There are many different kinds of childcare. Have a look at the information below which will help you decide the type that’s best for your family.

Day Nurseries

These provide care for children up to the age of 5; some offer care for babies. There are three types:

Community Nurseries – these not-for-profit nurseries are run by Voluntary Organisations and the fees vary depending on the family’s income.

Local Authority Day Nurseries – these are funded by the local authority. They are designed to offer care for ‘children in need’ and referrals must be made by a health visitor or social worker. Local authorities also run Nursery Classes and Nursery Schools.

Private Nurseries – these range from smaller, privately owned nurseries to larger nurseries run by national organisations.

Crèche

Crèches are normally based on the premises of other organisations, such as at leisure centres, local community centres etc. They offer childcare for parents who might be in further education, training or volunteering at that premises.

Children’s Centres

These centres offer more than just childcare, often being a space for local families to receive a range of family support, early learning and childcare services. They are normally found near primary schools, and services vary depending on the needs of the community, but may include day-care, family health services and parenting support.

Registered Childminders

This is a great option if you require more flexible childcare. Childminders offer full-time or part-time childcare, often based in their own home, for babies up to children in school. All registered childminders must have completed an approved childminding training course, a Paediatric First Aid course and must be registered with OFSTED – the Office for Standards in Education. OFSTED will carry out police checks on the childminder and other individuals in their household and will require the childminder to keep certain records of each child, which help to safeguard your child whilst they are under the childminder’s care.

Out of School Provisions

These are usually available for children aged 5-11 years and are primarily for parents who are working or training. Fees vary from place to place, and booking well in advance is usually necessary. There are three main types of out of school provision:

Afterschool Club – these run from the end of the school day for a couple of hours, normally until around 6pm. They are usually run in the school itself, and children will remain safely in the club until they’re collected by a parent or carer.

Breakfast Club – these operate in the morning before the school day starts. Normally children are given breakfast before being taken to their school or class.

Holiday Play Schemes – these run during school holidays, normally between 8am and 6pm. The fees for these schemes vary and it will normally be necessary to book your child a place well in advance.