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Most parents make their first major childcare decision before their baby turns one — often while sleep-deprived and overwhelmed by options. This guide cuts through the noise: what types of provision exist, how much they cost, what the government will fund, and exactly what to look for when you visit.
Key facts
60,000+
Registered early years providers in England alone
15–30 hrs
Government-funded hours per week for eligible children
£800+/month
Average full-time nursery cost for under-2s in England
There is no single “right” type of childcare. The best setting is the one where your child feels safe, happy, and stimulated — and that fits your family’s logistics and budget.
The government funds a number of free childcare hours for young children. The entitlement varies significantly by nation, age, and your employment status. England has expanded provision dramatically in 2024/25, extending funded hours down to 9-month-olds for working parents.
Funded hours are term-time unless “stretched”
In England, 15 or 30 funded hours are for 38 weeks/year (term-time). Some providers offer to “stretch” the hours across more weeks at fewer hours per week — e.g., 22 hours/week for 52 weeks instead of 30 hours for 38 weeks. Ask your provider what options they offer.
Each UK nation has its own early years curriculum and inspection regime. What your child learns and how their nursery is regulated depends on where you live.
England
EYFSThe Early Years Foundation Stage covers birth to 5. Seven areas of learning. Statutory framework sets standards for learning, development, and care. All registered settings must follow it.
Inspected by: Ofsted
Wales
Foundation PhaseFoundation Phase covers ages 3–7, emphasising play-based learning. Flying Start provides extra support in disadvantaged areas. The Curriculum for Wales (2022) introduces six Areas of Learning and Experience.
Inspected by: CIW / Estyn
Scotland
CfE Early LevelCurriculum for Excellence Early Level covers pre-school through P1. Scotland leads the UK with 1,140 funded hours/year for 3–4s. Strong emphasis on outdoor learning and play.
Inspected by: Care Inspectorate
Northern Ireland
Foundation StageStatutory pre-school year for the year before compulsory school (age 3–4). 12.5 hours/week funded. Sure Start programmes support families in areas of deprivation.
Inspected by: ETI / HSCT
A glossy brochure means nothing. The visit is everything. Go during a normal session (not an open evening), watch how staff interact with children, and ask the hard questions. Here’s your checklist.
Want to compare nurseries in your area? Try our nursery cost calculator to estimate what you’ll actually pay after funded hours and tax relief.
Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is. These are the warning signs that experienced parents and early years professionals say you should never ignore.
Nursery places are first-come, first-served — not managed by your local authority like school places. This means you need to be proactive. The most sought-after settings in London and major cities can have waitlists stretching to two years.
Don’t wait for your return-to-work date
Even if you’re unsure when you’ll need childcare, register on waitlists as early as possible. Most nurseries don’t charge to join the waitlist, and you can always decline the place later. It’s much easier to turn down a place than to find one at short notice.
This is one of the most common decisions parents face. Neither is objectively better — it depends on your child’s temperament, your working hours, and what matters most to your family.
| Factor | Childminder | Nursery |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | Small (max 6 under-8s, 3 under-5s) | Larger groups (12–26+ children per room) |
| Setting | Home environment | Purpose-built or converted premises |
| Flexibility | Often more flexible on hours and days | Fixed sessions, less flexibility |
| Socialisation | Smaller peer group; often attend toddler groups | Larger peer group; more social interaction daily |
| Staff continuity | One consistent carer (plus assistant) | Key worker system but multiple staff |
| Illness cover | If the childminder is ill, you have no cover | Other staff can cover absences |
| Cost | £4–£8/hour | £50–£80+/day |
| Funded hours | Accepted if registered to offer them | Most accept funded hours |
| Regulation | Ofsted-registered, inspected individually | Ofsted-registered, inspected as a setting |
| Siblings | Mixed-age care suits siblings well | Siblings usually in separate rooms by age |
Funded hours are just the start. Several government schemes can significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket. Most families miss at least one entitlement they’re eligible for.
If your child has additional needs — whether diagnosed or emerging — the right nursery can make an enormous difference. Every registered setting has legal duties to support children with SEND.
The move from nursery to school is one of the biggest transitions in a child’s early life. A good nursery will actively prepare your child; a good school will welcome them where they are.
Spring–Summer term
Apply for Reception (deadline 15 January in England). Accept your offer by mid-May. Start talking to your child about school positively.
June–July
Transition visits: stay-and-play sessions, meeting the Reception teacher. Your nursery shares a development summary (EYFS profile or equivalent).
September
Your child starts Reception. Most schools use phased entry over 1–2 weeks. Tears at drop-off are normal and almost always short-lived.
For a detailed breakdown of the Reception application process, see our reception entry & school readiness guide.
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This guide draws on the EYFS statutory framework 2024, DfE childcare and early years provider survey, Ofsted early years inspection data, the Childcare Act 2006 and 2016, Scottish Government 1,140 hours expansion guidance, Welsh Government Childcare Offer documentation, and DENI pre-school education programme guidance. Costs reflect 2025/26 averages from Coram Family and Childcare annual survey. Last reviewed April 2026. This guide is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Reception Entry & School Readiness
Application timeline, phased entry, and what to prepare
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Every major school transition from nursery to sixth form
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