What is the difference between nursery and childcare?

"Nursery" typically refers to a place or facility where young children, usually toddlers up to around three years old, are taken care of during the day. These establishments focus on early childhood education, providing activities that promote learning, socialization, and development appropriate for that age group. Nurseries often have structured schedules, incorporate play-based learning, and may introduce basic educational concepts. "Childcare," on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the care and supervision of children, covering a wider age range from infancy to pre-adolescence. Childcare facilities or services offer care, supervision, and sometimes educational activities for children when their parents or guardians are unavailable, such as during work hours. Childcare can include nurseries for younger children, preschool programs, after-school care, and even programs during school holidays.

What age should a child start nursery?

The ideal age for a child to start nursery can vary depending on several factors including the child's development, family circumstances, and personal preferences. However, many nurseries accept children from around three months to three years old. Parents often consider starting nursery when their child is between two and three years old. This age range allows children to benefit from the social interaction and early learning experiences that nurseries provide.

When should I start looking at nurseries?

It's a good idea to start looking at nurseries well in advance of when you plan to enroll your child.Generally, starting your search around 6-12 months before you plan to enroll your child is a good timeline. This allows enough time for research, visits, and consideration before making a decision.

When should I start looking at nurseries?

It's a good idea to start looking at nurseries well in advance of when you plan to enroll your child.Generally, starting your search around 6-12 months before you plan to enroll your child is a good timeline. This allows enough time for research, visits, and consideration before making a decision.

How much is nursery per hour in UK?

On average, nursery fees in the UK can range from around £6 to £10 per hour. However, the cost of nursery per hour in the UK varies widely based on multiple factors such as location, the specific nursery, age of the child, and the services offered.

How to find a nursery school place?

Finding a nursery school place involves initial research to identify suitable options based on location, fees, and educational approach. Contact the shortlisted nurseries to inquire about availability, admission criteria, and fees. Schedule visits to assess the environment, staff interactions, and facilities. Once you've decided on a nursery, understand their application process and deadlines. Some may require filling out forms or paying a registration fee. If there's a waiting list, consider getting your child's name on it promptly to enhance the chances of securing a spot. Maintain communication with the nursery staff throughout the waiting period to demonstrate your continued interest. You can easily find nurseries in your area on nurseriesandschools.org

How do I find the right nursery for my child?

Finding the right nursery involves factors like location, educational approach, facilities, and staff qualifications. Start by researching nearby nurseries, checking online reviews, and seeking recommendations from other parents. Visit potential nurseries to observe the environment, how staff interact with children, and assess if it aligns with your child's needs and your preferences for early education. Ask about curriculum, safety measures, and opportunities for social interaction. Trust your instincts and choose a nursery that feels safe, nurturing, and stimulating for your child's developmental needs. Additionally, consider the nursery's educational philosophy, staff qualifications, and the overall atmosphere. Ensure it provides a balance between structured learning and play-based activities, fostering a supportive environment that encourages your child's social, emotional, and academic development. Effective communication and a positive relationship between the nursery and your family are also vital aspects to consider. Nurseriesandschools.org is a one stop solution for your nursery searches.

What time do nurseries open and close?

Most nurseries in the UK typically operate within a range of hours that accommodate working parents. Generally, nursery hours might start as early as 7:30 or 8:00 AM and can extend until 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Some nurseries might offer extended hours or flexible drop-off and pick-up times for parents who require childcare outside of these standard hours, accommodating varying work schedules.

What is the aim of a day nursery?

The primary aim of a day nursery is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where young children can learn, play, and develop essential skills. Day nurseries typically focus on the holistic development of children in their early years. They focus on fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through age-appropriate activities and play-based learning. Additionally, day nurseries aim to support families by maintaining open communication and collaboration. They strive to create a partnership with parents or guardians, offering guidance and updates on a child's progress while ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that aids children in their developmental journey.

What is the aim of a day nursery?

The primary aim of a day nursery is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where young children can learn, play, and develop essential skills. Day nurseries typically focus on the holistic development of children in their early years. They focus on fostering social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth through age-appropriate activities and play-based learning. Additionally, day nurseries aim to support families by maintaining open communication and collaboration. They strive to create a partnership with parents or guardians, offering guidance and updates on a child's progress while ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that aids children in their developmental journey.

What age groups are in a day nursery?

Day nurseries typically cater to a range of age groups within early childhood.Day nurseries are for children aged 3 months to 5 years of age. The age groups in a day nursery often include: Babies and Infants: Nurseries may have separate rooms or sections specifically designed for infants, usually from around three months old up to approximately 18 months or two years. Toddlers: Another group within day nurseries is typically toddlers, ranging from around 18 months to three years old. These children might be in a separate area or group within the nursery to cater to their specific needs and developmental stages. Preschoolers: Day nurseries often have spaces for preschool-aged children, usually from around three to five years old. These children might participate in more structured learning activities and preparations for formal schooling.

What comes first nursery or playgroup?

Playgroup comes first. Nursery and playgroup differ significantly in their formality and educational focus. Playgroup primarily centers on play, entertainment, and introductory activities like painting, coloring, and socializing. In contrast, nursery education is more structured, emphasizing various subjects such as math and language. It serves as a foundational educational environment, introducing young children to fundamental concepts like math, language skills, and values in a playful manner, preparing them for later entry assessments into reputable kindergarten programs. The atmosphere in playschools is notably relaxed and playful, fostering a casual environment for children. In contrast, the nursery provides a child's initial exposure to formal education, setting the stage for a more structured learning journey.

Why is nursery important in school?

Nurseries are essential in schools as they provide the foundational education and social development crucial for a child's early years. They focus on holistic development, introducing basic concepts like language, numeracy, and social skills in a structured yet nurturing environment. This early exposure prepares children for the routines and expectations of formal schooling, fostering independence, confidence, and the ability to interact with peers and adults. Moreover, nurseries play a pivotal role in identifying any developmental needs early on, allowing for timely support and intervention. They serve as the initial step in a child's educational journey, setting the stage for future academic success and providing the groundwork for social and cognitive development that forms the basis for later learning experiences.

What is day care for children?

Daycare for children refers to a facility or service that provides care, supervision, and sometimes early education for children during the day while their parents or guardians are at work or unavailable. Daycare centres cater to children of various ages, from infants to pre-adolescents, offering a safe and nurturing environment where children engage in age-appropriate activities, play, and socialization. The primary focus of daycare is to ensure the well-being and safety of children while their parents are away. Daycare centres typically have trained staff who oversees the children, offering meals, structured activities, playtime, and sometimes educational programs tailored to different age groups.

Is nursery part of preschool?

Yes, nurseries are a type of preschool. The term "preschool" is a broad category that encompasses early childhood education for children before they enter formal schooling. Nurseries specifically refer to early education and care centers for young children, typically between the ages of three months to five years old.

What comes after pre nursery?

After pre-nursery, children usually progress to nursery or preschool, depending on the specific terminologies used by different educational settings. Pre-nursery serves as an introductory stage for very young children, usually between the ages of two to three, preparing them for a more structured learning environment.

How do you start a nursery?

Starting a nursery involves several key steps and considerations: Research and Planning: Begin by conducting thorough research into the requirements and regulations for starting a nursery in your area or country. Understand the legal and licensing requirements, as well as zoning regulations and health and safety standards that apply to childcare facilities. Develop a Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your nursery's concept, mission, target market, services offered, staffing plan, operational structure, budget, and financial projections. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your nursery's establishment and operation. Secure Funding: Determine the financial resources needed to start and sustain the nursery. Explore funding options such as personal investment, loans, grants, or partnerships to cover startup costs, including facility setup, equipment, staffing, insurance, and initial operational expenses. Location and Facilities: Choose an appropriate location for your nursery that complies with zoning regulations and is accessible and safe for children and families. Ensure the facility meets licensing standards regarding space requirements, safety features, and amenities suitable for childcare. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Obtain the required licenses and permits to operate a childcare facility in your area. This typically involves fulfilling regulatory requirements, health inspections, background checks for staff, and meeting specific standards set by local authorities or governing bodies. Staffing and Training: Recruit qualified and experienced staff members who are passionate about early childhood education and childcare. Provide necessary training and certifications required for working in a nursery, including first aid and child safeguarding training. Develop Policies and Procedures: Establish clear policies and procedures for enrollment, health and safety protocols, curriculum, parent communication, discipline, and emergency procedures. Ensure these policies comply with regulatory standards and are communicated effectively to staff and parents. Market and Advertise: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your nursery and attract families. Utilize various channels such as social media, websites, local advertising, and community outreach to reach your target audience. Starting a nursery requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and a dedication to providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. Seeking guidance from experts in childcare regulations or business development can also be beneficial in this process.

Why are nurseries closing?

Several factors contribute to the closure of nurseries in the UK; a main reason for these challenges was inadequate funding levels, which were made worse by the impact of Covid-19. The other factors include: Changes in Government Funding: Changes to government funding and subsidy schemes for childcare can significantly impact nurseries. Economic Challenges: Economic downturns or uncertain financial climates can affect parents' ability to afford nursery fees. Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on many sectors, including childcare. Competition and Market Demand: In some areas, there might be oversaturation or insufficient demand for nursery services. Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with strict regulatory requirements, such as staff-to-child ratios, health and safety standards, and educational guidelines etc can lead to nursery closures.

Why is a childminder better than a nursery?

Whether a childminder or a nursery is better for a child depends on various factors, including the child's needs, family circumstances, and personal preferences. Each option has its own advantages. Whereas childminders have: Individualized Care: Childminders typically care for fewer children in a home setting, allowing for more personalized attention. Flexibility: Childminders may offer more flexible hours compared to nurseries, catering to individual family schedules. Continuity of Care: With a childminder, children often experience more consistent care from the same individual over time. Home-Like Environment: Being in a home setting with a childminder can provide a homely and comforting atmosphere, which some children may prefer over a more institutional setting.

Why are nurseries so expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high cost of nurseries in the UK: Operating Costs: Running a nursery involves significant expenses, including staffing (salaries and training), rent or property costs, utilities, insurance, educational resources, and maintaining a safe and stimulating environment. Staffing Ratios and Qualifications: Nurseries in the UK are required to maintain specific staff-to-child ratios and employ qualified staff, which can impact costs. Limited Government Subsidies: While the government provides some financial support for childcare through schemes like the Tax-Free Childcare and 30 Hours Free Childcare for eligible families, the subsidies might not cover the full cost of nursery fees. This leaves a considerable portion of the cost burden on parents. Location and Demand: Nursery fees can vary based on geographical location and local demand. In areas with high living costs or high demand for childcare services, nurseries might charge higher fees to cover their expenses and maintain quality standards. Quality of Services: Nurseries that offer high-quality education, trained staff, specialized programs, and better facilities may charge higher fees to cover these enhanced services.

Nurseries Lambeth Borough | Find Childcare in Lambeth Borough

Armadillos Nursery And Preschool

23 Eastlake Road London SE5 9QJ London London Lambeth Borough

Armadillo means "armoured little one" in Spanish and here at Amadilloâs Nursery, we understand that the first five years of any childâs life is vitally important. We created Armadilloâs Nursery to provide early years education that really makes a...

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Clapham Park Montessori And Infant Community

The Contact Centre 60 Hambalt Road London SW4 9EH London London Lambeth Borough

The Clapham and Clapham Park Montessori Schools and the Montessori Infant Community provide high standards of nursery education, for children aged 1 â 6, in engaging and well-equipped environments. According to Montessori principles, education should be an aid to life. Our environm...

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Growing Beans Streatham Nursery Preschool

South London Liberal Synagogue 1 Prentis Road London SW16 1HP London London Lambeth Borough

Growing Beans is a child care nursery and preschool with a difference.  Taking children aged 0 months - 5 years and combining the best of traditional nursery learning in a fantastic space in Streatham with new learning and developmental techniques based on Forest School principle...

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Juliet Williams

Longfield Hall 50 Knatchbull Road London SE5 9QY London London Lambeth Borough

The Nest Pre-School CIC, is an ARTS-BAASED Community, not-for-profit,  Pre-School, established by parents, at Longfield Hall   in 1992. Children from 2-3 years can have 15/30hrs free sessions, if they meet the  Government Grant Criteria,subject to status of parents, ie Income support/...

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Little Learners - Balham

St Stephens Parish Church Weir Road London SW12 0NU London London Lambeth Borough

Little Learners BalhamOur Balham nursery is located in north Balham, easily accessible from Clapham, Streatham and Brixton. If your child is 15 Months - 3 years we'd love to meet you. You can choose between one and four sessions a week (Monday-Thursday), from 9:00am-12:00pm. or 9.15am - 12.15pm...

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Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Streatham

496 Streatham High Road London SW16 3QB London London Lambeth Borough

Monkey Puzzle Streatham is a new nursery opening in the heart of Streatham. Offering a safe, secure and stimulating environment for children to develop and learn through play.The highly skilled team of practitioners are hand picked to ensure that your child is cared for in a home from home sett...

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Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery West Norwood

The Old Fire Station 445 Norwood Road London SE27 9DN London London Lambeth Borough

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery West Norwood offers children a great early years learning experience.   With rooms for various age ranges and each room reflects the seven areas of learning, as prescribed in the Early Years Foundation Stage.Highly skilled staff keep parents up to date w...

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N Balham Nursery

126 Atkins Road London SW12 0AN London London Lambeth Borough

Weâre so excited to be welcoming N Balham to the N Family! A sensitive restoration of a beautiful period building, our space is filled with character while equally purpose-built to support every element of our early years curriculum. Packed full of features including a dedicated ar...

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N Brixton Nursery

N Brixton 47 Tulse Hill London SW2 2TN London London Lambeth Borough

Our nursery in Brixton opened in February 2020, joining our group of progressive and design-led London nurseries. N Brixton is packed full of unique features, like the specialist art studio, messy playroom and our huge garden complete with a vegetable patch and adventure playground. Aiming to provid...

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Nellys Nursery Turney Road

27 Turney Road London SE21 8LX London London Lambeth Borough

Turney Road nursery is the smallest building in our group of nurseries in Dulwich, situated in a beautiful detached Victorian house packed with original features making it feel homely and cosy throughout.Although compact the outdoor space has been expertly designed to make the most of the space...

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Sounique Montessori

Streatham Methodist Church 101 Riggindale Road London SW16 1QH London London Lambeth Borough

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Sowing Growing Nursery And Preschool

Chatsworth Baptist Church Chatsworth Way London SE27 9HN London London Lambeth Borough

Sowing & Growing Nursery and Preschool is a brand new, purpose-built childcare setting which is dedicated to providing quality childcare. The setting has a strong focus on language and communication, working with the local community, and valuing staff and parents as well as the children in ...

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Streatham Clapham Prep School - Nursery

Wavertree Road Streatham Hill London SW2 3SR London London Lambeth Borough

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The Learning Cottage

St Bartholomews Church Hall 159 Ellison Road London SW16 5DE London London Lambeth Borough

48 Chapel Road West Norwood London SE27 0UR London London Lambeth Borough

Chapel House Day Nursery is truly an exceptional setting and gives the children who attend a unique and unrivalled experience. The converted Methodist Chapel we occupy is magnificent and inspiring, giving the nursery an atmosphere that we believe our children soak up as much as the love and care of ...

43 Lancaster Avenue London SE27 9EL London London Lambeth Borough

Our Lancaster Avenue nursery in West Dulwich is located a 5-minute walk from Tulse Hill and West Dulwich Railway Stations. Each of our four nurseries in Dulwich follows our simple ethos â that children should be allowed to be children and the adults who look after th...

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Nellys Nursery Rosendale

All Saints Church Rosendale Road London SE21 8LN London London Lambeth Borough

Our purpose-built nursery in dulwich was refurbished to an incredible standard and has won national awards (NMT Nursery Design) as a result of the âchild centredâ environment created.Located inside All Saints Church, a 5 minute walk from West Dulwich and...

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Armadillos Nursery And Preschool

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Clapham Park Montessori And Infant Community

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Growing Beans Streatham Nursery Preschool

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Juliet Williams

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Little Learners - Balham

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Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery Streatham

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Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery West Norwood

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N Balham Nursery

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N Brixton Nursery

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Nellys Nursery Turney Road

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Sounique Montessori

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Sowing Growing Nursery And Preschool

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Streatham Clapham Prep School - Nursery

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The Learning Cottage

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Abacus Early Learning - Streatham Day Nursery

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Abacus Early Learning - West Norwood Day Nursery

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Anabela Day Care Nursery

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Anglo Spanish Nursery School Ltd

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Beechwood Nursery School

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Bright Horizons Balham Day Nursery And Preschool

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Bright Horizons Clapham Day Nursery And Preschool

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Bright Horizons West Dulwich Day Nursery And Preschool

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Bright Horizons West Norwood Day Nursery And Preschool

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Brixton Centre - Lambeth College Nursery

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Brixton Nursery Pre-School

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Bunnies On The Green

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Cavendish Lodge Nursery School

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Chapel House Day Nursery

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Cherubins Day Nursery - Chestnut Lodge

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Chestnut Nursery School Corry Drive

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Childspace Co-Operative Nursery

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Clapham Day Nursery Preschool

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Clapham Manor Nursery

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Clapham Montessori

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Clive Hall Day Nursery

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Co-Op Childcare Waterloo

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Coin Street Nursery

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Cubs Club Nursery

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Daffodils Day Nursery Streatham Vale

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Elm Park Nursery