Returning to work
Childcare choices
There are lots of different options to choose from when looking for childcare while studying. Take a look at what’s available to help you decide which one’s best for you and your family.
Free childcare places
All children in England aged three or four are guaranteed a free part-time childcare place. You can get places in school nursery or reception classes, day nurseries, playgroups or with some childminders.
Childminders
Childminders who look after children under the age of eight are normally self-employed and must be registered with Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills). They complete a childcare training and first aid course before they start work.
Childminders who provide care for children over eight years old do not have to be registered although many do so voluntarily. You can get advice on how to choose a childminder from one of several organisations.
Nannies
Nannies care for your child in your own home and can live in your house or be employed on a daily basis (this might suit you if you study at irregular times, when other childcare isn't available).
You'll need to vet nannies and check references, as they're not legally required to hold qualifications, although many do. There's no central registration body. Most people share nannies to spread the cost.
You can find a nanny by using an agency or by advertising for one. Agencies are listed in your local telephone directory. Nursery World and The Lady list agencies and nannies looking for work.
Nurseries and crèches
These can be private, run by a local authority, based in a workplace or in the community. They're for children from birth to five years old and are usually open all day, but not evenings or weekends.
Many colleges and course providers also have a crèche or nursery, usually offering subsidised rates to students. Apply early as they can fill up quickly.
Find out more about nurseries from the National Day Nurseries Association.
Sure Start children’s centres
There are over 3,000 centres in England, providing childcare and learning facilities for families with children under five years of age. Many also work closely with other agencies to provide family healthcare services, and advice and training workshops to help parents get back into work.
You can search for your local centre on the Parent Know How Directory section of the Directgov website.
Pre-school services
For a small fee pre-schools will care for your child for a few hours a day. They may be suitable if your course is part-time or if you're on a full-time course and are using another form of childcare. For more info visit:
Parent/carer and toddler groups
These are run by parents and carers. As the parents and carers are with their children, these groups don't have to be registered. Your local Families Information Service (FIS) may have listings of local groups or you can ask at your library, and check local newspapers and community notice boards.
Out of school schemes and kids' clubs
These are for primary age schoolchildren, operating before and after school. Some open during school holidays. Find out more about them through your local Families information Service (FIS). You can also search for registered schemes in your area on the Parent Know How Directory.
Extended services (formerly known as extended schools)
This scheme is being rolled out across the country, allowing primary and secondary schools who take part to provide supervised play and learning activities for children between 8am and 6pm every day. You need to check directly with schools in your area to see if they are part of this scheme.
You can find your local schools on the Parent Know How Directory.
How can I be sure of the quality of care?
All types of childcare for children under the age of eight must be inspected and regulated by Ofsted, apart from:
- nannies
- childminders who look after children over the age of eight
- relatives.
You can find out more about these standards and key questions to ask from the Daycare Trust (choose the Parent Information section) or Ofsted.
Before you decide on childcare, ask:
- how many children the carer looks after (the children-to-carer ratio)
- which qualifications and experience the carer has
- what your child will be doing
- how much you can be kept up to date and get involved.
The Working Families website provides guidance on how to choose and what to ask.
More information
You can get more information about how to choose the best childcare to suit you by visiting the Choosing Childcare section of the Daycare Trust website.
You can find out what childcare is available in your area by contacting your local Families Information Service (FIS).
You can also search for registered childcare providers in your area on the Parent Know How Directory section of Directgov website; or you can call Childcare Information Helpline on 0800 234 6346.
