Types of childcare

1 Overview

You can choose from different types of childcare and early years education, depending on your child’s age, needs and your family routine.

Some childcare providers are registered and inspected by Ofsted or a childminder agency. Others are not registered, but can choose to join Ofsted’s Voluntary Childcare Register.

Childcare is more than keeping children safe - it also helps them learn and develop. Good early education gives your child time to play, explore and build new skills. These experiences help them grow in confidence and get ready for school.

All childcare and early education providers must support every child, whatever their needs. They can ask the council’s early years and childcare teams for advice and extra support. Providers should also work with you to plan the right support for your child.

All providers must follow the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice 2015.

2 Benefits of childcare

Benefits for children

Childcare gives children a rich environment where they can learn and develop through new experiences. It helps build the foundations for lifelong learning and well‑being.

The benefits for children who attend high quality registered providers include:

growing in confidence
learning how to play and get along with other children
improving their social and communication skills
developing better concentration
having fun in a safe and engaging environment
becoming more independent
building their language, literacy and numeracy skills

Benefits for parents

The benefits for you include:

making it easier to return to work or increase your hours
helping you take up new career opportunities and grow professionally
improving your family’s financial stability by allowing you to work
giving your child a safe and consistent place to be, which can ease worries
supporting a positive family routine because your child enjoys the social and learning benefits of childcare
connecting you with other parents and early years professionals who can offer support
boosting your confidence in balancing work and family life

In this video, parents share how early years childcare has helped their children grow and learn. You’ll also hear from staff who talk about why they enjoy working with young children.

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3 Registered childcare

Registered childcare and early education providers are regulated by Ofsted or a childminder agency (CMA). They include:

They must register if they:

look after children under 8
provide care for more than 2 hours a day
are paid in any form (money, vouchers, goods, swaps or favours)
provide childcare somewhere other than the child’s own home

Choosing a registered provider means:

they follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework if they care for children under 5
they may use non-statutory guidance like Birth to 5 Matters or Development Matters to support and understand your child’s development
you may be able to get help towards the cost of childcare using government schemes
they must have safeguarding, certain training and safety measures in place

Registered childcare providers must comply with government guidance about learning, development and care, and are inspected periodically.

4 Unregistered childcare

Some childcare providers do not have to register with Ofsted. They can still offer safe childcare that meets your needs, but they are not inspected or required to meet national standards unless they voluntarily register.

If an unregistered provider joins the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register, you may be able to use Tax-Free Childcare or Universal Credit to help pay for them.

They do not need to register if they:

work as a nanny in the child’s home (for up to 2 families)
only look after children aged 8 or over
babysit between 6pm and 2am
care for a friend’s child for less than 3 hours a day, even if paid
support a child who is home educated full time, where the main purpose is education, not childcare
run tuition, sports, arts or faith clubs for children aged 3 and over (this exemption does not apply if any child under 5 is there for more than 4 hours a day)
run a crèche for 4 hours or less a day, where parents stay nearby
provide holiday play schemes or open‑access clubs where children can come and go freely (but not for children under 5)
are a school caring for their own pupils aged 2 and over
run a uniformed youth group such as Scouts or Guides

When choosing non‑registered after‑school clubs or activities, you’ll want to make sure they are safe, suitable for your child and somewhere they’ll be happy. For advice and guidance on out of school activities, see our safe clubs for children page.

Unregistered providers include:

5 Informal childcare

Alongside formal childcare, many parents also rely on family and friends to help with some or all of their childcare needs.

Babysitters

Babysitters provide informal care, usually in the evening or at weekends. They:

may be friends, neighbours or agency staff
look after children in your home
do not need to be registered or qualified

There is no legal minimum age for a babysitter. If you leave your child with someone under 16, you are legally responsible for both your child’s safety and the babysitter’s.

Think carefully before asking an older sibling to babysit. If disagreements happen, there may be no adult available to help.

You are responsible for checking a babysitter’s references, background and suitability.

Family and friends

You may choose family members, such as grandparents, to help with childcare. This can have several benefits. It can reduce childcare costs, which are often high with formal childcare. You may also feel more comfortable leaving your child with someone they already know. Family members can benefit too - for example, some grandparents can get National Insurance credits for providing care.

Relying on family can also bring challenges. Informal childcare may not offer the structure, resources or early education opportunities that registered providers offer. It can also put pressure on relatives and strain relationships.

You can avoid some of these challenges by being clear about what everyone expects. Talk openly about what works for each of you and make sure the arrangement suits everyone’s needs and abilities.

Family and friends who help with childcare:

do not need to be registered
may care for children occasionally or regularly
may or may not be paid

This type of care is not usually eligible for government childcare funding unless the carer is registered and is not a close relative.

A close relative is the child’s grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt - including half‑relatives, step‑relatives and relatives by marriage or civil partnership.

If a child lives with a relative or friend who is not their parent, this is called kinship care.

If a child lives with and is cared for by someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more, this is known as private fostering.

6 Search for childcare

The Family Information Service offers free, impartial, up-to-date information on activities, services and childcare to all families.

We are the only locally authorised source of information on registered childcare across West Sussex and receive daily updates direct from Ofsted.

Search for childcare providers in West Sussex (external link)

Visit our extra help to find childcare page if you need additional support finding suitable childcare or early education.

7 Visiting providers

It’s important to choose a provider that works well for you and your child. When choosing childcare or early education for the first time, take your time and visit more than one provider to see how they differ.

Try to visit when the provider is open. This lets you see how staff interact with the children and whether the children seem happy and settled.

You know your child best, so ask lots of questions to find out how the provider will meet their needs. Staff should be happy to show you around and explain what they do.

We have provided some suggested questions below. Write down ones you would like to ask and take them with you.

Care and daily routine

What activities will my child do each day? (Is there a mix for different ages and abilities?)
How will you share information about my child’s day? (Diary, verbal handover, learning journal?)
Are meals provided? Can I see a sample menu?
Do you cater for allergies or offer vegetarian/vegan options?
Do children play outside or go on outings?
How many staff go with the children on trips?
Where do children sleep?
Do you provide sheets or blankets? Can children bring comforters?
How do you encourage positive behaviour?

Policies and safety

What happens if my child is unwell?
Do you have a policy for giving medicine?
Do you offer a settling-in period? (Short, frequent visits to help your child adjust?)
Can I see your registration certificate and inspection report?
How many children does each staff member look after? What are your legal ratios?
Do you have public liability insurance? (Ask to see their insurance certificate.)
Are staff trained? What level of training do they have?

Costs and funding

What hours do you offer and how much does it cost?
What does the cost include (snacks, drinks, nappies, wipes)?
Do you charge if my child is off sick or on holiday?
Are there any extra charges for food, nappies, or outings?
Do you accept childcare funding? For example, Tax-Free Childcare and/or the Early Years Funded Entitlement.