Resources

The following web sites contain useful information for people involved in providing out of school care (all links open in a separate window)

General

Ofsted (www.ofsted.gov.uk) - Essential information on the registration and legal responsibilities of out of school carers. Access to inspection reports and criteria.

4 Children (www.4children.org.uk) - Formerly Kid's Club Network. National charity dedicated to creating opportunities and building futures for children.

SkillsActive Playwork Unit (www.playwork.org.uk) - Support for playwork and playworkers with a range of advice.

Sheffield Information Link (formerly Children's Information Service) (www.sheffieldchildrenfirst.org.uk) - General information on children's services in Sheffield. Application packs for Ofsted registration. Will also advertise any playwork vacancies you may have.

Voluntary organisations

Charity Commission (www.charity-commission.gov.uk) - The regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. Information on registering a charity plus advice and guidance on running your organisation.

National Council for Voluntary Organisations (www.ncvo-vol.org.uk) - The NCVO give voice and support to voluntary and community organisations. Information and advice includes sector issues and details of specialist networks.

Voluntary Action Sheffield (www.vas.org.uk) - Support voluntary and community groups in Sheffield. Information on training and events, volunteering in Sheffield and links to sources of further information.

Business support

Business Link (www.businesslink.gov.uk) - Business planning tools and advice. Information on employment law and other regulations relating to UK businesses.

Companies House (www.companieshouse.gov.uk) - Company registration and associated legislation including specific information on Community Interest Companies.

Creating More Balance (www.cmb.org.uk) - Up to 35 hours free support with implementing child friendly policies for South Yorkshire businesses.

SENTA (www.senta.co.uk) - Sheffield Enterprise Agency. Help and guidance for new business start-ups in Sheffield.

Advancing Women South Yorkshire (www.advancingwomen.org.uk) - includes the South Yorkshire Female Entrepreneurs Network (SYFEN) offering mentoring and networking support to women in business across the region.

Funding

South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (www.syfab.org.uk) - SYFAB offer help with sourcing appropriate funding for organisations from across the South Yorkshire region.

Big Lottery Fund (www.biglotteryfund.org.uk) - An amalgamation of the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund, BIG distribute over half of the charitable funds raised by the National Lottery.

BBC Children in Need (www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey) - Find out how you can apply for a grant this year and discover which charities benefited from money donated to BBC Children in Need in 2004.

Comic Relief (www.comicrelief.org.uk) - Follow the links for information on all you need how to apply for Comic Relief funds, and to find out more about how they spend donations.

Government

Sheffield City Council (www.sheffield.gov.uk) - News and events from across the city plus all the latest on council services and initiatives.

Department for Trade and Industry (www.dti.gov.uk) - Central government's information on legislation and initiative relating to UK business, including employment laws and employer relations.

Inland Revenue (www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk) - Tax credit information plus details of local courses in financial management for businesses.

Her Majesty's Stationary Office (www.hmso.gov.uk) - Copies of legal documents, National Standards etc.