Website of the UK government

Childcare options

Your childcare options include:

• Sure Start Children's Centres - offer early learning, childcare, health advice and family support for families with children up to age five
• crèches - provide occasional care for children under eight
• toddler groups - informal groups of parents and carers that meet locally with their children on a regular basis, usually including children who are under five
• pre-schools and playgroups - provide play time and often early education to under fives
• day nurseries - provide care for children from birth to four or five and beyond, often integrated with early education and other services
• out-of-school or 'kids' clubs - offer school-aged children a safe and stimulating environment in which they can play and learn outside of school hours
• childminders - usually look after children under 12 in the childminder's own home and often collect school-aged children from a nearby school
• nannies - provide childcare in your own home and can look after children of any age

• Download the leaflet 'Sure Start Children's Centres - good for your child and good for you' (PDF, 2185K)
• Help with PDF files

Finding childcare

Finding suitable childcare may seem like a difficult chore, but help is available.

Click on the links below to find childcare and nurseries in your area, and to get help with your choice of childcare.

• Search for childcare and nurseries Opens new window
• Find out about school holiday schemes near you Opens new window

Childcare information services

Your local Families Information Service (FIS) can also advise you on childcare options and availability in your area. These services provide quality, impartial information and guidance on childcare, early education and other children's services.

They hold information on Ofsted registered childcare such as day nurseries, out-of-school clubs, pre-school playgroups and childminders, as well as unregistered childcare such as parent and toddler groups. You can get the telephone number of your nearest FIS by calling 0800 234 6346.

• A to Z list of Families Information Services provided by NACIS Opens new window

More useful links

• Childcare Act guarantees a sure start for future generations
• Download the leaflet Choosing a pre-school playgroup (PDF, 222K) Opens new window
• Download the leaflet Choosing a childminder (PDF, 265K) Opens new window
• Download the leaflet Choosing a nanny or home-based carer (PDF, 233K) Opens new window
• Help with PDF files