Childcare

If you're unsure about the different types of childcare that are available and what they offer please read on. It's always worth talking to individual providers and visiting them before making this important decision. Ask them about flexibility around the timings of sessions too as many providers are able to accommodate parents' specific needs.

Do contact the service for more information and guidance on what childcare and early learning is available in your area.

Day Nursery and Childcare on Domestic Premises

Day nurseries offer full or part days for 0-5 year-olds. They usually offer free places for 3 and 4 year-olds (sometimes known as Nursery Education Funding) and some may offer free places to certain two year-olds. Day nurseries are usually open weekdays, and are registered with Ofsted. They are usually privately managed. Childminder teams of four or more adults come under the Ofsted Childcare on Domestic Premises category and operate similarly to a small day nursery, but may also offer overnight care.

Nursery School

Nursery Schools offer full or part days to 2-5 year-olds. They usually offer free places for 3 and 4 year-olds (sometimes known as Nursery Education Funding) and some may offer free places to certain two year-olds. They are usually open on weekdays and are registered with Ofsted. They can be under Private, Independent, Local Authority or Voluntary management.

Pre-school Playgroup

Sometimes referred to as pre-schools, they offer full or part days, to 2-5 year-olds and usually offer free places for 3 and 4 year-olds (sometimes known as Nursery Education Funding). Some may offer free places to certain two year-olds. They are usually open on weekdays and are registered with Ofsted. They are usually under voluntary management.

Childminder

Childminders offer full or part days for babies and children upwards. They can offer free places to 3 and 4 year-olds if accredited to provide the Early Years Foundation Stage and some may offer free places to 2 year-olds. They offer weekdays and may also offer weekends, early, late or overnight care. Some childminders work as part of a team of 2 or 3. They are registered with Ofsted. Childminder teams of four or more adults come under the Ofsted Childcare on Domestic Premises category and operate similarly to a small day nursery, but may also offer overnight care.

Home Childcarer

Home childcarers are registered with Ofsted to provide childcare in the child's own home. They offer full or part days for babies and children upwards. They can offer free places to 3 and 4 year-olds if accredited to provide the Early Years Foundation Stage and some may offer free places to 2 year-olds. They offer weekdays and may also offer weekends, early starts or late finishes.

Out of School Club

Out of School clubs provide care before and/or after school for school age children on weekdays. They are registered with Ofsted and can be under Private, Independent, Local Authority or Voluntary management.

Holiday Scheme

Holiday Schemes provide care during school holidays (either part or all of the holiday). They offer either full or part days for school-age children usually during weekdays. They can be under Private, Independent, Local Authority or Voluntary management.

For more information, or if you would like to know more about the options available to you and your family, contact us direct.

Paying for Childcare

View information on the help available to cover the costs of childcare or contact us directly.

Essential Guides for Parents

The Department of Children, Schools and Families has produced a series of publications to help inform parents about their choices.

View here to download:

Essential Guide to Childcare for You and Your Family 0-5 year-olds

Essential Guide to Childcare for You and Your Family 5-11 year-olds

Essential Guide to Childcare for You and Your Family 11-16 year-olds

Childcare

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