Choosing childcare

There are different types of childcare available and some may be more suitable than others depending on your circumstances. The main types of childcare are listed below.

You can search for inspection reports on childcare providers and nurseries near you:

You can get more advice and information from the Family Information Service's guide to choosing childcare:

  • Your guide to choosing childcare…and more

    • Au pairs

    Au pairs are not usually UK nationals. Their main aim is to study English and they live in the family home, typically for periods of six to 12 months. Their duties usually include some childcare, but they may not be trained to work with children.

    They are only allowed to work five hours a day, with two days off per week. Au pairs are not allowed to have sole charge of children under two.

    To find an au pair it is best to use an agency affiliated to a recognised body such as the British Au Pair Agencies Association.

    They require agencies to ensure their au pairs have independent references, criminal record checks and a medical certificate.

    Childminders

    Childminders look after under-fives at any time and school-aged children outside school hours and in the school holidays, usually at the childminder's home. They:

    • are self-employed
    • negotiate their own rates and conditions
    • are normally paid by the hour
    • must be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
    • are regularly inspected.

    Childminders are generally a cheaper and a more flexible option than a nursery. For further information you can contact the National Childminding Association.

    Creches

    Creches provide childcare, usually for short periods of time while parents do other things, for example shopping, sporting activities and educational classes. They must be inspected and registered by Ofsted if they offer care for more than two hours on more than five days per year.

    Day nurseries

    Day nurseries provide care for under-fives during the working day – from around 8am to 6 or 7pm. Children attend part time or full time depending on their parents' needs. Nurseries remain open all year round, unlike nursery schools that run on a term-time basis.

    Around a quarter of day nurseries also provide out-of-school care for 5 to 11-year-olds. There are many different types – from workplace to community nurseries – but all are registered and inspected by Ofsted.

    Nannies

    Nannies are employed by you to look after children in your own home, and are a flexible option for working parents. Many have a childcare qualification. Some nannies are shared by several families.

    You can use childcare vouchers and other tax credits to pay for some nannies with the right qualifications.

    For more about finding a nanny, see

    Many nannies will be listed in your local phone book. There is no legal requirement for nannies to hold qualifications, and no central registration for nannies.

    Nursery classes in schools

    Some schools offer classes for children over the age of three during term time and within school hours. They will be regularly inspected by Ofsted school inspectors.

    Pre-schools and playgroups

    Pre-schools and playgroups provide care for less than four hours per day for children between two and a half, and five years old. They aim to provide learning through structured play. They must be registered with Ofsted.

    Out-of-school childcare

    Out-of-school childcare provides care for school-age children up to 14 years, based around a programme of well-planned activities suitable for the age range.

    Care can range from a before-school breakfast club through to after-school clubs and holiday schemes. Some clubs are registered and inspected by Ofsted. The costs of out-of-school childcare vary.