nurseries

Nurseries provide care and education for young children in a play-centred environment. They can range in size from under 25 places to over 40 places. They take babies from a few months old to children up to five years of age, although children are almost always split into different age groups:

baby rooms - for under ones
toddler rooms - for one to two-and-a half-year-olds
pre-school rooms - for over two-and-a half-year-olds.

Although various types exist, such as those run by local authorities or community groups, most are run as private businesses. All day nurseries must be registered and inspected by OFSTED who also set standards as to the ratio of adult carers to children for the different age groups (1:3 for under two year-olds, 1:4 for two to three year-olds, 1:8 for three to five year-olds).

In addition, in some nurseries, the children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, which means a nursery can give your child the basic care and education they need from babyhood right up to starting school.

Pros

Cons

Registered and inspected to comply with statutory care and education standards.

At least half the staff in a nursery must be trained and qualified in childcare.

The ratio of carers to children reflects the needs of the child at the different stages of development and independence.

Opportunity for your child to socialise and enjoy the company of other children.

Provide a range of equipment and activities for children.

Good nurseries will follow a structured learning programme for children to promote their learning and development.

Continuity in childcare - older children can benefit from the seamless transition to a learning environment and more structured day.

Good nurseries will provide home cooked, well balanced food for your child. They may also help if your child needs a special diet.

Convenience and reliability - open all year round and not affected by holidays/illness of carers.

Offer part-time or full- time childcare alternatives.

Eligible for help with costs through the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit.

Fees can be expensive.

Young babies are cared for by more than one person.

You cannot easily influence or specify what activities or day-to-day routines your child follows.

You will have to make alternative arrangements if your child is sick.

You have to drop off and collect your child.

Less flexibility on hours covered, geared to core working hours only (normally 8am-6pm).

finding a nursery

Nursery places are often heavily over-subscribed, especially the good ones, so if you are hoping to place your child as a baby, you should make arrangements as early as possible, even before your baby is born! Before choosing a nursery for your child you should always make time for a visit.

To find out about nurseries in your area, contact your local authority childcare information services. They will have a list of all registered nurseries. Alternatively, you can contact ChildcareLink through their freephone helpline (0800 096 0296) or website.