Childcare options

Choosing childcare to support your child's learning and development is a big step. Each child and family are different. The type of childcare to choose will depend on your own family circumstances and the needs of your child.

Taking up a childcare place helps children to:

• play with other children and develop critical communication, thinking and independence skills
• develop friendships with others
• have access to a range of high-quality, stimulating learning experiences

They also offer the opportunity for parents to meet other parents and carers in the areas. 

There's a range of childcare options available including day nurseries, pre-schools, school nurseries, childminders, crèches, breakfast and after school clubs and holiday schemes.

More details can be found on individual provider records on our childcare directory including fees & charges, opening hours and available spaces for children.

Day nurseries provide care and education for children from six weeks to compulsory school-age. 

Opening hours will tend to fit in with an average working day of 8am to 6pm, and care is usually provided all year round.

Children can usually attend pre-school from the age of two until compulsory school age (if parents defer a reception place).

They usually offer three-hour morning or afternoon sessions or seven-hour daily sessions (including lunch).  A full day at pre-school would be the same length as a school day, between 8:30am and 3:30pm and is usually provided in term time. 

Local authority (LA) maintained and Academy nursery schools and classes are attached to infant and primary schools in Waltham Forest. Places are generally available on a part time basis, either in the morning or afternoon or full day between 8:30am and 3:30pm. 

School nurseries provide places for children aged between three and five years old, although some will take two-year olds. Some also offer breakfast and After school clubs for full days. 

If your child attends a school nursery class they are not automatically guaranteed a place at the school once they finish nursery. 

A childminder is someone who cares for children in their own home. They generally provide care for young children. 

Most childminders will be registered for three children under five years (only one of the children can be under the age of 1), with another three aged five to eight years. However, many childminders in Waltham Forest are expanding their business and employing assistants, or working alongside other registered minders, so they can care for more children at once.  

In England, childminders can register directly with Ofsted, the regulatory body, or can register with a Childminder Agency (CMAs). They follow the same legal framework, the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework 2017 as any other childcare provider (such as pre-schools and nurseries), so should offer the same quality experience.

A home child carer (Nanny) is a person (over 18 years old) who is employed by a parent to look after children in the family home. Home child carers can care for children of any age and can work flexible hours. They can choose to register with Ofsted on the voluntary part of the childcare register.

Breakfast and afterschool clubs generally provide care before and after school for children aged from 4 to 12 years, although some are able to cater for older children as part of the government's extended schools agenda.

Clubs are either offered by a school or by an external childcare provider based at a school or local community venue.

Holiday schemes are run during the school holidays and are based at schools, youth or community centres. They are generally open to children aged from 4 to 12 years although some can cater for older children.

It is a good idea to make a shortlist of suitable childcare settings in your area. Once you have established these settings, contact them and arrange a visit.

Once you arrive, the childcare provider should show you around and answer any of your questions.