Barleyfields Children's Centre

Local Childcare

Registered Childminders

Childminders are based in their own homes and provide childcare for small groups of children. They are usually self-employed and decide which hours they work.

Pre-schools

Pre-schools and playgroups are sometimes organised by community or voluntary groups, others are run by privately. They may offer full day-care or specific sessions, such as 9.30 am-12.30 pm. Many have extra services such as breakfast clubs, lunch clubs and holiday play schemes.

Day Nurseries

Day nurseries care for children of varying ages some starting from six weeks old through to school age and offer full-time or part-time care. They may be run by local authorities, members of the community, employers or privately. Day nurseries are usually open 8.00 am-7.00 pm on weekdays and primarily cater for the needs of working parents.

Schools

Nursery classes and schools fall into two groups: state and private.  Most nurseries will take your child between the ages of three and five years, they open throughout the school year and operate a core day of 9.00 am to 3.30 pm.  Most offer five half-day sessions, although some types of nursery will offer part-time or full-time places depending on your needs. Nursery schools and classes have a minimum ratio of two adults to 20 to 26 children. One must be a qualified teacher, the other a qualified nursery assistant.

Out of School Clubs

Out-of-school or 'kids' clubs offer children attending school a safe and stimulating environment in which they can play and learn outside of school hours.  These clubs are often run as breakfast, after school and school holiday provision.

Creche

Little Monkeys Creche at Odyssey Health Club in Knebworth can provide care for children aged from 3 months to 5 years for Non-Members. The creche is open during the week from 9.15 am - 4 pm and 9 am - 12 noon on Saturdays. The maximum stay is 3 hours. For more information on facilities please contact Little Monkeys Creche on 01438 313320 (ext 250.

We are happy to provide you with information about childcare options in the local area and things that you may wish to consider when choosing childcare for your child. We also have an Early Years Factsheet with information about local childcare provision.

Early Years Factsheet (225 KB)

Please contact the settings direct to be sent a prospectus or to arrange a visit.

The Family Information Service (FIS) are also able to provide information about a wide range of services for families across Hertfordshire.  Their number is 0300 123 4052.

Childcare and Benefits Information (115 KB)