When choosing childcare and an early education setting consider your family situation and main reason for needing childcare including:
- Your child's age.
- Sibling's schooling arrangements (location, finish times).
- Your family's work/study (flexibility, location and travel times).
- Any support you have from family and friends.
- Your financial situation (remember you may be able to get help with childcare costs).
A combination of childcare may suit you best (using a childminder and a private day nursery or preschool playgroup).
The different types of childcare are shown below.
0-5 years
If you are looking for a childcare provision for a child aged 0 to 5 years please see the links below for a list of each type of childcare.
2-5 years
If you are looking for a childcare provision for a child aged between 3 to 5 years please see the links below for the different types of childcare. Free early education is available for eligible 2 year olds and all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours per week term-time. Eligible 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 30 hours per week term-time.
5 years +
If you are looking for out of school care or holiday care please see the following types of childcare.