Early education and childcare
Advice on early education and childcare in Bradford
Early education and childcare services are available for all families across the Bradford District.
There are lots of options available when choosing childcare:
What are Childminders?
Childminders are registered and inspected by Ofsted or a Childminding Agency. Childminders work in their own homes providing paid for childcare for children of all ages. Many childminders offer funded early education places for children aged two, three and four year olds. Some Childminders offer a drop off and pick up services from schools and other childcare providers.
What are Childcare on Domestic settings?
Childcare on Domestic Premises are registered and inspected by Ofsted or a Childminding Agency. Childcare on Domestic Premises is where a childminder works with 3 or more other childminders or assistants and where they come together to work in one of their homes at any one time. They provide paid for childcare for children of all ages and funded early education places for children aged two, three and four year olds. Some Childcare on Domestic providers offer a drop off and pick up services from schools and other childcare providers.
What are Day Nurseries?
Day Nurseries are registered and inspected by Ofsted, they provide children from birth to five years with early education and paid for childcare. Usually Day Nurseries provide part time or full time places. All Day Nurseries offer funded early education places for children aged two, three and four year olds. Some Day Nurseries provide before/after school and holiday care for children of school age and may offer drop off and pick up services from schools and other childcare providers.
What are Independent School Nurseries?
Independent School Nurseries are registered with either Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate, they provide children aged two to five years with early education and paid for childcare. Usually Independent School Nurseries offer part time or full time places. All Independent School Nurseries offer funded early education places for three and four year olds. Some can provide early education places for two year olds.
What are Nursery Schools?
Nursery Schools are registered and inspected by Ofsted, they provide children aged two to five years with early education and paid for childcare. Usually Nursery Schools offer part time or full time places. Some Nursery Schools can provide paid for childcare for children under the age of twos.
What are Out of School Childcare settings?
Out of School Childcare providers caring for children under the age of 8 for more than 2 hours a day must be registered with Ofsted (with the exception of schools that are registered under their school registration). Out of School Childcare providers offer childcare to school age children and provide one or more service types; before school, after school and during school holidays. Most providers offer a pick up and drop off service to local schools.
What are Pre Schools?
Pre Schools are registered and inspected by Ofsted, they provide children aged two to five years with funded early education. Usually Pre Schools offer mornings or afternoon sessions with some are able to provide full days and also additional paid for hours.
What are Primary School Nurseries?
Primary School Nurseries are registered and inspected by Ofsted, they provide children aged three to four years old with funded early education. Some Primary School Nurseries offer funded early education places to eligible two year olds. Usually Primary School Nurseries offer mornings or afternoon sessions with some able to provide full school days and some offering additional paid for hours.
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Help towards paying for childcare
There is government support to help pay towards the cost of childcare. You can get help if you use ‘approved childcare’.
The HM Government website Childcare Choices will help you to find out what support could be available to your family.
Approved childcare providers are:
- Ofsted registered childcare provider
- Childminder registered with an Ofsted registered childminding agency
- Registered school
You can check if a childcare provider is approved using the following websites
If you need to find an early education and childcare provider use our childcare finder or phone 01274 437503.
If you cannot find childcare to meet your needs contact us on childcare@bradford.gov.uk.