Website of the UK government
Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
Main menu
Page menu
Parents
Childcare options for 0 to 5 year olds
When choosing childcare you'll need to consider work hours, budgets, and whether you want care in your own home or with other children. Find out about all the different types of childcare available for 0 to 5 year olds.
Free early learning for three and four year olds
All three and four year olds are entitled to 12.5 hours of free early education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). The early education can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at their childminders.
Some local authorities are offering 15 hours of free early education a week, with all authorities doing so from September 2010. This will be delivered flexibly over a minimum of three days per week.
Sure Start Children's Centres
Working with parents right from the birth of their child, Sure Start Children's Centres provide many services for families, including:
- early learning for children
- full day care
- short-term care
- health and family support
- parenting advice
- training and employment advice
Opening hours
Most Sure Start Children's Centres are open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. Some are also open at weekends.
Costs
Aside from the free early learning entitlement for three and four year olds, there will be a charge for childcare. Costs will vary, so the best thing to do is contact your local Sure Start Childen's Centre directly.
Finding your local Sure Start Children's Centre
You can find your nearest Sure Start Children's Centre by contacting your local Families Information Service (FIS) on 0800 2 346 346, or by following the 'Find a local Sure Start Children's Centre' link.
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, 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
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
Get local childcare costs
Your Families Information Service will be able to tell you about local childcare costs - call 0800 2 346 346
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.
Additional links
Help with money matters for your child
With a growing family, you could probably do with a little financial help. Follow the links below to find out what you could be entitled to.
