Childcare

If we are providing Stay & Play, Crèche and Playgroup activities these sessions can be found on our current Activity Timetable page.

Our purpose built Meadow Nursery provides high quality childcare for 50 children between birth and five years old.

For information on Childminders or help with paying for Childcare contact The Childcare Information Helpline on 0800 2346 346

The different forms of childcare are described below:

Approved Childcarers:

• offer childcare in the child's own home
• can be a particular benefit for parents who work unconventional hours, and for children with additional needs
• parents may benefit from tax credits.
  

Childminders:

• are self employed and provide care for between one and six children under 8 years old, in the childminder's own home
• may care for additional children aged between 8 and 15 years old
• may drop and pick up children from school or playgroup, and can provide flexible opening times for overnight and weekend care
• Accredited childminders can offer Nursery Education Funded places.
  

Crèche:

• provide short term on site care, often based in shopping centres, sport or learning facilities
• care for children while parents attend specific training, sport or leisure facilities
• most provide care for children aged 0-8 years.
  

Day Nurseries

• are private providers offering care for children from 0-5 years
• Children are cared for in age groups, and take part in a wide range of group activities
• have fixed opening times, and most are open all year round, excluding weekends
• Accredited nurseries are eligible for Nursery Education Funding.
  

Maintained Nursery Settings:

• are based on school sites
• offer teacher supported learning though play, based around the Foundation Stage (Birth to 3) Curriculum, for 3 and 4 year olds prior to their entry to school
• open during term time only.

Pre-Schools (Playgroups):

• provide sessional and wrap-around care, and learning through play for pre-school children
• offer an introduction to group play away from Parents or Carers
• some may offer Nursery Education Funded places.