Before School / Breakfast Clubs
Before School / Breakfast clubs provide care for school aged children before school, normally from 8.00am, and are usually based within school premises or community centres. They provide safe and creative play and care for children outside of normal school hours. If the club caters for children under 8 years old and is open for more than two hours a day for six or more days a year then it will have to be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED). Most clubs will take children to school at 9.00am and some will provide breakfast.
|
Childminders
Childminders look after children within their own home. They are allowed to care for up to six children under the age of eight, but only three of them can be aged under five and only one can be aged under one. As childminders are self-employed they decide their own working hours and so can offer flexible childcare to meet parents needs. All childminders are required to register with The Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED).
|
Children's Centres
Children's Centres provide a range of services to parents and carers with children under the age of five. These services can include full day care, family support, parent and toddler groups and links with Jobcentre Plus. All childcare provision within a Children's Centre is registered with The Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED).
|
Creches
Creches provide care within a centre.
|
Day Nurseries
Day nurseries provide care and education for children from birth to five years. Opening hours are usually the same as the standard working day - 8.00am to 6.00pm although some nurseries can open earlier and close later to meet parents needs. Children are grouped together by age and cared for by qualified staff. All day nurseries are required to register with The Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED).
|
Holiday Clubs
Holiday clubs provide care for school aged children during school holidays, normally between 8.00am and 6.00pm, and are usually based within school premises or community centres. They provide safe and creative play and care for children outside of normal school hours. If the club caters for children under 8 years old and is open for more than two hours a day for six or more days a year then it will have to be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED).
|
Out of School Clubs
Out of School Clubs provide care for school aged children after school, normally until 6.00pm, and are usually based within school premises or community centres. They provide safe and creative play and care for children outside of normal school hours. If the club caters for children under 8 years old and is open for more than two hours a day for six or more days a year then it will have to be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED). Some clubs will collect children from school and transport them to the club.
|
Parent/Carer and Toddler Groups
Parent/carer and toddler groups provide a safe and friendly meeting place for anyone caring for children up to five years old. Groups generally meet for between 1-2 hours, once or twice a week and may be held in a variety of venues including church halls and community centres. Charges vary but are usually just enough to cover rent for premises and refreshments. Parent and Toddler Groups are NOT required to register with The Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED) as parents and carers remain with their children and are responsible for them throughout the session.
|
Pre-School Playgroups
Pre-School Playgroups provide care and education for children aged 2 and half years to five years old. They offer sessional care, usually for around two and a half hours a day during term time. Playgroups are registered with The Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED) if they run for more than two hours a day and are open for six or more days a year.
|