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Childcare options

Quick links Childcare for children of all ages Childcare for young children Childcare/ activities for older children

Childcare for children of all ages  

Childminders 

Childminders are self-employed child carers who will look after your child in their own home. They must be registered with Ofsted in England or Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW). They can offer childcare before or after school, during school holidays or to your pre-school child. Some offer flexible hours. Childminders are usually paid on an hourly basis at a rate negotiated with the parent.  Hourly rates vary around the country, see our annual Childcare Costs Survey for details of costs of a full-time place. You'll need to discuss required hours, holiday pay and other terms and conditions and ensure that details of these are included in the contract you have with your childminder.

For further information about childminding and childminding networks contact:

• National Childminding Association  
• Scottish Childminding Association
• Northern Ireland Childminding Association

Nannies

Nannies are employed by parents to care for children at home and can be suitable for parents who need flexible childcare.  Although many do have nursery nurse or childcare training, nannies do not have to hold qualifications.  Nannies can join the Ofsted voluntary childcare register or Childcare at Home Approval Scheme in Wales, but they do not have to so parents are responsible for interviewing and checking the registration and all the relevant references of nannies.   Nannies can cost between £250 - £500 per week (depending on their duties and whether they live with you or come to your home each day) and as their employer, parents are responsible for paying their tax and national insurance. 

See our factsheet, 'Finding and choosing a nanny' for further information about choosing a nanny, questions to ask at the interview, contracts and pay.   

Family and friends

Family and friends may be able to provide a flexible childcare option, and are sometimes used in combination with registered childcare. When a family member or friend cares for your child in your home, the care they provide does not need to be registered. Care provided by a family member does not qualify for financial help unless:

• your family member is a registered childcare provider; and
• the care is not provided in your home; and,
• the care is provided to non-related children in addition to your child.

For information about grandparents providing childcare, visit www.grandparents-association.org.uk.

Childcare for young children  

Children's centres

Children's centres provide childcare and early education for children under the age of five alongside other family services such as links to Job Centre Plus and health and family support. They are usually open from 8.00am to 6.00pm all year round and many offer other services such as drop-in sessions and community activities. Contact your local Family Information Service for further details.

Find out about our campaign to save children's centres.

Day nurseries

Day nurseries look after and educate children aged 0-5. They are usually open all day but not evenings and weekends. There are different types of nurseries including private, community, council and workplace nurseries. However all nurseries are registered and inspected by Ofsted in England or Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW). Weekly costs vary, see our annual Childcare Costs Survey for details of costs for a full-time place.  Nursery costs can sometimes be subsidised by the local authority or by employers.

For further information about day nurseries, contact the National Day Nurseries Association.

Play groups and pre-schools 

Playgroups/pre-schools provide play and education sessions lasting about 3 hours for children aged 2-5.  Playgroups are also registered with Ofsted in England or Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW).  Costs will vary, check with individual settings for details.   Your Family Information Service can provide you with details of playgroups.  For further information contact the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

Early education and nursery classes

Early education and nursery classes - Nursery classes are usually open school hours during term time.  Children can attend all day or just on a sessional basis.  Some primary schools also offer nursery classes.  Contact your local authority's education department for details.

Parent/carer and toddler groups

Parent/carer & toddler groups are drop-in sessions for children and their carers.  As parents stay with their children, these groups do not have to be registered.  Your local Family Information Service may have listings of local groups or you can ask at your library, and check local newspapers and noticeboards.  

Free early education for 3 and 4 year olds

Free early education for 3 and 4 year olds is available from the term following your child's third birthday. They are entitled to at least 15 hours of free nursery or early years education a week in England, or 10 hours a week in Wales. Places can be taken in a school nursery, day nurseries, playgroups, children's centres or with some childminders. Contact your local Family Information Service or download our factsheet, 'Free early education for 3- and 4-year-olds' for more information.

Childcare/ activities for older children

Extended schools

Extended schools are schools which are open beyond the normal school day to offer additional services such as breakfast and after school clubs, homework clubs and parent and toddler groups. Ask your children's school if they offer these services or are part of a network of local schools who do.   

Out-of-school services/kids' clubs 

Out-of-school services or kids' clubs, offer play and care to school age children aged 4-14 years. Depending on the hours you need to work, you may want a breakfast club - open before school, an after school club or a holiday play scheme - open during school holidays.   Your local Family Information Service hold lists of kids' clubs.  Costs may vary, see our annual Childcare Costs Survey for details of costs for a full-time place.

For further information about kids' clubs, contact 4Children.

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