When choosing childcare parents need to consider work hours, budgets, and whether they want care in a home based environment or with other children.

Free early learning for three and four year olds

Three and four year olds in England are entitled to a minimum 12.5 hours of free learning per week for 38 weeks of the year. This can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at their childminders.
This will rise to 15 hours a week from 2010, delivered flexibly over a minimum of three days.

Day Nurseries

Often based in workplaces and run by businesses or voluntary groups, day nurseries provide care and learning activities for children from birth to five years old.

Opening hours

Day nurseries are usually open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, but hours may vary. They offer full and sessional day care so you can send your child full or part time, and some offer early drop-offs or late pick-ups.

Pre-Schools and playgroups

Usually run by voluntary groups, pre-schools and playgroups provide sessionl day care in the form of part-time play and early learning for under fives. Three and four year olds can get their 12.5 hours of weekly free early learning at these providers

Opening hours

Sessions are usually from two-and-a-half hours to four hours, during term time, every day or for several days a week.

Childminders

Usually childminders look after children under 12 in the childminder's own home. They can look after up to six children under eight years old, although no more than three of those must be aged under five.

Hours

Generally, childminders work from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, but most are flexible and some may be willing to work weekends.

Nannies and home – based carers

Usually nannies will provide care for children in your home, and can look after children of any age.

Hours

Many nannies live at home with the family they are working for, but whether they live in or not their hours are flexible.