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Childcare Options

Childminder Individuals looking after children from babies -14 years on domestic premises, which is not the home of any of the children being cared for. Childminders must be registered with Ofsted and may work with assistants. They may be open all year or term time only.

Day nursery- Provision for children from 6 months to school aged on non domestic premises. Care is available all year round. Must be registered with Ofsted to care for Early Years children. Usually open full days 8-6 pm all year.

Pre school groups –Early years provision for children between the ages of 2 years and school age on non-domestic premises.  Must be registered with Ofsted. Usually open sessional hours 9-3pm and term time only.

School nursery- Early education offered on the school site or in a separate Nursery school during school hours and term time for children aged 3 and 4 years. Some may take 2 year olds.

Out of school clubs- Provision that operates before and after the school day for children of school age although some also take nursery age children. Privately run provisions must be registered with Ofsted unless they operate for less than 14 days per year. School run out of school clubs operate under the school registration. Most operate term time only unless they also have a holiday club.

Holiday schemes-Provision that offers childcare during the school holidays between the hours of 8am – 6pm for children of school age. Privately run provisions must be registered with Ofsted unless they operate for less than 14 days per year. School run holiday clubs operate under the school registration.

Childcare on Domestic premises-Four or more people looking after children on domestic premises, including childminders and their assistants. Must be registered with Ofsted.

Childcare on Non Domestic premises-Childcare on premises that are not domestic premises, such as a nursery or pre-school. Must be registered with Ofsted.

Home Childcarer- Individuals caring for children of no more than two families in the home of one of the children. Home Child carer’s do not need to be registered with Ofsted but may choose to be on the Voluntary Childcare Register.

For further  information about types of childcare and what to consider when choosing childcare visit the PACEY website -  https://www.pacey.org.uk/parents/choosing-great-childcare/types-of-childcare/