As a local authority, we have a duty to make sure there are enough childcare places in Dorset. 

We support:
  • registered early years and childcare providers and their staff
  • anyone setting up new childcare provision or registering as a childminder
  • people looking for a job in childcare
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Working in early years and childcare

Different jobs, what you’ll do, the training and qualifications you’ll need, and Disclosure and Barring Service advice.
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Childcare Sufficiency report and assessment

Read our Childcare Sufficiency reports and see our actions based on your feedback.
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Events: Working with children in the early years

Do something big. Work with small children. Book onto one of our working with early years children events.

Contact us

Early years and childcare service

Email: beststartinlife@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Full contact details