Types of childcare

Childminders - Childminders provide care, play and learning opportunities for children within a home setting.  Some can pickup children from their schools. 

Crèches - Facilities that provide occasional care for Children under eight. They need to be registered when they run for more than 2 hours a day.

Day Nurseries - Nurseries are for children under five years old to play and learn and have fun in groups while their parents work or study.

Nursery Schools/Classes - Provide early education and childcare for the under 5's, including parent involvement and family support.

Out of School Care - Sometimes called 'Kids Clubs'. They offer a safe place to play for school age children from 4 upwards, outside school hours.

Pre-school Playgroups - Playgroups or pre-schools provide sessions of play and education to children aged about 3 to 5.

Toddler groups - Informal, unregistered, part-time self help groups of parents and carers that meet locally with their children on a regular basis. Toddler groups cater for children 0 to 5 years old.