Choosing the right childcare for your child is essential. As a parent or carer, you want to ensure that your child is safe and happy in an environment which is fun, educational, nurturing and also suits your family requirements.
After school clubs
After School Clubs provide care and offer children a safe, stimulating environment in which to take part in a range of activities.
They typically cater for children aged 5 to 14 years. Children under 8 must be escorted to and from clubs by a scheme worker, parent or other person nominated by the parent.
Some clubs are run by private organisations and are registered with OfstedOfstedOfsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. It also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. . Others are run by schools and are covered by their school registration.
Breakfast clubs
Breakfast Clubs provide care before the school day starts. They offer a range of play opportunities, breakfast and a social environment for school-aged children. Children under 8 must be escorted to and from the club by a scheme worker, parent or other person nominated by the parent.
Some clubs are run by private organisations and are registered with OfstedOfstedOfsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. It also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. . Others are run by schools and are covered by their school registration.
Childminders
Childminders care for children in their own home, offering a home-from-home environment. They can also make use of local amenities, giving children the benefit of trips out to local parks, beaches, toddler groups, libraries and shops.
They usually offer flexible hours and can provide care for school age children before and after school, including picking up and dropping off children. Some childminders may be able to offer care in the evenings and at weekends and provide emergency care.
Day nurseries
Offers part time and full time childcare and early year's education, for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. Day Nurseries are usually open Monday to Friday all year round and can be open between 6 am and 8 pm. Check the 'Times' on the individual FID records.
They vary in size from small home-based settings, (referred to by OfstedOfstedOfsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. It also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. as Childcare on Domestic Premises) through to larger settings some of which are purpose built. Most nurseries offer the free entitlement to childcare places for 2, 3 and 4 years olds.
Holiday schemes
Holiday schemes offer full or part-time childcare during school holidays. Schemes that care for children under 8 years old for more than 2 hours must be registered with OfstedOfstedOfsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. It also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. . Those providing activities for children over 8 don't need to be registered but may choose to be on the OfstedOfstedOfsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. It also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. Voluntary Register.
Pre-schools and playgroups
Pre-Schools and playgroups are registered and inspected by Ofsted and provide sessional childcare and early years education for children aged 2 to 5 years.
They are usually open during term time only and for school hours, but some pre-schools are open all year round. Check the 'times, age and costs' section of the individual provider record for further details.
Most pre-schools offer funded places for 3 and 4 years olds, and some are also able to offer funded places for 2 year olds.
School nurseries
Some schools have nurseries attached to them which are open during school hours and offer early education and childcare for 3-5 year olds. Attending a School Nursery does not give your child preferential treatment in obtaining a place at that school.
This type of childcare is registered and inspected by OfstedOfstedOfsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. It inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. It also inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people. , under the school's inspection.
For more information on choosing childcare please the Choosing childcare booklet