PARENTS searching for childcare can now access details of more than 2,600 of the county's providers at the click of a button.

Essex County Council has brought together details of early years and childcare providers across the county, including preschools, nurseries and childminders, in its online 'find a childcare provider' database.

The service, which also includes details of 86 children’s centres, allows users to search by location, type, Ofsted number or provider name.

Cllr Ray Gooding, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "We know that young children can benefit hugely from accessing high quality, early learning and childcare provision.

"This new facility complements the existing family information service telephone and email enquiry service and will help parents and carers to find suitable provision to the meet the needs of their child."

  • The new database can be found at www.essex.gov.uk/fis.