Services for Young Children
Day nursery
Child age range
6 weeks – 5 years age range
Can take older children for out of school care/ holidays (5 – 11 years)
Facts
Day nurseries provide care and education.
Day nurseries can be run by the council, the community, based in the workplace or privately run.
Children receive learning and development activities suitable for their age.
Staff are qualified to work in day nurseries.
Minimum staffing ratios are 1:4 for children aged 2 and 1:8 for children aged 3 to 5.
Day nurseries usually cater for around 30 plus children.
For more ‘popular’ day nurseries there will be a waiting list in operation.
Quality assurance
All day nurseries who care for children under the age of 8 must be registered and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
All day nurseries that provide part time early years education for 2, 3 and 4 year olds are inspected by Ofsted.
Parents can ask day nurseries for a copy of their Ofsted inspection report or go online.
Costs
Prices do vary depending on area, services provided and age of child.
Costs start from about £200 for a full time week.
Day nurseries that are on the Hampshire County Council ‘Directory of Providers’ provide part time early years education for some 2 yearold (eligible families), and 3 and 4 year olds which is free to parents.
Financial support is available from Tax Credits or employer supported Childcare Vouchers depending on the family's income.
Deposits are usually required to secure a place.
Times available
Generally from 7am to 7pm, 50 weeks per year
Children can attend full or part time.
Types of childcare
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