Many parents are lucky enough to find suitable childcare as soon as they need it, but it may take several months of searching to find somewhere that meets both your own and your child’s needs.
Think about what you want and need from childcare and what kind of childcare would best suit your needs. For example:
Do you need childcare close to where you live or work?
Do you need childcare early in the mornings or in the evening?
Will you need additional childcare for school-age children around the school day and during school holidays?
Here are some of the places where you can find out about the childcare services available in your local area.
Family Information Services
Your local Family Information Service (FIS) is the best place to get information about registered childcare providers in your area. They hold lists of registered childminders, nurseries, out-of-school and holiday clubs, pre-schools and children’s leisure activities. Some Family Information Services may also be able to provide information about unregistered childcare, such as nannies or parent-and-toddler groups. Your local authority website will have contact details for your local Family Information Service. Or you can use our Family Services Information Finder.
For Family Information Services or support in Wales or Scotland:
In Wales, contact Children in Wales on 029 2034 2434
In Scotland, a useful sites to visit is https://www.aliss.org/
Community noticeboards
You may find details of local childcare providers on noticeboards at local schools, community centres, libraries, cafes and online. Always remember to check references!
Talk to other parents
Other parents’ experiences of a childcare provider can be very useful. Remember, however, what works for one family may not be quite right for you! And, although personal recommendations are helpful, you should also, always, take up references. Childcare providers should be happy to give you names of other parents to speak to about the service they provide.
Looking for nannies and nanny-shares
Your Family Information Service should have details of registered nannies in your area. Childcare magazines publish details of agencies and individual nannies. You can also visit the Association of Nanny Agencies (ANA) website for details of agencies near you.
Don’t miss out on free childcare
When considering your childcare options, remember that you may be able to get some financial assistance with paying for childcare. Many two-year-olds and all three- and four-year-olds in England can get 570 hours of free childcare, the equivalent of 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year. There are various additional support options that may be available to you.