Types of childcare
There is no single type of childcare that best suits every family. When your child is young they may have a mix of early learning and childcare from day nurseries, childminders, pre-school playgroups and friends and relatives.
Then when your child starts school your childcare needs will change. If you are working or studying you may need to start early or finish late and you may need childcare in the school holidays.
Childcare for your older child will be different to what it was when they were younger. Young people need a place to go where they can socialise with their friends, keep busy and be safe
Find out about all the different types of childcare available for 0 - 16 year olds below:
Registered childminders
Registered childminders look after children under 12 years sometimes older in the childminders own home. They can offer full time, part time, before and after school, school holiday care, overnight care and emergency care.
Some Childminders also offer Free Early Learning for 2, 3 and 4 year olds
Day nurseries
Day nurseries look after children up to the age of five years. They provide day care and education for children in age related groups.
Some day nurseries offer Free Early Learning for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
Some day nurseries can also provide before and after school pick ups and school holiday care.
Nursery schools
Nursery schools provide Free Early Learning and care for 3 and 4 year olds (nursery education). They are normally based at infant and primary schools.
Pre-school playgroups
Pre-school playgroups provide part time play and some of them offer Free Early Learning for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. Most sessions are 3 hours either in a morning or afternoon,
Out of school care
Out of school care is care outside normal school hours these include breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and school holiday playschemes/clubs.
School holidays - What's on in Sandwell? Find out here what playschemes, activities and events are running in your local area during the school holidays.
Nannies and home-based carers
Usually nannies and homebased carers will provide care for children in your home and can look after children of any age.
Creche
A creche provides occasional care for limited periods of time for children up to 8 years old. For example if you attend a course or go the gym
There are many different types of childcare settings and entrusting a stranger with your child is a big step.
You will need to feel confident about the childcare setting you are using for your child so before you choose any type of childcare you should do some research.