Childcare Services (DISC)
DISC is the Family Information Service (FIS) for Devon and holds a wide range of information about children's services and registered childcare including Childminders, Creche, Holiday Schemes, Nurseries, Out of School Clubs, Pre-schools/Playgroups and non-registered Parent and Toddler Groups.
Search for childcare
Information that DISC collects about childcare is available online at direct.gov or at Department for Schools, Children and Families (DCSF). You can search for the childcare you need on these websites. The best search results come from partial postcode searches e.g. EX14 or TQ13. These results bring back all results from the postcode plus some from neighbouring postcodes.
The sites display the information in different ways and direct.gov is better for childminders and DSCF is better for group childcare providers such as pre-schools, nurseries and out of school care. The search is not as detailed as was previously available and not may show all the information about providers. We are working on a solution to this, which we hope to have in place soon. If you cannot find the information you are looking for call 0845 155 10 13
Childcare information in Torbay and other nearby areas.
Search for Parent and Toddler Groups
Parent and Toddler groups are listed on our Family Service Directory. In the advanced search select a category of 'Parent and Carer Services' and then a subcategory of 'Parent and Toddler Groups'
We need your feedback
Have your say about the DISC web site. Email us at discinfo@devon.gov.uk. Your views will help us evaluate and improve
We need your help to find out about childcare in your area
In February and March 2010, a company called Morgan's Research will telephone parents across Devon on behalf of Devon County Council to find out their childcare needs.
We need to know:
- what childcare parents want?
- when parents need childcare?
- do parents have specialist requirements?
- where are the gaps in childcare?
Early Years Entitlement
Early Years Education Funding is changing to Early Years Entitlement. Find out more here 
(19KB - pdf help) about the changes and how they will affect you. Download an information leaflet (234KB - pdf help).
Childwise, moneywise
The Daycare Trust have produced an audio guide includes information about childcare options and help parents can get with the costs of raising a family, including childcare costs. Download or listen to it here (also available in community languages).
Find out more
Also on devon.gov.uk
Other Web Sites
- Torbay Early Years and Childcare Service
- Community Organisations in Devon
- Babysitting Guidance from RoSPA
- Search for Childcare outside Devon
- Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit
- Help with Childcare Costs for 16-19 year old Parents
- Fostering
- Devon Children's Trust
- Training and Quality Assurance for Childcarers
Contact Us
Early Years and Childcare Service
Kingfisher House
Western Way
Exeter
EX1 2DE
0845 155 1013
Key Publications / Downloads
- Search for childcare
- Factsheets on support and services
- Early Years Entitlement (234KB - pdf help)
- Childminding Networks (22KB - pdf help) - information for parents
- The Essential Guide to Early Learning and Childcare for you and your family 0- 5 years
- The Essential Guide to Childcare For You and Your Family 5-11 years
- The Essential Guide to Out of School and Holiday Care: 11-16 Years
