WORKING parents can now have their children cared for in their own homes while they are at work.

Under new arrangements in County Durham, home caring is to become a new form of approved childcare to assist employed parents, particularly those working shifts or unsociable hours.

It will also allow parents of children with disabilities to get childcare suited to their needs.

Alison Gargett, of Durham County Council's Childcare Information Service (CIS), said it will effectively mean that instead of taking a child to their childcare, it will involve the home carer going to the family.

Parents must use stipulated registered childcare services to ensure the scheme operates safely and securely.

Support towards the cost will be available to parents through the childcare tax credit element of the Working Tax Credit.

Ms Gargett said: "Home childcarers are professionals who look after one or more children to whom they are not related.

"They must meet the standards set out in a new code of practice, monitored by Ofsted.

"Only registered childminders can apply to be a home childcarer and, like childminders, their main role is to offer good quality, safe childcare, while providing children with play and learning opportunities to help them develop."

Any professional childminders living in County Durham keen to learn more about the scheme, or parents wanting to take advantage of the service, should contact County Durham CIS, on 0845-602 4469.

Information packs can be supplied to applicants on that number, or via the national Childcare Link Service, on 0800-096 0296.