Types of childcare

There are various types of childcare available to suit your family’s needs, many of which can be used together if required. 

The types of childcare can be broken down into:

• Registered childcare
• Non registered childcare
• Informal childcare

Registered Childcare

Childcare must be registered with Ofsted if they are looking after children under the age of eight years old, for more than two hours per day and being paid. The different types of registered childcare are:

• Childminders
• Day nurseries
• Pre-schools
• Nursery classes or nursery schools
• Out of school clubs (Breakfast Clubs, After School Clubs, Holiday Schemes

For an easy comparison between the different types of registered childcare, you can download our Childcare and Early Education - What are my choices leaflet. 

Non Registered Childcare

These types of childcare do not have to be registered with Ofsted but can choose to register on Ofsted’s voluntary register:

• Home Childcarers (Nannies)

Informal Childcare

As well as formal childcare some families will choose to use informal childcare arrangements which can be made if no fee is being paid:

• Childcare with family and friends

For further information on the different types of childcare and for advice on the type of childcare that might suit your family’s needs and requirements, please contact the Sutton Family Information Service on 020 8770 6000 and we will be happy to talk through the options with you.