Breakfast clubs
Breakfast clubs provide breakfast and a safe place to study before children's lessons begin. They are part of a government initiative to extend educational provision beyond the traditional school day and usually run from 8am on school sites.
Childminders
Childminders are professional daycare providers who work in their own homes to provide care and education for other people's children. Childminders must be registered with Ofsted. Ofsted inspects the premises to assure that they are safe and suitable for care, as well as assessing the childminder's suitability to care for children. The criteria for these registrations is laid out under the Children Act, 1989. An annual inspection is conducted by Ofsted.
Creche
A crèche is a casual or drop-in childcare provision in which a child stays no more than two hours per day for no more than six days a year. These are located in order to support parents accessing training or learning in their community.
Day nurseries
Day nurseries provide full day care for children aged 0-5, and are usually open from 8am (some earlier) to 6pm (some later). They are generally privately owned and run providing childcare and early education. Day nurseries are registered and inspected by Ofsted to ensure quality of provision and care.
Nannies
Nannies are privately-hired individuals who care for children in their family homes, usually while parents are working. They can provide high quality, flexible childcare in the familiar surroundings of the family home. Not all nannies are trained and there are no legal requirements for a person applying for a job as a nanny. The Direct Gov website contains a guide to the qualifications and skills you can expect a good nanny to have.
Nursery classes, nursery schools and foundation units
Most nurseries:
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will take your child between the ages of three and five
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open throughout the school year
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operate a core day of 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, although many nurseries offer longer days and warp around activity
- Nursery schools and classes have a minimum ratio of two adults to 20 to 26 children. One must be a qualified nursery nurse/teacher assistant.
Out of school clubs
Out of school clubs include programmes for the holiday period, after-school programmes, breakfast and homework clubs.
Pre-school Playgroups
Playgroups are often non-profit-making. They may be run by volunteers, often including parents, and provide play and early education to under fives.
Most playgroups:
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will take your child between the ages of three and five, although some will take two year olds
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open throughout the school year
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usually offer half-day sessions, although some are not always open all week, and others may be able to provide you with longer hours
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there must be one adult for every eight children and at least half of the adults must be qualified leaders or assistants.
