Education and childcare for the under 5s
There is a wide variety of early years education and childcare
available for your child. Finding out about the range of services
on offer will help you decide what best suits you and your child's
needs. DirectGov's
Preschool education and development explains the roles of
nursery schools and reception classes, day nurseries, pre-school
playgroups, reception classes and childminders.
DirectGov also gives details about:
·
Free education for under 5s: When, where and how to get free
part-time early education for your three or four year old
·
Getting help with pre-school costs: Financial support available
to students, lone and working parents
·
Choosing early years education for under 5s: What to ask and
check when looking for a pre-school place for your child
Finding pre-school options near you
Search DirectGov's Nursery Finder by
postcode or town to:
· find playgroups, pre-schools or toddler groups
· find childcare options, such as childminders, creches,
nurseries
· find out of school care, holiday schemes and pre-school
care
· find a new school
· find more information about schools, such as contact details,
Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) reports, maps and
achievement tables
Childcare Link
The
Childcarelink website offers comprehensive information and
advice about local childcare. and advice on:
· choosing childcare
· paying for childcare
· free early education for your 3-4 year old
· childcare and the law
You can call Childcarelink on 08000 96 02 96 for details of your
local Children's Information Service and factsheets on childcare
options.