Choosing childcare for your child can be daunting as there are different options you can use depending on your circumstances. Day nurseries, pre-schools, nursery classes in schools and childminders.
If you are using a mobile phone, please search for day nurseries and pre-schools using our childcare directory.
If you have a laptop or computer, you can search using our childcare directory or our day nurseries and pre-schools map.
Day nurseries and pre-schools map
What is a day nursery?
- Can be open all year
- Offer extended days such as 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday
- Some take children from a few months old until they start reception at school
- Average cost is £45 to £70 per day - check what this includes
What is a pre-school?
- Mainly term time only (38 weeks a year)
- Offer sessions or shorter days such as 9am-12noon or 9am to 4pm
- Some take 2 year olds until they start reception class at school
- Average charge is £10 to £28 per 3 hour session – check what additional charges there are
They all:
- Register with Ofsted and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Can offer the universal 15 hours and some will be able to offer the 30 hours funded childcare either themselves or in partnership with other providers. Find out more about funded early education places (FEE)
- Can charge for additional time and services
- Can charge a deposit to secure a place but not if you are only accessing your free entitlement hours and no additional time