Early years and 0-5 childcare
About childcare
Childcare is the care of children by professionals other than their parents. These professionals are called childcare providers. There are lots of different types of childcare providers in Derby depending on your needs:
- Childminders – who care for children from birth onwards, looking after them in their own home and mostly offer an all year round service.
- Crèches – which usually care for children from birth to five years and are generally provided for parents attending courses or sports activities.
- Day nurseries – which usually care for children from 0 to 5 years between 8am and 6pm each weekday and are open all year round. Some provide care before and after school and in the school holidays.
- Home carers/nannies – who come to the child's home and are employed by the family.
- Pre-school playgroups – which mainly care for children aged two to five years old. Some pre-school playgroups offer part-time places with either morning or afternoon sessions and others offer longer sessions such as 9am to 3pm. Pre-schools playgroups only run during term time.
- Out of school care – such as before-school and after-school clubs and school holiday schemes.
- Nursery classes and schools – usually care for children aged 2 to 5 years old generally only open during term time. Some nursery classes and schools offer part-time places with either morning or afternoon sessions and others offer longer sessions such as 9am to 3pm.
Search our online directory to find Ofsted-registered childcare providers in your area.