Nurseries

Nurseries are for children under five years old to play and learn and have fun in groups while their parents work or study or are busy elsewhere.

Nurseries are registered with OfSTED and inspected each year. They are usually open all day for most weeks in the year. Part-time places are often available. Nurseries are run by a team of staff and activities are planned to help children enjoy learning through play.

At nursery children can enjoy making friends, playing outside, sharing meals and trying out new skills. There are different types of nursery with different ways of operating so look around for one that suits your child and you.

Positives

Opportunities for children to learn and play with friends
Usually geared to the needs of children with working parents
Many nurseries offer free, part-time early education for children aged three and four

What types of nurseries are there?

Private nursery - designed to cater for the children of working parents and the type you are most likely to find in your area
Local authority nursery - run by the local authority for children in the local community. In Southampton, there is only one local authority day nursery, which is Startpoint Sholing.
Workplace nursery - some employers run childcare schemes for children of their employees

How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best - look for a nursery you feel will be suitable for your child. If you'd like more help in making this decision, visit the Advice on choosing a nursery page.

Nurseries must be registered with OfSTED. This means checks are carried out to make sure the staff are suitable to look after children. At least half of the staff in a nursery must be trained. A check on the nursery premises is carried out to make sure the building is safe and suitable for children. After the nursery is registered, a regular inspection is carried out to make sure the nursery is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. There should be a set number of staff at each nursery to work with the children. You should find one member of staff for every eight children aged three to five, one member of staff for every four children aged two to three and one member of staff for every three children aged under two.

You can ask to see the nursery's registration certificate and latest inspection report, or you can look online at www.ofsted.gov.uk/childcare

How many children will there be in a nursery?
Most nurseries provide places for between 26 and 40 children although some are smaller and others larger. Children are usually divided into much smaller groups based on their age.

What age range are the children in a nursery?
Nurseries are for children aged up to five. Some nurseries have places for babies and toddlers as well as for children aged three to five. And some nurseries are part of childcare schemes which also provide childcare for older children.

When are nurseries open?
Most nurseries open at about 8.00am and close at around 6pm. Some offer different hours for the children of people working shifts. Most nurseries are open all year round except for public holidays.

What about part-time childcare?
Many nurseries are happy to offer you part-time places. Often they organise these into morning and afternoon sessions.

How much does a nursery cost?
Nursery charges vary. Expect to pay around £30 per child per day, although many nurseries offer a discount for longer stays. Most nurseries in Southampton provide early years education, and they receive a grant enabling them to give your child a free part-time place. Your childcare provider or the Children's Information Service can give you more information about fees and charges which may be charged for care outside of this free place. You may also be eligible for Tax Credits to help you pay for the cost of childcare.

Early learning goals
If your child is three or four and using a free part-time early education place, staff will make sure your child is able to learn through play and move towards the 'early learning goals' to give him or her a head start at school.

Where can I find a nursery?
Click here to go to an online searchable database of childcare in Southampton, or call the Children's Information service free on 0800 169 8833. For information on childcare outside of Southampton, go to www.childcarelink.gov.uk or call 08000 96 02 96.