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Early years: where your child can learn
There is a wide variety of early learning and childcare available for your child. Finding out about the range of services on offer will help you decide what best suits you and your child's needs.
Finding early learning and childcare
Early learning gives children the best start in life. Through learning and playing with other children in a safe structured environment, they’ll have a head start when they start school.
Early learning is available through:
- nursery classes, nursery schools and day nurseries
- pre-school playgroups
- reception classes
- accredited childminders who are part of an approved network
- Sure Start children's centres
Find an early learning place near you
To find out what's available in your area, contact your local Children's Information Service (CIS). Your CIS can provide help and advice with all aspects of early learning and childcare, and can help you find your nearest Sure Start Children's Centre. You can get the number of your nearest CIS by calling 08002 346 346.
You can also search for nurseries, childcare and schools online. The link below lets you type in your postcode to get a list of providers near you.
Free early learning for three and four year olds
Every 3 and 4 year old in England is entitled to 12.5 hours of free early learning per week for 38 weeks of the year. This will rise to 15 hours a week from 2010, delivered flexibly over a minimum of three days.
Nursery classes, nursery schools and day nurseries
Nursery classes and schools fall into two groups: state and private. Most day nurseries are privately run.
Most nurseries:
- will take your child between the ages of three and five, although many day nurseries take younger children
- open throughout the school year, although some private day nurseries open during the school holidays
- operate a core day of 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, although many nurseries offer longer days
- offer five half-day sessions, although some types of nursery will offer part-time or full-time places depending on your needs
Nursery schools and classes have a minimum ratio of two adults to 20 to 26 children - one must be a qualified teacher, the other a qualified nursery assistant.
Day nurseries have more intensive staffing ratios and different rules on qualifications of staff depending on the ages of children being cared for.
Apply for a nursery place near you
You can use the link below to apply for a nursery school place online.
Pre-school playgroups
Playgroups are often non-profit-making. They may be run by volunteers, often including parents.
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 to 20 children - there must be one adult for every eight children, and at least half of the adults must be qualified leaders or assistants
Reception classes
Some primary schools are able to admit children under five into a reception class.
Reception classes:
- take children aged four and five
- open throughout the school year
- may take your child for half-day sessions at first, and then build up to full-time attendance
- are limited by law to up to 30 children - most have assistants
Childminders
Childminders usually look after children in their own home. Those offering free early learning places for three and four year olds should be registered by Ofsted and accredited as part of a local authority quality assurance network. All childminders who care for children under eight agree to meet certain quality standards and must be registered, checked and inspected regularly to make sure they are suitable to look after children.
Childminders:
- look after your child from a few months old up to the age of five and some will also look after school age children after school and in the holidays
- can often be flexible about the days and times they work; however every childminder will be different so you will have to discuss this with the childminder
- can look after up to six children under eight years old, although no more than three must be aged under five
Children's Centres
Sure Start Children's Centres can provide early learning and full daycare for children under five, as well as a range of other services such as family support and health services. They're open a minimum of 10 hours a day, five days a week, 48 weeks a year.
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