Nursery overview
What is a Day Nursery?
Day nurseries are for children under five years old, in which they can play and learn, and have fun in-groups while their parents work or study. At nursery, children are involved in a range of different activities through which they learn new skills and make friends. There are different types of nurseries with different ways of operating, so look around for one that suits both you and your child.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all - you know your child best, so look for a nursery that you feel is suitable for your child. Nurseries must be registered with OFSTED and are inspected to ensure they are meeting certain standards. At least half of the staff in a nursery must be trained and possess a suitable childcare qualification.
A check on the nursery premises is carried out as well to make sure that it is a safe and suitable environment for children. After the nursery is registered, an inspection is carried out at regular intervals to make sure the nursery is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service.
You should ask to see their certificate of registration as this will tell you the ages and number of children they can care for and their approved hours of opening.
How many children will there be in a nursery?
Most day nurseries provide places for between 26 and 40 children depending on the size of the premises. This will be shown on their registration Certificate. Children are usually divided into much smaller groups based upon their age.
What is the age range of children in a nursery?
Day nurseries are for children aged 3 months to 5 years of age.
The age range will be shown on their Registration Certificate.
When are nurseries open?
Most day nurseries open at about 8am and close around 6pm. Their approved hours will be shown on their Registration Certificate. They may offer part-time childcare.
How much will a nursery charge?
Day nursery charges vary according to area, but as a guide you can expect to pay between £95 and £200 per child per week.
Is there any funding?
If your childcare setting provides early-years education they may be in receipt of the 3 and 4 year old funding. This grant covers the cost of up to five two and half hour sessions a week. All children are entitled to this from the term after their third birthday.
If your nursery is part of the Childcare Affordability Programme (CAP) and if you are eligible, then your nursery place will cost no more than £175 per week for a full time place, or be subsidised for a flexible place.
Other help may come from using tax credits or the Care to Learn scheme for parents/carers under 20. Please call the CIS on 020 8825 5588 for more information.
What to do if you’re concerned
If you have any concerns at all about the quality or integrity of your childcare provider, you can contact the regulating body - OFSTED - on 08456 404040.
How can I find a Nursery?
Ealing Children’s Information Service holds details on all the registered childminders in the London Borough of Ealing. You can search for local childminders by postcode and area or contact the CIS for a printed list.
Useful questions to ask a Nursery Provider