Types of Childcare available for 0 - 16 year olds

Choosing childcare for children aged 0-5

When choosing childcare you'll need to consider work hours, budgets, and whether you want care in your own home or with other children.

There is a variety of childcare available:

Nursery schools and classes

Nursery schools provide early learning and childcare for children between three and five years old (some will take children from two-and-a-half). They are often based at Sure Start Children's Centres (click to view what it means), or linked to an infant or primary school.

Opening hours

Nurseries are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm in term time for full or half-day sessions. Some also offer care out of school hours and in the holidays.

Costs

There is no cost if a nursery is part of the state education system. Private school nursery fees start at around £800 per term, but can be much more.

Pre-schools and playgroups

Usually run by voluntary groups, pre-schools and playgroups provide part-time play and early learning for under fives. Three and four year olds can get their 12.5 hours of weekly free early learning at these providers

Most playgroups:

will take your child between the ages of three and five, although some will take two year olds
open throughout the school year
usually offer half-day sessions, although some are not always open all week, and others may be able to provide you with longer hours
provide places for between 10 and 20 children - there must be one adult for every eight children and at least half of the adults must be qualified leaders or assistants

Opening hours

Sessions are usually from two-and-a-half hours to four hours, during term time, every day or for several days a week.

Costs

Typically, pre-schools and playgroups cost £4.00 to £7.00 per hour.

Day nurseries

Often based in workplaces and run by businesses or voluntary groups, day nurseries provide care and learning activities for children from birth to five years old.

Opening hours

Day nurseries are usually open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, but hours may vary. You can send your child full or part time, and some offer early drop-offs or late pick-ups.

Costs

Rates vary, but most day nurseries cost from £25 to £50 per day.

Childminders

Usually childminders look after children under 12 in the childminder's own home. They can look after up to six children under eight years old, although no more than three of those must be aged under five.

Hours

Generally, childminders work from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, but most are flexible and some may be willing to work weekends.

Costs

Depending on where you live and how many children are being looked after, childminders can cost between £2.50 and £7.50 per hour.

Nannies and home-based carers

Usually nannies will provide care for children in your home, and can look after children of any age.

Hours

Many nannies live at home with the family they are working for, but whether they live in or not their hours are flexible.

Costs

Nannies' fees start at around £6.00 (£9.00 in London) per hour, but this tends to vary greatly. As your nanny's employer, you will also have to pay their tax and national insurance contributions.