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Latest UK Childcare News

Nanny Wages Survey January 2010
from Nanny Tax and Nursery World
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Voice Professional Nanny of the Year 2010
Entries now being sought (closing date 26 March 2010)
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Ed Balls: Schools to get access to over a thousand extra money-saving experts
9 March 2010
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Primary teachers + intensive maths training = world class maths pupils
2 March 2010
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New local powers to investigate complaints about Special Educational Needs
2 March 2010
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More support and new centre for children who stammer
2 March 2010
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Ed Balls and Diana Johnson launch action plan on special educational needs
24 February 2010
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New powers to parents and local authorities to use new chains
23 February 2010
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56 local areas to become pathfinders for nursery funding system
16 February 2010
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ARCHIVE OF PREVIOUS NEWS STORIES/FEATURES ON BEST BEAR

KELLY SAYS ROSE REVIEW IS CRUCIAL TO BOOST READING STANDARDS FURTHER

HUGHES SETS OUT CHALLENGES AHEAD FOR CHILDRENS SERVICES REFORMS

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR SCHOOL FOOD ALAN JOHNSON

BACK IN LEARNING - 10 MILLION TO BOOST PARTICIPATION

MORE CHOICE FOR PARENTS: 9 MILLION FOR CHOICE ADVISERS

FIRST EVER NATIONAL SUBJECT ASSOCIATION FOR PSHE

NEW TEACHING AIDS USE PUPILS' PASSION FOR MUSIC TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE

Check out our updated information on Nanny Share.

Check out our updated information on Day Nurseries

Time to Change
Real Nappy Week 2006
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You're the Daddy!
An author interview and Special Best Bear discount offer
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Check Your Facts
How much do you know about child protection?
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Looking for something new in the childcare world?

The Nanny Diary -
Special Offer for Best Bear Members
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The Art Of Hiding Vegetables
Learn how to get healthy food into kids with or without their co-operation!
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How to make bathtime fun!

Healthy Summer Food
Picnics and barbecues are one of the joys of summer and can be a great opportunity to encourage your children to try new, healthy foods. Christine Bailey offers some top tips for healthy outdoor eating.
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Professional Nanny of the Year Award 2007
Find out more here
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The Nannytax/Professional Nanny Annual Survey of UK Nanny Wages - 2007
with thanks to Nursery World and nannytax.co.uk
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Does your family need Supernanny?

Consultation on school, early years and 14-16 funding 2008 - 2011 published
7 March 2007
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Daycare trust welcomes consultation on early years funding
7 March 2007
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"Getting the best possible start" - the Early Years Foundation stage published today
13 March 2007
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Win £250 worth childrens books for your child's day nursery
And receive a £5 waterstones.com gift voucher to spend on yourself!
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Nursery Survey posters

A chance to win a sackful of Postman Pat goodies!!!
Click here to find out more....
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Best Bear skills workshops

Annual Nanny Pay Survey - January 2005

Nannytax.co.uk Nanny Wages Survey 2007
Qualified nannies recognised as affordable childcare option
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Finding new childcare has never been easier
FAMILIES SURREY EAST Jan-Feb 2009 issue
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Happy Christmas from Best Bear

Nanny Wages Survey January 2010
from Nanny Tax and Nursery World
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New CRB service launched
26 November 2006
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Scottish childcare costs soar above inflation
20 February 2007
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Choosing a baby carrier or sling
by Philippa, Little Possums
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Quality improvement project to help Early Years and childcare providers raise quality of provision
1 March 2007
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Government action to boost support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
8 March 2007
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Win tickets for the Allergy Show
We have ten pairs of tickets to give away....
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Win a Special Gift for a Model Dad
find out more here....
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Postman Pat - Great Big Party
Parent review
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Win a chance to meet Justin from CBeebies!
With a special 'In the Night Garden' competition
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Back to School with Postman Pat
Win some Postman Pat goodies in this fantastic prize draw!
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Postman Pat's Summer Spectacular!
Win a copy of the latest Postman Pat DVD here...
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Christmas Cookie Edible Tree Decorations
a tried and tested recipe from Frankie Gray at Harmony At Home Childcare Agency
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Save 50% when registering with thenannysharers.co.uk
Register today for just £12.50
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Information about childminders
Add new Teaser
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Start the New Year with a Healthy Happy Child
By Best Bear Expert Christine Bailey
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Win your very own Personal Lifestyle Manager!!
A ‘your life Book of Time’ voucher worth £50 could be yours when you enter this fab free draw!
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The Professional Nanny of the Year Award 2008
Find out more information here...
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Have a Cracking Easter.... without the need for chocolate!!
By Frankie Gray from Harmony and Home Childcare
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Hello Makka Pakka!
Win In The Night Garden prizes with our fantastic free prize draw to celebrate the launch of the new Makka Pakka DVD this month.
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Association of Nanny Agencies invite you to their first Annual Conference
Find out more here
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Free book (worth up to 10.00)
Find out more about a fantastic offer from new online bookshop BookRabbit.com
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Looking for an environmentally friendly way to keep your children happy this summer?
Find out more about BigGreenSmile.com and enter a draw to win a recycled cardboard rocket for your garden - hours of fun guaranteed!
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Are you sitting comfortably?
In The Night Garden Story Telling event - 6 August 2008
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Internet Survey
In conjunction with Harris Interactive, Best Bear are running a survey into how we use the Internet. Can you spare a few minutes to answer a brief questionaire? You could win £3000 for doing so!
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Nannies - are you interested in talking in a group with other nannies about your experiences - the highs and lows - of nannying?

Win wonderful Tombiboos toys and DVDs to celebrate the launch of the new Hello Tombliboos! DVD
with Best Bear's In The Night Garden competition. Enter here...
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Artists including Julian Opie, Bridget Riley and Damien Hirst create Art book for babies
We have five copies to give away to Best Bear members, find out more here
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The national nanny survey is now available online
The Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC) has been commissioned by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) - in association with the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and VOICE The Union - to carry out a research project on the roles, responsibilities, needs and aspirations of the nanny workforce in England.
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The Annual Report of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills 2007/08

FURREAL– VIRTUALLY FOR LIFE
Win a Filo 'My rollover pup' from FurReal
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Win a copy of the fantastic new title in the Ology series
SPYOLOGY: The Complete Book of Spycraft, by Dugald A. Steer
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Chopsticks At The Ready!! – A cookery experience with your children
By Best Bear Nutrition Expert Christine Bailey
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Banish boredom, squabbles and holiday blues this Summer with the return of the Kids Fun Ideas Show at Manchester Central from 27-28 June 2009
Win a family ticket with Best Bear....
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Cooking treats for Easter
by Best Bear Expert, Christine Bailey
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Over Worked Parents Wanted for Channel 4 Documentary

MERMAIDS is the second book in the popular Secret Histories series by Professor Ari Berk published in March 2009.
Win a copy with Best Bear today....
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Win a brand new Postman Pat®: Special Delivery Service - To The Rescue DVD!

Win a copy of 'Barbie Thumbelina' with Best Bear Childcare today

Professional Nanny of the Year 2009

The 11th- 24th May is Foster Care Fortnight
You Can Help Change a Childs Life!
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Every baby is an amazing baby!
Win copies of books from the award winning Amazing baby series with Bestbear today...
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Win two 6-month subscriptions to Adventure Box Magazine
The perfect way to encourage your 6-8yr old to read...
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CV Service!
Child Care Magazine April 2009
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Premiership Footballers Support Foster Care Fortnight
11 - 24 May 2009
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Stunning Alison Jay Books and Wall Frieze give away

Starting a Nanny Agency
Find out what you need to do in order to set up your own Nanny Agency. By Martin Lock, from Angels Nannies and Maternity
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Calling all WotWots fans! Win a place with the WotWots at ZSL London Zoo!
An amazing, money can't buy prize!
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ABC Programming
A comprehensive new planning, activities and personal resource, developed for all child care professionals.
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A-Z of Animals - a new wildlife picture book which your kids are sure to love!
Find out more, read our review, and enter our draw to win an A-Z Animals wall frieze
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Ahoy me hearties!
A fantastic new pirate tale for 3-5yr olds from exciting new talent Jonny Duddle. Read one Dad's review and then enter our draw to win a copy of this new book!
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“Have you 5 minutes to spare?”
by Louise Ford
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Win the chance to see Coraline at the Lowry Outlet Mall
A fantastic opportunity to win tickets to see the spooky animated hit Coraline this Halloween...
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Win a copy of The Childcare Bible by Lucy Martin
We have 5 copies of this new comprehensive childcare resources to give away
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Save 20% on jewellery at Love Hearts and Crosses
Ideal for Christmas presents or just a treat for yourself?
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Welcome to new Nutritional expert Hannah Love

Tips for travelling with a baby under 6 months
by Best Bear Expert, Hannah Love
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New Year - set yourself a resolution and gain a qualification

Voice Professional Nanny of the Year 2010
Entries now being sought (closing date 26 March 2010)
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A Right Royal Disaster
Win a copy of this new title from Simon Bartram with Best Bear today...
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An Introduction To Weaning
by Best Bear Expert Hannah Love
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Top tips when returning to work, or for any parent wanting to organise their busy life
by Best Bear Expert Hannah Love
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Lack of investment and family-focused policies is widening inequalities
14 February 2007
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Don't lose your child out and about!!!

Advertising for a childcarer?
Make sure you check out the new Age Discrimination legislation before you place your advert!
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Daycare Trust response to report on Impact of Nurseries
5 April 2007
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Sure Start Childrens Centres pass the million mark
11 April 2007
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Follow the adventures of Rupert Bear
and win a fantastic DVD in our new competition!
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A chance to win a sackful of Postman Pat goodies!!!
Click here to find out more....
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Win Fantastic Postman Pat Goodies
for a brand new Postman Pat themed bedroom!
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A New Parents Cookery Workshop
Improving children's behaviour and learning through food
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Tooth Tunes Brings Fun Into Brushing Teeth
Read a review of this exciting new product, and enter our prize draw to win one today!
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Get ahead with your Christmas Shopping and find some original gift ideas
- win tickets to the Spirit of Christmas Fair, being held in association with House & Garden magazine
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Banish Common Parenting Myths
by leading Childcare expert and bestselling author, Elizabeth Pantley
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Win a signed copy of 'No Cry Discipline Solution' by Elizabeth Pantley
Find out more about this fantastic competition here...
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Your chance to win a Jim Jam & Sunny goody bag
including their first ever DVD 'Time to play'
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We would like to welcome Emma Wayland to our team of Best Bear 'Experts'
Meet our new Employment Law expert...
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Half price registration offer with thenannysharers.co.uk
Save £12.50 when you register today!
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Festive recipes
from Best Bear expert Christine Bailey
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It's Christmas!!! and who better to celebrate with than Postman Pat??
Find out more about Postman Pat's new festive DVD, our review, and a fantastic competition too!
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The advent calendar dilemna
by Best Bear Expert - Roni Jay
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Top Ten Christmas Tips for Happy Help In the Home
From Georgina Walsh, Nannysuccess.com
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Benefits of a maternity nurse
from a recent survey by Maternity Solutions
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Win lots of Bratz beauty goodies
We have three super prizes to give away to celebrate the launch of the Bratz Musical Starz beauty range
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Childcare costs still soaring, says Daycare Trust
Annual Childcare Costs survey just released 29 January 2008
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To entertain your flock this Spring... take them lambing!
By Frankie Gray www.harmonyathome.co.uk
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Fun ideas for celebrating St. Georges Day with your little Dragons…
By Frankie Gray www.harmonyathome.co.uk
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Want to take part in a TV series taking a positive look at the lives of nannies and au pairs?
Click here to find out more
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New Tax Year - New Rates
Essential guide to the new tax year from NannyTax
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Congratulations to Best Bear winner Marrissa
Hear what she has to say about the fantastic 'Your life baby concierge service'
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Association of Nanny Agencies
find out more about the ANA and how to join today....
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Postman Pat's Boat Adventure
Win one of five copies of this fantastic new DVD
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Yummy Mummies Wish My Little Pony A Very Happy Birthday
Find out more and win a My Little Pony Ponyville play set with Best Bear today.....
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Finley The Fire Engine - New DVD release
Find out more and win a free copy of 'Finley & Friends' with Best Bear!
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Back to school health
by Best Bear Expert Christine Bailey
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Your child's first day at school
by Best Bear Expert Allison Marlowe
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Sexual discrimination against male nannies?
by Sam Kelly, Kids Matter
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Leading to Excellence
Ofsted has published the third in a series of annual reports on childcare and early education provision.
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Early Years Foundation Stage framework
The government’s new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework comes into force today (1 September). Read more here...
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Welcome to our new Best Bear Sleep Expert - Mandy Gurney from Millpond
Find out more about Mandy and Millpond here
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Two brilliant ways to find the right childcare in the credit crunch
By Georgina Walsh, NannySuccess.com
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A Healthy Gluten Free Christmas
by Best Bear Expert Christine Bailey
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Top Tips for Raising Happy Healthy and Contented Children
By Frankie Gray www.harmonyathome.co.uk
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Barbie™ Stars in her first ever Christmas Movie Barbie™ in A Christmas Carol
Win one of three copies we have to give away today....
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Postman Pat® Special Delivery Service (SDS) ‘A Brand New Mission’ - available on DVD from 17 November
Win one of five copies we have to give away....
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FRANKENSTEIN’S CAT - ‘THE CAT FROM A KIT’
Win one of five copies of this DVD we have to give away....
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Small things make a big difference
Start off the season of goodwill in style - clear your kids’ cupboards of clothes that no longer fit and help support the Pampers and UNICEF campaign
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New Immigration Rules
From 27 November 2008 the rules regarding au-pairs are changing - important information here about the changes and how they will affect you
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Celebrate the little moments between you and your baby that make all the tiredness worthwhile

When the breadwinner roles are reversed...
The ultimate guide to Daddy Day Care.
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Literary Witch Comes of Age – 21st Anniversary of Pongwiffy
We have copies of 'Pongwiffy - Back On Track' to give away today...
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Are You the Ultimate Ologist?
Calling all fans of the bestselling Ology books!
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Big Scary Monster
Shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Kate Greenaway Award, this new story by Thomas carries a strong anti-bullying message. We have copies to give away to Best Bear members today
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Scrummy recipe from Best Bear Nutrition Expert Christine Bailey
Date and walnut muffins
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Looking for inspiration for tasty, interesting lunchboxes for your children, that are also nutritious and healthy?
Best Bear Nutrition Expert Christine Bailey can help...
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Show me the bag!
Find out more about Surprise Bags - by Louise Ford, ABC Programming
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Food Intolerances in Children
by Best Bear Expert, Hannah Love
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It's An Inside Day Today
by Louise Ford, ABC Programming
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Ed Balls: Schools to get access to over a thousand extra money-saving experts
9 March 2010
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Thinking of setting up a nanny agency yourself?

The Insiders Guide to Pregnancy
- real mums tell it how it is (author interview and special Best Bear discount price!)
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Give us a break say families with disabled children
14 February 2007
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Nannies - a question of trust
Information on security checks from Civil & Corporate
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15% off First Aid courses with St Johns Ambulance

Thenannysharers.co.uk go on tour
to help you find out more about nanny sharing
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A Heavenly Match
5 Steps for finding the right person for you and your family - by Georgina Walsh from Nannysuccess.com
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Are you a wet nurse? or do you know someone who has breast-fed someone else's child?
Or do you have any opinions about wet nursing?
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Ever thought about a nannyshare?
Nannyshares and part-time nannies are becoming an increasingly popular childcare solution and you can even use childcare vouchers to help pay for your nanny. Click here for more information or to find a nannyshare near you...
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Have fun, stay safe
Hygiene tips for the great outdoors from new Best Bear Expert Iain Stewart
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Barnados Big Toddle
find out more here...
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Recruiting Foster Carers in the UK
Across the UK there is an urgent need for around 10,000 more foster carers - find out more here
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Are you providing nanny services in Scotland?
All childcare and nanny agencies, no matter where their office is based, providing services in Scotland must be registered with the Care Commission. For more information, see the Care Commission website
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Healthy Cookery Skills Courses
run by Best Bear Expert Christine Bailey
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Save 5% at childrens-rooms.co.uk with a special Best Bear discount
Quote BESTBEAR at checkout to receive 5% discount on all orders placed
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Sibling Rivalry & the Green Eyed Monster
by Frankie Gray www.harmonyathome.co.uk
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Save 10% today on the The N.E.S.T. Accredited Course in Postnatal Care (Maternity Nursing)
when you quote 'Best Bear' when booking your course. Find out more here....
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Save 10% on new parent courses from N.E.S.T.
Find out more here
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Storytelling Key To Child Development
Together with Gail Porter, Munch Bunch - a brand inspired by the iconic Munch Bunch stories and TV series of the 70s and 80s – is launching a nationwide search for budding authors to help reinvent storytelling.
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Special Educational Needs - A Parents Guide By Antonia Chitty and Victoria Dawson
Review of this new book & special discount offer for Best Bear members
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Delicious low salt recipes from Best Bear Expert Christine Bailey's new book
Best Bear members can buy the book for just £5 including postage. See some recipes and buy the book here...
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Kids Fun Ideas Show is searching for the Face of Fun!
Could your child become the face of the 2010 show?
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Primary teachers + intensive maths training = world class maths pupils
2 March 2010
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Multi-linguistic babies
The next big thing!
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Welcome to NEW Best Bear Expert Elaine Lambe

ITV seeks a Maternity Nurse/Nanny
to work with a group of Teenagers struggling with being new mothers, to help them become more confident and responsible parents
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Thinking ahead to the holiday season?
Check out some travel tips from Family Travel, the most extensive UK resource on travel with children.
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"Government must do more" to cut child poverty, says Daycare Trust
27 March 2007
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Are you worried about your children?
The BBC is looking for families to take part in a new health series
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The Insiders Guide to Being a Brilliant Grandparent
a new book by White Ladder Press
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Win... A Postman Pat New Double DVD Box Set!

How to find the childcare your child will love

Save 10% at keepembusy.com
Special offer for childminders and nannies
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Daycare Trust - 2009 Childcare Costs Survey
28 January 2009
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New local powers to investigate complaints about Special Educational Needs
2 March 2010
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Government's parenting strategy - putting parents in control
8 February 2007
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Trust Your Instincts
Why it is a very important factor when choosing childcare
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Daycare Trust welcomes Chancellor's new money for children and childcare
21 March 2007
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DirectgovKids: Giggles, Gigabytes and Government
21 March 2007
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Postman Pat Makes Letter Writing Child's Play
Postman Pat partners with the National Literacy Trust to help improve children's reading and writing skills
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Welcome to new Best Bear Children's Hygiene Expert Iain Stewart

Divorce - the long and winding road
Does it have to be the McCartney way?
Read More.....

Childcare Vouchers - Making childcare affordable!

Ed Balls welcomes Sir Alan Steer's latest review of behaviour in schools
14 July 2008
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Entertainment's Biggest Names Support Hasbro Inc's Project Zambi Through Global Charity Auction

More support and new centre for children who stammer
2 March 2010
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Golden Handcuffs
How to keep your nanny
Read More.....

Top Tips for Busy Women
from Best Bear Expert Allison Marlowe
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Breastfeeding in the real world
by Best Bear Expert Geraldine Miskin
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Vision pledges highest ever standards in London's state schools
14 July 2008
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Ed Balls and Diana Johnson launch action plan on special educational needs
24 February 2010
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My baby cries when I leave him with the nanny
should I give up work?
Read More.....

Treating skin conditions naturally with Homeopathy
by Best Bear expert Lisa Barnes
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First Aid tips
from Safe and Sound
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Sir Jim Rose asks parents and children for personal experiences of Dyslexia
14 July 2008
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New powers to parents and local authorities to use new chains
23 February 2010
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A national year of reading launched by Alan Johnson as part of Every Parent Matters document
14 March 2007
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Become a 'Carbon Monoxide detective'
with the Child Accident Prevention Trust
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Greater support for local areas to improve the lives of children
10 July 2008
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56 local areas to become pathfinders for nursery funding system
16 February 2010
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Free childcare for more families - 10 local areas announced as pilots
9 July 2008
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Government action to promote good behaviour and strong discipline in schools
11 February 2010
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Nannysharing: the fourth way
find out more about nanny sharing and some fab tips for a successful share, from thenannysharers.co.uk
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The Best of Both Worlds
How to juggle work and home life successfully
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Keeping safe in the sun
Check out our top tips and ideas
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Action to improve children's communication following Bercow Review
8 July 2008
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Help! What do I buy my Childcare for Christmas?
some fantastic ideas and recommendations from Georgina Walsh, founder of Nannysuccess.com
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NCMA - Affordable childcare hard to sustain
10 February 2010
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Breastfeeding and pregnancy information by Cow & Gate

Government welcomes the Joint Chief Inspector's report on Safeguarding
8 July 2008
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Ed Balls sets out Government action to turn schools green
28 January 2010
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Milupa - Baby milk & Pregnancy information

Family nurse partnerships working
7 July 2008
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Children’s Minister launches national directory of over 150,000 childcare providers and family services
26 January 2010
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Sir Jim rose to review goals on Early literacy
30 June 2008
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Ed Balls launches consultation on pupil and parent guarantees
11 January 2010
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REC and PANN take forward joint statement on childcare policy

Government publishes action plan to implement Byron recommendations
24 June 2008
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Free laptops and broadband for 270,000 families across the country in ground-breaking scheme
11 January 2010
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