Choosing Childcare and Early Education

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Overview

Choosing childcare and early education can be a big step for the whole family. As well as making sure that the type of childcare you choose is the one that best meets you and your child's needs, you also want to know that your child will be safe, secure, well looked after and happy.

You can choose to use one or more childcare providers. 

Here are some childcare options you could consider:

Nurseries

Nurseries offer early education and childcare to children under five. All nurseries must be registered and inspected by OFSTED.  

Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) Nurseries:

  • PVIs usually offer full time or part time places. 
  • Settings may be term time or all year round. 
  • Hours available may differ from setting to setting. 
  • The majority will offer funded early years education. 
  • In addition, you may be able to access extra hours to suit your needs. 
  • Some settings may provide childcare for under 2’s. 
  • Provision is in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. 

School Nurseries:

  • School nurseries provide early education to children from 3-years-old until they start reception. Some of Barnet school nurseries also provide early years education for
    2-year-olds. 
  • Typically, these sessions are three hours a day (or six hours if your child is entitled to 30 hours of free childcare) and only take place during the school term. 
  • If you require additional hours, you may wish to use a combination of a nursery and a childminder.  
  • Provision is in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. 
  • Just because your child attends the nursery, this doesn’t mean they will automatically get a place at the school. 

Find a nursery near you

Childminders

  • If you want flexible, home-based childcare, a registered childminder may be the best option for you.  
  • Childminders care for small groups of children in their own home and can offer flexibility in the hours they work. 
  • Like nurseries, they must be registered and inspected by OFSTED and receive relevant training.  
  • All provision follows the Early years Foundation Stage. This is the statutory curriculum for children from 0-5 years.
  • Childminders may also be able to pick-up and drop-off your child from nursery or school. 
  • You may consider childminders to provide wraparound childcare for before and after school. 

Find a childminder near you.

Tips for choosing childcare:

  1. Visit a selection of childcare providers to give you an idea of what will suit you and your child.
  2. Take your child with you to see how they would fit in.
  3. Ask to see an Ofsted registration certificate and a recent inspection report.

Points to think about during your visit:

  • are the children settled, safe and happy?
  • do children play and talk together?
  • are staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
  • are the staff friendly and enjoying their work?
  • are the staff joining in with what the children are doing?
  • are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play?
  • are the premises clean, well-kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?
  • do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?

Find childcare providers in Barnet