There are lots of different good quality childcare arrangements on offer, which you can mix and match to suit your daily schedule, working hours, study or training. Before you make your final decision, look at several local options to get an idea of what's available. Visit our childcare pages for information on other childcare topics like costs and the new funding offer.
Registered childcare
The following must register with Ofsted if they look after children up to eight years old for more than two hours a day, for pay or reward. This means they are inspected regularly to make sure the care they provide meets the regulations set by Ofsted and all staff have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Childminders
- Day nurseries
- LEA maintained nurseries
- Nursery units of independent schools
- Pre schools
- Breakfast clubs
- After-school clubs
- Holiday play schemes
Non-registered childcare
The following do not have to register but they can choose to go on the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register.
- Au pair
- Babysitters
- Home child carer such as nannies
- Creche
- Activity based care (for example sports, drama, language or arts clubs)
