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What is Early Education and Childcare?

Early education and childcare services are available for all families across the Bradford District. There are lots of options to choose from.

Childminders

Childminders are registered and inspected by Ofsted or a Childminding Agency. Childminders work in their own homes providing paid for childcare for children of all ages. Most childminders offer funded early education places for children under the age of five.

Childcare on Domestic Premises

Childcare on Domestic Premises are registered and inspected by Ofsted or a Childminding Agency. Childcare on Domestic Premises is where a childminder works with 3 or more other childminders or assistants in one of their homes. They provide paid for childcare for children of all ages and they can provide funded early education places for children under the age of five.

Independent School Nurseries

Independent School Nurseries are registered with either Ofsted or the Independent Schools Inspectorate, they provide children aged two to five years with early education and paid for childcare. Independent School Nurseries can offer funded early education places for children under the age of five.

Nursery Schools

Nursery Schools are registered and inspected by Ofsted, they provide children aged two to five years with early education and paid for childcare.

Out of School Childcare

Out of School Childcare providers caring for children under the age of eight for more than 2 hours a day must be registered with Ofsted (with the exception of schools that are registered under their school registration). Out of School Childcare providers offer childcare before school, after school and during school holidays to school age children.

Pre Schools

Pre Schools are registered and inspected by Ofsted; they provide children aged two to five years with funded early education. Usually, Pre Schools provide morning or afternoon sessions with some able to provide full days and also additional paid for hours.

Primary School Nurseries

Primary School Nurseries are registered and inspected by Ofsted, they provide children aged three to four years old with funded early education. Some Primary School Nurseries offer funded places to eligible two year olds. Usually, Primary School Nurseries offer morning or afternoon sessions with some able to provide full school days and some offering additional paid for hours.

How to find the right childcare for you and your child

Research providers

  • Look at different types of early education and childcare to decide what will meet your needs.
  • Find out which providers are available near to your home or work.
  • Look at the provider's Ofsted grade, website and social media platforms.
  • Create a short list to contact and visit.

Visit providers

  • Contact the providers to find out if have vacancies.
  • Visit several providers and ask questions in person about the childcare provided.
  • All good quality providers will welcome you into their setting for you and your child to visit.
  • Ask the providers questions about open times, fees/charges, food etc.

Register with your chosen provider

  • Complete relevant paperwork with the provider. You may need to provide ID and your child’s Birth Certificate.
  • Read all the provider's policies and procedures.
  • Arrange a start date and a settling in period.
  • Arrange your child attendance hours.
  • If your child is eligible for government funded hours, then complete the appropriate application process on the childcarechoices website

Information about Ofsted inspections

Find out more about how Ofsted inspects early education and childcare and search for reports for specific providers using the Ofsted website

Concerns about an early education and childcare provider

Contact the childcare provider to discuss the problem first. All registered providers must have a process for handling complaints.

If you’re not satisfied with the response, you can complain to Ofsted

If you are concerned that a child is being harmed, contact Bradford Childrens and Families Trust using the freephone number – 0800 953 0966.

If you have reason to believe that a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999.

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