All children in Sheffield are entitled to a free part-time education place from the term following their third birthday. This entitlement comprises a minimum of five 2.5 hour sessions per week for 33 weeks of the year, usually divided into three 11-week terms.
Locally, the scheme is administered by Sheffield City Council which maintains a list of approved providers. The funding through this scheme may also be used to offset some of the costs of full-time care if appropriate. Costs of childcare in the region are considerably lower than those in London.
These are the main types of independent childcare options available to families in Sheffield.
Childminders
Childminders must be registered before they can work and will be subject to regular inspections by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). Checks will be carried out to ensure they are suitable to work with children before registration is granted. Some childminders may be part of an accredited network.
Childminders usually work from their own home, caring for up to six children under eight (including no more than three under five year olds). They may be able to care for older children up to 14. Hours are normally quite flexible.
Day nurseries
Day nurseries provide full or part time care for groups of children up to five years. They must be registered with, and inspected by Ofsted. Some may be private, while others are community based non-profit organisations.
Nurseries may only provide cover during school hours - open up to 4pm during the day and closed during school holidays - or may be open longer hours all year round.
Pre-school playgroups
These usually cater for groups of children 3-5 years. There is no obligation for playgroups to be registered, although many are.
Most pre-schools are only open during school hours in term time, and children normally attend for several morning or afternoon sessions a week.
Kids Clubs
These are schemes normally run by schools, or occasionally nurseries, that provide childcare for older children (5-11) outside schools hours and during school holidays. Only those that care for children under 8 are required to register with Ofsted, although many are registered. Charges are normally levied per session, and can range from £1 to £5, or during the holidays £3 to £30 for a full day.
For more information on these and other means of childcare please visit http://www.sheffinfolink.org.uk//