Choosing childcare in Waltham Forest
When looking for childcare you'll need to think about what it is you want and what suits your needs.
In Waltham Forest there is a range of childcare to choose from if your:
- Returning to work
- Looking for a free early education place for your 3 or 4 year old
- Seeking play opportunities for your child or children
- Needing someone to care for your child while you study or simply needing a break
There should be an option or a mix of options to suit you and your family.
The childcare options are:
Breakfast and Afterschool Club
After school & Breakfast clubs are from the private and voluntary sector. They operate within the hours of 8am-9pm and 3.15pm-7.00pm some may close early. The clubs are registered to take children from the age of 3-14 years olds the ages vary for each club. The cost for the clubs are between £7-£9 per session.
» more on choosing a Breakfast and After School Club
Childminder
Childminders are self-employed work from their own providing childcare within the hours of 8am-6pm.Average cost of a childminder is £3.50-£5per hour. Childminders are registered to look after children aged 0-8 years.
» more on choosing a childminder
Creche
Crèches provide occasional care for children aged under 8 years. The cost is between £3-£5 per hour. Mobile crèches are providers who travel to suit their client’s needs.
» more on choosing a Creche
Day Nursery
Day nurseries are run by private and voluntary organisations.
Opening hours 8am-6pm, average cost is from £35-£45 per day. Most nurseries are registered to care for children aged 3 months to 5 years. If approved by the council they will also provide the Free Early Education.
» more on choosing a day nursery
Holiday Scheme
Holiday schemes operate within the hours of 8am-7pm some schemes close early and open later (check list for accurate hours for schemes). Holiday schemes charge between £17- £24 per day and the schemes are registered to take children from the age of 4-15 years old.
» more on choosing a Holiday Scheme
Pre-school
Preschool offer 2 and half hours sessions (morning or afternoon session) 5 days a week they are open during term time only. Preschools are registered to take children from 2-5 years olds although most preschools do take children from 2 years and 6 months. The cost of a session is between £5-£7. You can also access the free early education if the council has approved the preschool.
» more on choosing a pre-school
How to get in touch with the Family Information Service
Telephone us
Call us on 020 8496 3000. Our staff will provide information over the phone and in writing. We have an answer phone service when the service is closed.
Opening hours
Our service is available Monday-Friday 9am to 5.15pm
We are open late Tuesdays and Thursdays till 6.30pm and Wednesday from 8am-5.15pm.
Visit us
Waltham Forest Family Information Service
Silver Birch House
Uplands Business Park
Blackhorse Lane
Walthamstow E17 5SD
map/location of Silver Birch House
Fax 020 8496 3599
Email wffis@walthamforest.gov.uk
