Choosing the right childcare

1. Day Nurseries

• Age Range: From around 3 months to school age.
• Setting: Group-based care in a dedicated facility.
• Hours: Typically 8am–6pm, often all year round.
• Regulation: Ofsted registered in England.

Pros:

• Structured learning aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Socialisation with peers.
• Regulated staff-to-child ratios.

Cons:

• May be less flexible in the hours offered and there can be a waiting list.

2. Childminders

• Age Range: From birth upwards.
• Setting: Care is usually based in the childminder’s home.
• Hours: Flexible, often including early mornings or evenings.
• Regulation: Must be registered with Ofsted (or equivalent).

Pros:

• Home-like environment.
• Smaller groups of mixed-age children, siblings can be cared for together.

Cons:

• Limited backup if the childminder is ill

3. Preschools / Playgroups

• Age Range: Usually 2–5 years.
• Setting: Short sessions, often term-time only based in a variety of locations such as community halls.
• Regulation: Ofsted-registered.

Pros:

• Often smaller group sizes than day nurseries.
• Can be a more affordable option.

Cons:

• Limited hours; parents may require additional holiday care.

4. Wraparound Care (includes: Breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, and holiday schemes.)

• Age range: School-aged children.
• Setting: May be on the school site, or another site close by. The provision can be run by the school or by a different private provider such as a nursery or childminder.
• Regulation: Ofsted registered

Pros:

• Supports working parents with before and after school care.
• All parents in England with primary school aged children are eligible to access wraparound childcare

Cons:

• Availability varies by school and area.

5. School-based / maintained nurseries

• Age range: Children from 2 years to school age (some schools take younger children)
• Setting: On school sites, sometimes in a dedicated building.
• Regulation: Ofsted registered

Pros:

• Can help with transition to school

Cons:

• Term-time only and availability of places can be limited.

5. Nannies

• Age Range: From birth upwards.
• Setting: Care in your home; can be live-in or live-out.
• Regulation: Optional Ofsted registration (for tax-free childcare eligibility).

Pros:

• One-to-one care.
• Support with household tasks.

Cons:

• One of the most expensive options.
• Parents become the employer (tax, contracts).