency cover if they have spaces.
Summary of Oxfordshire's Childcare Gaps - Oxfordshire County Council
Oxfordshire County Council’s Early Learning and Childcare Service undertook a countywide childcare assessment of the supply of and demand for childcare. Parents, providers, communities and employers were asked about how to support childcare provision so that all parents have choice and flexibility in balancing family and work life.
If you would like a hard copy of any part of the report, or would like it made available in another language, please contact Liane Low either by email: Liane.Low@Oxfordshire.gov.uk or telephone 01865 810 517.
