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.

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West End Wigglers - Baby and Toddler Music Group

Tots Play Baby and Toddler Play Programme

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Sticker Stocker

The Old Vicarage, Stone Rd, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9HD Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9HD west-central England Staffordshire ST12 9HD

We specialise in products that make learning fun, educational and rewarding. All of our products are carefully sourced from around the world to give you the best quality and peace of mind including many award winning teacher created learning products. Sticker Stocker supply innovative products for c...

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Sticky Kids

Sticky Kids has been making music for young children for almost 40 years. Starting with our first cassette tape, made in a loft in Bristol, we have grown to be the UK market leader in music and movement resources for young children and our music is used in nurseries, playgroups and schools across th...

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Stix Mindfulness

Central Research Laboratory Shipping Building, 252 Blyth Rd Hayes UB3 1HA London Borough of Hillingdon Hayes

The world's first mindfulness activity remotes ...

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Storyball

Storyball is an audio consolea robust Bluetooth speaker and importantly a childâ€™s companion. Through motion recognition and smart audio, Storyball is an audio gaming console enables fully immersive gameplay without the need for a screen. ...

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Storynory

Storynory has been giving free audio stories to the world since November 2005. We are a podcast and a website with audio streaming. Some months we serve around a million downloads of our mp3 files (stored on Libsyn). All our content is free.We aim for our audio stories to showcase imagination, good ...

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Stripey Goose

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Stuart Morris

Stuart Morris was first established in 1980. Since then we have used our expertise in textile design and printing to supply textile products to schools and businesses throughout the UK and overseas. We have earned the reputation of being one of the UKâ€™s leading craft textile printe...

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Sue Greetham Photography

Stowe Rd, Orpington BR6 9HQ Orpington BR6 9HQ London Greater London BR6 9HQ

I am a professional photographer based in London and Kent specialising in capturing beautiful growing bellies, the innocent newborn days and the joys of childhood.I'm not going to send you to sleep telling you my life story, other than to say that I gained a higher diploma in photography in my early...

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Sunnies For Kids

Unit 3 Ascot Business Park, Lyndhurst Road, Ascot, England SL5 9FE, GB Ascot SL5 9FE West Berkshire, SL5 9FE

Sunnies sunglasses for babies and kidsâ€‹ aims to meet the practical needs of protecting your childrenâ€™s eyes in the sun. A safe, durable and dependable quality product, delivered to you in ecologically responsible packaging and a no-nonsense replacement service. ...

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Superfood Project

unique formulas designed for childrenA diet rich in nutrients, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, can improve your child's IMMUNITY, MOOD, COGNITIVE ABILITIES and overall well-being. Our carefully crafted, freeze-dried powder mixes consist of NATURAL INGREDIENTS, made purely from fresh fruit...

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SURREY SLEEP COACH

Hello! Iâ€™m Kate, a Level 6 Qualified Sleep Coach. Iâ€™m Mum to two little girls and live with my husband in the beautiful Surrey Hills.After graduating from Bath University, I moved to London, spending 15 happy years living in North, South and West London, working f...

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Sweet Dreamers

Hello, Iâ€™m Lynda, mum to six lovable and lively children and inventor of our SweetDreamers product range. When my sixth child, Bradley was born, he cried constantly and it was a nightly struggle to settle him to sleepâ€¦ a struggle that went on until he was two an...

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Sylvanian Families

Sylvanian Families UK, 2nd Floor, Capital Court, 30 Windsor Street, London, Uxbridge, UB8 1AB London UB8 1AB Greater London UB8 1AB

First created in 1985, Sylvanian Families is a unique and adorable range of distinctive animal characters that live, work and play in the idyllic land of Sylvania. Sylvanian Families originated in Japan and made the journey to the UK in 1987. It became an iconic toy of the â€˜80s and...

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Synergy Dance

WHAT IS SYNERGY DANCE?Synergy DanceÂ® supplies dance, movement, fitness and yoga classes across the UK. We have 57 partners and a national and global presence online!What is Synergy?Synergy DanceÂ® is a one-stop package in leisure centres and schools. We offer an innovative range...

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Synergy LLP

1st Floor, Suite 116 St Vincent House, 30 Orange Street London WC2H 7HH Southeast Greater London London

With four offices in London, Guildford, Epsom and Bath, Synergy meets the needs of our large client base providing a broad range of services including Cost Management, Project Management, Building Surveying and Specialist Consultancy.We pride ourselves on being able to offer the resources of a large...

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Tailored Tutors

A Level Exam Expertsâ˜… EffectiveWe aim for a minimum of a 2 grade improvement, but often our students exceed well beyond their own expectations: Have a look through our reviews to see examples of students whoâ€™ve increased by up to 5 grades (E-A*)!â˜…...

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Taith360

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Talk & Move

Talk & Move is a unique programme that supports children's speech, language, and emotional development through movement.The programme targets the three prime areas of the EYFS Framework and Development Matters.The Talk & Move Programme is as fun as it is beneficial, with 29 cards, 29 sounds,...

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Tapestry

The Foundation Stage Forum Ltd, WaterCourt, 65 High Street Lewes BN7 1XG England East Sussex Lewes

An easy-to-use and secure online learning journal helping staff and families celebrate their childrenâ€™s learning and developmentTapestry builds a very special record of a childâ€™s experiences, development and learning journey through their early years and primary e...

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TARKA London

St. Francis of Assisi, Pottery Ln, London W11 4NQ London W11 4NQ Capital of England Greater London W11 4NQ

We are a premium exercise company who develop childrenâ€™s physical, emotional and social skills, setting them up for success through expert care. By championing military values in our classes, we ensure your child is learning essential skills for life; respect, confidence, independe...

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Frequently Asked Questions

A nanny is an experienced professional who provides continuous childcare, while a babysitter usually provides short-term or casual care for children.While both supervise and care for children when parents are away, a nanny is a regular and daily job. Nannies often take on household tasks and are involved in the children's lives. On the other hand, babysitters are temporary caregivers who are typically hired to watch the children for a set period.

Typically, full time nannies work 10-12 hour days, Mon-Fri. Most roles are between 8am and 7pm but some can go beyond these times. It used to be common for nannies to work 60+ hours per week, but this trend is declining.Live-in nannies generally work between 10 and 12 hours per day, five days a week. Most families will also expect two nights babysitting as part of the package. A live-in nanny may work a 24-hour shift or five-six day shifts for a higher salary.

Part- time nannies offer a flexible option to local childminders. While a childminder looks after children at their own residence – nannies work in your home. A nanny only looks after your kids — so they can follow your family's schedule and provide much more flexibility compared to childminders.Nannies typically have an employment arrangement with the parents entitling them to benefits such as annual holiday, maternity leave, and all other employment benefits. A childminder looks after children in their own setting and are compensated for caring for multiple children simultaneously.

A childminder offers childcare services to children in their own home for more than two hours each day. In England, childminders are required to be registered with Ofsted. Operating as independent entrepreneurs, childminders manage a small business from their home, caring for children from multiple families. To become registered with Ofsted, childminders must be at least 18 years old and provide childcare in their own residence for more than two hours daily, in exchange for payment.There are certain exceptions when Ofsted registration is not required, which are set out in this factsheet from Ofsted.

A childminder is permitted to care for a maximum of six children under the age of 8 at any given time. Of these six children, a maximum of three may be young children and only one child can be under the age of one. (A child is considered a young child until September 1st following their 5th birthday). Additionally, this maximum count includes the childminder's own children if they are under the age of eight.

As childminders do not have the same overhead costs as day nurseries, they often offer more affordable childcare options. Additionally, parents can benefit from tax-free childcare vouchers and Universal Credit, along with funded hours for early years children, to help reduce their childcare expenses.

You can find local nannies and childminders on listing directories such as nurseriesandschools where you can find local babysitters, nannies and childminders. Search trusted childcare by name and location.

Connect with your group!

West End Wigglers - Baby and Toddler Music Group

Tots Play Baby and Toddler Play Programme

Sticker Stocker

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Sticky Kids

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Stix Mindfulness

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Storyball

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Storynory

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Stripey Goose

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Stuart Morris

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Sue Greetham Photography

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Sunnies For Kids

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Superfood Project

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SURREY SLEEP COACH

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Sweet Dreamers

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Sylvanian Families

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Synergy Dance

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Synergy LLP

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Tailored Tutors

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Taith360

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Talk & Move

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Tapestry

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TARKA London

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1. What is a difference between a nanny and babysitter?

2. How many hours do nannies work in UK?

3. What is the difference between a nanny and a childminder?

4. What is a childminder?

5. How many children can a childminder look after at one time?

6. Is childminder cheaper than nursery?

7. How can I find a local nanny or childminder?