Child-minders are private individuals offering a home and family
environment for children. As well as looking after younger children
all day, they can take your children to school and collect them at
the end of the day. They are registered by the Office for Standards
in Education, Children's Services and Skills (OFSTED) and attend
ongoing training in areas such as child protection / development
and health and safety.
For information on child-minding in general, call the National
Childminding Assocation (NCMA) freephone information
line, tel 0800 169 4486 or visit the NCMA website.
Nurseries and playgroups 0 - 5 years
Nurseries and playgroups provide care and education for children
from as young as three months to pre-school five year olds. There
are different types - private, local authority, registered charity
- but all are registered and inspected regularly by OFSTED to
ensure compliance with strict guidelines concerning children and
staff. Opening hours usually fit around the average working day of
8.00am - 6.00pm, although you should always check, as this is by no
means guaranteed.