Choosing childcare

Find out about different types of childcare, and the Ofsted inspection framework.

Use our online map to search for childcare in your area.

All early years providers must follow the statutory framework for the early years foundation stage on gov.uk, and have all the required suitability checks in place.

Finding the right type of childcare

Finding childcare that’s right for you can be a big decision. The Families Information Service can offer advice and support on finding the right childcare for you. It is a good idea to have some questions in mind when you visit a setting for the first time.

Ofsted inspection framework

From 10 November 2025, Ofsted introduced a new inspection system for early years settings. Instead of giving one overall grade, Ofsted now uses a five point scale to show how well an early years setting is doing in different areas, such as safeguarding and leadership. Because of this change, the government has updated the rules that local authorities follow when deciding whether a childcare provider can receive government funded childcare, such as 15 or 30 hours.

Under the new system, local authorities may stop or refuse funding if Ofsted finds serious concerns. For example, if safeguarding is “not met” or if leadership needs urgent improvement. Local authorities can also offer extra support and training to providers who receive lower grades. These changes do not affect childminders registered with childminder agencies. The aim of the new rules is to make sure all children receive safe, high quality early education, and local authorities will continue to work with providers to help them improve wherever possible.

Can’t find childcare in your area

If you are struggling to find quality childcare or have been turned away due to your child’s individual needs, contact us.

Types of childcare

Childminders

A childminder can be registered with either Ofsted or a childminding agency.

A childminder can provide care for children either in their home, or solely from somewhere other than their home residence, such as a village hall.

If a childminder looks after children aged up to eight, they must register with Ofsted and must follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and have all required suitability checks in place.

If a childminder looks after children aged over eight years, they can choose to register on the childcare register.

Some childminders are registered to provide overnight or weekend care; others may only offer out-of-school care. Most childminders offer early years government funded entitlements.

Group providers

Day nurseries

Day nurseries must be registered with Ofsted. Most day nurseries are open all year round, generally from 7:30am to 6pm on weekdays. Most day nurseries offer funded early education places for eligible children.

Preschools/playgroups

Preschools and playgroups may offer full day care as well as offering sessional care, for example mornings or afternoons.

Most are open term time only and are managed by a voluntary committee. Most offer funded early education places for eligible children.

Childcare on domestic premises

Childminders working with assistants are called childcare with domestic premises. Most are open all year round, generally from 7:30am to 6pm on weekdays. Most offer funded early education places for eligible children. 

School run early years provision

Schools may offer early years education and care for children before starting in Reception year.

Maintained and Academy school provision

Maintained schools overseen by the local authority and schools operated by an academy trust, may offer early years provision before Reception year. Most offer funded early education places for eligible children. You should contact the school directly for further details.

Independent school provision

Independent schools may offer early years provision prior to Reception year. Most offer funded early education places for eligible children. 

Out of school clubs and holiday clubs

For more information on wraparound childcare, visit our wraparound childcare page.

Home childcarer or nanny

A home childcarer or nanny, is a person over 18 years old who cares for children usually in the family’s own home.

Sign up on the voluntary part of the Ofsted childcare register on gov.uk.

A to Z of council services

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z