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Choosing the right kind of childcare is an important and very personal decision. The best type of childcare for you depends on your own child(ren)’s needs and your family situation.
The different types of provision may seem confusing without information. We aim to ensure that you are able to make an informed choice, knowing that you have considered all the options and issues.
It takes time to find suitable childcare and you should be prepared to spend time settling your child in with your chosen carer.
Many childcare providers have a waiting list for places, so it is important to think ahead about what type of care and provisions you want to use.
Anyone intending to return to work after the birth of a baby should start considering their options even before the baby is born.
Childminder
A childminder is a person who looks after a number of children for more than two hours a day in his/her own home. They must be registered and inspected by the Care & Social Services Inspectorate for Wales or (CSSIW) to care for a maximum number of children aged 0 – 8 year olds and must be insured. They may also look after older children.
Day Nursery
Privately run day nurseries provide full or part-time day care, usually for 0 – 5 year olds but sometimes for older children. They can provide care before school, after school and during school holidays. They must be registered and inspected by the CSSIW.
Nanny
A nanny is a person employed by families to care for children in their own home. They can live in or out. They do not have to register with the CSSIW unless they look after children from more than two families.
Out of School Club
Out of School Clubs provide care for school aged children before, and more usually after school and sometimes during school holidays. They must be registered and inspected by the CSSIW.
Playgroup / Cylch Meithrin (Welsh Medium Playgroup)
Playgroups offer a safe and stimulating environment in which children can play and learn with other children from their local community. They cater for children from 2½ years to 5 years of age, usually for 2 – 3 hours in the morning or afternoon and during term-time only. Playgroups must be registered and inspected by the CSSIW.
Parent & Toddler Group / Cylch Ti a Fi (Welsh Medium Group)
Parent and Toddler Groups cater mainly for children under 2½ years of age. Parents / carers are responsible for their own children and MUST stay with them. These sessions give parents an opportunity to meet other parents and children, the chance to mix with other children and enjoy a variety of different activities.
Crèche
A crèche is a place where children can be cared for whilst their parent(s) do other things nearby e.g. shopping, sports activities and training courses. Crèches are designed to provide up to 4 hours care in any one session for children aged 0 – 8 years. All must be registered and inspected by the CSSIW unless they are used for less than six days a year. The CSSIW should still be informed that a crèche will be operating.
Babysitting
A babysitter is someone who for short periods of time looks after children in their own home whilst parents enjoy some free time, usually in the evening. There is no law in England or Wales to prevent anyone of any age babysitting but parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children are not left in situations of potential danger. Leaflets and advice are available from the NSPCC Tel: 01978 362383.
School Nursery Class
Children can attend Nursery the term following their third birthday usually on a half-time basis of five mornings or five afternoons a week.
School Reception Class
Children can start in Reception the September following their fourth birthday on a full-time basis.
Whenever possible, an application form should be completed at the school in the February prior to entry in September.
When you visit possible childcare options, look for these Quality Pointers.
· Are the children calm, safe and happy?
· Do children play and talk together?
· Are the staff listening to children and answering them carefully?
· Are the staff friendly and proud of their work?
· Are the staff joining in with what the children are doing?
· Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play?
· Can children plan some of these themselves?
· Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
· Are the premises clean, well-kept and safe for children with a fun outside play area (or will children go to parks and other places regularly)?
· Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?
If there are other things you want to know, do not be afraid to ask. Good childcare staff expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.
For further information and advice that will help inform your decisions when choosing childcare options most suitable for your child, click on the 'Choosing Childcare' attachment below - an Assembly Government Booklet explaining the provision available in Wales.
(pdf, 1,342.32 KB)