Chorleywood & Loudwater Children's Centre

Childcare & Education

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 9.30am-12.30pm. 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 the council, members of the community, your workplace or privately. Day nurseries are usually open 8.00am-7.00pm 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, 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.

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.

Out of Schools

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, often these clubs are run as breakfast, after school and school holiday.

The Family Information Service can provide you with the most up to date information about current providers of Ofsted registered Childcare, so contact them if you are looking for a childminder, pre-school or day nursery on 0300 123 4053.