Types of childcare
Day nurseries look after groups of children, usually from a few months old until they start school. Childminders look after a small number of children in their own home. Pre-schools often take children from two or three, in term time. After-school and holiday clubs cover school-age children.
Check Ofsted registration and reports
Nurseries and childminders looking after children under eight in England must usually be registered with Ofsted or a childminder agency. You can search for a provider and read its inspection reports at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.
Read the full report, not just the grade, and check the date of the last inspection. Ofsted has changed how it reports on early years settings, so older and newer reports may look different.
Funded hours and help with costs
The government funds some free childcare hours in England, depending on your child's age and, for some entitlements, whether you are working. The hours and age bands have changed in recent years, so check what you can get at childcarechoices.gov.uk. Some entitlements need a code, which you apply for online and reconfirm every three months.
Tax-Free Childcare and the childcare element of Universal Credit can also help with costs if you are eligible.
Ask the nursery how it offers funded hours and what it charges for, such as meals, nappies or trips. Get this in writing.
Help in Norfolk
Norfolk County Council has a duty to give parents information about childcare in the county, including funded places. Contact the council if you are struggling to find a place.
Visit and ask
- Visit while children are there, not only at a quiet time.
- Ask about staff ratios and how long staff have worked there.
- Ask who your child's key person will be.
- Look at the outdoor space and ask how often children use it.
- Ask how they handle allergies, medicines and accidents, and how they tell you.
- Ask about settling-in sessions and the notice period if you leave.
Safeguarding
Registered settings must have a safeguarding policy, and staff must have DBS checks. Ask to see the policy. You can raise concerns about a registered provider with Ofsted. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.