Choosing childcare to suit your needs is not easy. Our guide below will explain the different options and give you links to other websites to find more information. We also show you the differences between the options in an easy to view comparisons chart.
You can also try the Children's Information Service which has been developed, amongst other things, to help parents find quality childcare solutions.
Independent fee-charging nurseries
Playgroups/pre-schools
Accredited childminders Montessori schools
Independent schools Options and cost comparison chart
Nannies
In April the Government announced free sessions for 3 year-olds up to then it was for 4 year-olds only, with a few regional exceptions. The first eligible group of children took up their places in September this year.
Each 3 year-old is now entitled to 5 X 2 hour sessions each week, wither through their state nursery class or an approved provider such as a private nursery or group of accredited childminders.
They usually take children from young babies right up to 5 years old. They are a great option for working parents who need long hours of childcare and provide everything for your child while they are there play, food, education, sleep and cuddles.
They are monitored and inspected by Ofsted and because you pay them they should provide you with a good service. But make sure you really check them out yourself and are happy with everything rely on your instincts about a nursery and get lots of feedback from other parents. We travelled a further 10 miles each way rather than settle for a very convenient but uninspiring local facility (even though it was part of a national chain with a generally excellent reputation).
Check eligibility for free sessions - Free Nursery Places for 3 and 4 year olds
and for information about making your job and childcare work together: www.workingfamilies.org.uk
Playgroups are usually open for a daily three hour session during term time. They take children from 2 or 3 to 5. Most of these schools are Ofsted registered and inspected for a list of your local playgroups you can call the Child Information Service on 0800 960 296.
Check eligibility for free sessions - Free Nursery Places for 3 and 4 year olds
For costs and comparisons, check out our chart: Options Comparison Chart
Childminders look after your children in their own home. Sometimes they look after other children too and will be approved for a certain number and age mix of children.
Childminders are a valuable source of childcare in the community and are often a flexible solution to fit around a half-day nursery class. For lots more information on who, where and how, you can see:
To download a Guide to Choosing a Childminder, see www.ncma.org.uk the National Child-minding Association for England and Wales or for Scotland, visit: www.childminding.org.
Check eligibility for free sessions - Free Nursery Places for 3 and 4 year olds
For costs and comparisons, check out our chart: Options Comparison Chart
Check our special feature on Choosing a Childminder.
We had a great experience with the Montessouri approach to pre-school. It's about empowering the child and is a unique approach to learning. We recommend you visit the official website for more information:
www.montessorieducationuk.org and click on the tab for 'parents'.
Check eligibility for free sessions - Free Nursery Places for 3 and 4 year olds
Some fee-charging day schools offer a nursery class from as young as two, but often require children to be potty trained and fairly independent. The difference between this option and a Day Nursery, is that this is a school setting with the emphasis on education and not overall childcare.
Children will probably wear a uniform and be taught in a designated nursery area. The hours will be up to you and they may offer pre and after school care too.
Compared to the charges made by a day nursery, they are favourable but remember they are term time only. See the Options Comparison Chart.
For a list, see www.ukprivateschools.com.
Check eligibility for free sessions - Free Nursery Places for 3 and 4 year olds
We have a complete guide to finding the best nanny for your child: hiring a nanny.
|
Type |
Quality |
Hours |
Cost* |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
State Nursery Classes |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Usually am or pm for 2.5 hours/day |
Free |
Usually linked to primary school, smooth transition to primary, free, usually local |
May be over-subscribed, you may not like the school or its performance, usually from 4 years (3 yrs if lucky) |
|
Independent fee-charging nurseries |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Up to 11 hours/day, 8am-7pm |
?750/ month full-time approx |
Full-time flexible service, take children younger |
Fee-charging, may not be local |
|
Playgroups |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Usually am or pm for 3 hours/day |
'2-'5 per session |
Handy for activities and younger children, can supplement nursery class, from 2 yrs old |
Often over-subscribed |
|
Childminders |
Monitored by Ofsted** |
Core hours around 8am 6pm |
No national rate approx. '4-'6 per hour |
Good resource, some do foundation activities, any age. |
Many different styles, from purely caring to planned activities |
|
Montessori |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Usually am or pm for up to 3.5 hours/day |
Approx '900 per term for ' day session |
Accept children from 2.5 years, different approach to early years |
Transition to state nursery/primary may be more difficult, alternative approach |
|
Independent Schools Nursery Classes |
Monitored by Ofsted |
Half or full days, approx. 8.30am to 6pm |
Full-time approx. ?1620/ term or (?420/ month) |
Accept children from 2 years, longer hours, 'school? situation |
Transition to state nursery/primary may be more difficult |
* you may be eligible for free sessions for 3-4 year olds - check with your provider
** no guarantee of Foundation Stage activities/learning
If you would like to talk to other parents about childcare - maybe in your area - why not visit the Please Miss Members' Chat Room and 'chat' online in confidence.
Membership costs just ?15 a year and entitles you to many benefits, including early years learning sheets to download at home.
Early Learning Sheets
