Nursery and Childcare | Information and Advice

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FAQs

How much does childcare cost?

Childcare costs, including nursery fees, vary depending on where you live in the UK and how many hours per week you need someone to look after your child.A part-time (25 hours) nursery place for a child under two is on average £70.51 per week in England, reduced to £66.34 for a child aged two. A full-time (50 hours) nursery place for a child under two is on average £238.95 in England, while you can expect to pay £225.70 per week if your child is two years old.

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Can you get help with childcare costs?

There are various ways to get help with childcare costs, which could save you thousands every year. Free childcare hours, such as the government funded 15 and 30 hours free childcare schemes which are available to children aged three and four, reduce childcare costs by a significant amount. Tax-Free childcare, Universal Credit and Child-Tax Credit are other schemes to help you with the costs of raising a child.

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What are the different types of early years settings?

Types of early years settings include day nurseries, pre-schools, nursery schools and children’s centres. Day nurseries are for children from birth up to the age of five and are generally open all year round. Pre-schools and nursery schools are for children aged from two up to the age of five and tend to follow school term-times.

What will my child learn at nursery?

All nurseries in the UK follow their country’s national curriculum. Each provides a framework that supports children to meet developmental milestones and build a strong foundation for their educational journey, through a wide range of play-based activities. This includes building communication, physical, social and emotional skills, plus learning about numbers, letters, science and the world they live in. Many nurseries also adopt certain teaching methods, such as Montessori and Reggio Emilia.

How do you find the right nursery for your child?

Choosing the right nursery for your child can be daunting. There are many factors to consider, including location, type of care, ethos and more. Nurseries take different approaches to learning, which include Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest School and Steiner. Reading reviews of the nursery at daynurseries.co.uk and visiting the setting is greatly beneficial.

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