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Free early learning for three and four year olds

Three and four year olds in England are entitled to a minimum 12.5 hours of free learning per week for 38 weeks of the year. This can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at their childminders.

This will rise to 15 hours a week from 2010, delivered flexibly over a minimum of three days.

• Free early learning for three and four year olds

Sure Start Children's Centres

Working with parents right from the birth of their child, Sure Start Children's Centres provide many services for families, including:

• early learning for children
• full day care
• short-term care
• health and family support
• parenting advice
• training and employment advice

Opening hours

Most Sure Start Children's Centres are open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday, all year round. Some are also open at weekends.

Costs

Aside from the free early learning entitlement for three and four year olds, there will be a charge for childcare. Costs will vary, so the best thing to do is contact your local Sure Start Childen's Centre directly.

Finding your local Sure Start Children's Centre

You can find your nearest Sure Start Children's Centre by contacting your local Families Information Service (FIS) on 0800 2 346 346, or by following the 'Find a local Sure Start Children's Centre' link.

• Find a local Sure Start Children's Centre Opens new window

Nursery schools and classes

Nursery schools provide early learning and childcare for children between three and five years old (some will take children from two-and-a-half). They are often based at Sure Start Children's Centres, or linked to an infant or primary school.

Opening hours

Nurseries are usually open from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm in term time for full or half-day sessions. Some also offer care out of school hours and in the holidays.

Costs

There is no cost if a nursery is part of the state education system. Private school nursery fees start at around £800 per term, but can be much more.

Pre-schools and playgroups

Usually run by voluntary groups, pre-schools and playgroups provide part-time play and early learning for under fives. Three and four year olds can get their 12.5 hours of weekly free early learning at these providers

Opening hours

Sessions are usually from two-and-a-half hours to four hours, during term time, every day or for several days a week.

Costs

Typically, pre-schools and playgroups cost £4.00 to £7.00 per hour.

Day nurseries

Often based in workplaces and run by businesses or voluntary groups, day nurseries provide care and learning activities for children from birth to five years old.

Opening hours

Day nurseries are usually open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, but hours may vary. You can send your child full or part time, and some offer early drop-offs or late pick-ups.

Costs

Rates vary, but most day nurseries cost from £25 to £50 per day.

Childminders

Usually childminders look after children under 12 in the childminder's own home. They can look after up to six children under eight years old, although no more than three of those must be aged under five.

Hours

Generally, childminders work from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, but most are flexible and some may be willing to work weekends.

Costs

Depending on where you live and how many children are being looked after, childminders can cost between £2.50 and £7.50 per hour.

Nannies and home-based carers

Usually nannies will provide care for children in your home, and can look after children of any age.

Hours

Many nannies live at home with the family they are working for, but whether they live in or not their hours are flexible.

Costs

Nannies' fees start at around £6.00 (£9.00 in London) per hour, but this tends to vary greatly. As your nanny's employer, you will also have to pay their tax and national insurance contributions.

• Finding a nanny: introduction