Day nursery
Choosing a day nursery
Day nurseries are for children under five years old to play and learn and have fun in groups while their parents work or study. Day nurseries are registered with Ofsted (Children Services) and are inspected every three years. They are usually open all day for most weeks in the year. Part-time places are often available.
Nurseries are run by a team of staff and activities are planned to help children enjoy learning. At nursery, children are involved in activities such as playing, learning new skills and making friends.
There are different types of nursery with different ways of operating so look around for one that suits your child and you.
Advantages
- opportunities for children to learn and play with friends
- usually geared to the needs of children with working parents
- some nurseries offer part-time early education or pre-school places for children aged three and four which will be funded by the Early Education Funding
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best - look for a nursery you feel will be suitable for your child. Nurseries must be registered with Ofsted (Children Services). This means that checks are carried out to make sure the staff are suitable to look after children. At least half of the staff in a nursery must be trained.
A check on the nursery premises is carried out to make sure the building is safe and suitable for children. After the nursery is registered, an inspection is carried out every three years to make sure the nursery is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. An inspection report is produced and should be available for you to see. If they are on the Early Years Register they will also have an education report.
You can also view these reports on the Ofsted website.
There should be a set number of staff at each nursery to work with the children.
You should find one member of staff for every eight children aged three to five, one member of staff for every four children aged two to three and one member of staff for every three children aged under two.
What age range are the children in a nursery?
Nurseries are for children aged up to five. Some nurseries have places for babies and toddlers as well as for children aged two to five. And some nurseries are part of childcare schemes, which also provide childcare for older children.
When are nurseries open?
Most nurseries open at about 8am and close at around 6pm, although some may open earlier and finish later. Most nurseries are open all year round except for public holidays. It is good practice for nurseries to close for 1-2 days a year for training. You may be charged for these days.
What about part-time childcare?
Some nurseries may offer you part-time places although there may be a minimum number of days or sessions that you need to attend.
How much does a nursery cost?
Nursery charges vary in different areas. Expect to pay between £140 and £230 per child per week. This will normally be charged in advance.
Most nurseries will charge you a non-refundable registration fee when you put your child's name down on the waiting list.
You may also be asked for a deposit when you are offered a place for your child.
Please clarify with the nursery all the charges and terms and conditions involved before you sign any agreement.
Is the nursery on the Early Years Register?
If your childcare provider provides early years education and is part of the Early Years Register, they will receive funding enabling them to give your child a two and a half hour part time place, five sessions a week, term time only, from the term after your child becomes three.
How do I choose a nursery?
The Croydon Children’s Information Service has details about nurseries in the Croydon area.
- Do go and visit more then one nursery
- Do take a list of questions with you
- When you have decided on a nursery do go and visit a second time
Do not accept a place in a group until you have seen:-
- Inspection certificate
- Inspection report
- Up to date public liability insurance.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Croydon Children's Information Service
- Telephone
- 0845 11 11 100
- child.care@croydon.gov.uk
- Address
- 10 Katharine Street
Croydon
CR9 1JU - Website
- www.croydonchildcare.com/
