• Our pre-school activities can be found in our Calendar.
• For information about Busy Bees  Day Nursery at the Riverside Children's Centre click on the Quick Link at the top of this page
• We provide a crèche facility along side meetings and some activities

The Early Years Foundation Stage - Setting the standards for Learning, Development and Care for children from birth to five

All childcare providers are required to use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure that whatever setting parents choose, they can be confident that their child will receive a quality experience that supports their development and learning.

The EYFS brings together: Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage (2000), the Birth to Three Matters (2002) framework and the National Standards for Under 8s Daycare and Childminding (2003), building a coherent and flexible approach to care and learning.  For more information please visit the EYFS website.

The different forms of childcare available

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

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

Crèche

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

Approved Childcarers

• Offers 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

Find out more about accessible childcare