Types of Childcare

The National Childcare Strategy

The Government is committed to promoting the welfare and development of all our young children. Good quality care and education in the early years raise educational standards and opportunities, and enhance children's social development.

The National Childcare Strategy was launched in 1998 to expand childcare services. The Government is determined that all childcare services, be they new or established, provide a secure and safe environment for children, not least so that parents can have confidence that their children are well looked after.

In 1999 the Government announced that in England day care providers and childminders caring for children under the age of eight years old would be regulated by a new Early Years Directorate within the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

With the introduction of the National Standards Ofsted has grouped childcare into five different areas covering day care and childminding provision:

• Full day care
• Sessional day care
• Creche
• Out of School care
• Childminders

For help or more information
See http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/childrenactreport/