Types of childcare

Find out about the different types of childcare on this section.

You can also learn about registration and getting help with childcare if you have a child with disabilities.

• Childminders
  A childminder provides care and early education through play for children aged 7 and under for more than 2 hours per day, usually from their own home.

• Nurseries
  Nurseries provide care and early education for children, generally from 8.00am to 6.00pm, 51 weeks of the year.

• Pre-schools and playgroups
  Pre-schools and playgroups provide care and early education for children from 2-4 hours in the morning or afternoon, usually term time only.

• Out-of-school clubs
  Out-of-school clubs provide care and play for children, either before or after school and during the school holidays.

• Holiday playschemes
  Holiday playschemes offer care and play for children aged 4-14 years or 18 for disabled children and young people during the school holidays.

• Nannies
  Nannies are employed by families to care for children in the family home. Nannies often live in the family's home but it is not essential. Some may agree to do additional jobs around the house, such as cooking and tidying.

• Crèches
  Creches are places where children can be cared for, usually for a short time while their parents do other things.

• Childcare for disabled children or children with additional needs
  Information for parents with disabled children or children with additional support needs.

• Registered childcare
  Registered childcare is childcare that is registered and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted). Certain types of childcare must be registered.

• Ofsted Childcare Register: voluntary
  Some types of childcare are exempt from registration. However, some may choose to be registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register (OCR).

• Informal family care
  How we provide support to informal family carers of children and young people aged 0-18 years.