Early Years Foundation Stage

Parents, guardians and family members can be the most important influence on a child, but early learning and childcare is vital too. That’s why the Early Years Foundation Stage – a play-based framework for learning for every child from birth to five in all Ofsted-registered early learning or childcare settings has been created.

Find out more – You can get more information by visiting Direct.gov – Childcare

Childcare Providers

Most childcare providers looking after children under five have to be registered by Ofsted. There are also some that don’t have to register but which may choose to do so; this includes nannies, those providing activities such as sports coaching, and short-term care such as crèches.

Best Choice

It’s best to choose a provider that is registered because you can then be sure that a check has been made on their suitability to care for children. Furthermore, you will only be able to claim Tax Credits if your childcare provider is registered.

As part of the registration process Ofsted also carries out a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all staff, to make sure they’re safe to work with children.

Click here to find a local Childminder

Click here to find local after school and holiday clubs

Essential information when choosing childcare

Contact your local Families Information Service through the Family & Childcare Trust.