Finding childcare
Plymouth has a wide range of childcare providers that look after children. Get advice on choosing childcare that suits you and your child or call the Early Years Team on 01752 307450.
Types of childcare
Carers who care for children must be registered with Ofsted unless they are exempt if:
- the children are under the age of eight
- are being cared for more than two hours a day
You can check a childcare provider's Ofsted inspection report on GOV.UK.
Day nurseries
Day nurseries provide full and part time care for children from birth to five years. Some nurseries also offer an out of school service for older children.
Pre-schools or playgroups
Pre-schools or playgroups provide sessional care:
- normally two times a day sometimes with a lunch club
- for children between the ages of two and five
- normally during open term time only
Breakfast, after school and holiday clubs
Mainly for children aged four to twelve years.
- Breakfast clubs are usually held at school and open in the morning during term time. Children can have their breakfast at the club before going on to school.
- After school clubs are usually held at school but can be based away from (but close to) school sites. They're generally open from the end of the school day until about 6pm term time only.
- Holiday clubs are run during most school holidays and are normally offered by an out of school provider.
Registered childminders
Registered childminders work in their home and look after children all day or before/after school. Some childminders will take children to and from school.
Crèches
Crèches provide short-term care for children under eight for four hours or less each day. while parents do something else on the same premises.
Independent schools
Independent schools:
- are private owned
- are registered with the Department for Education and Skills
- make their own arrangements on staff numbers, qualifications and curriculum
Home child carers
Home child carers care for children from birth to 17 years in the child's own home. They can look after children from 2 families, wholly or mainly at the home of one or both families.
Worried about a childcare provider
If you're worried about your child's care, speak to your childcare provider or call us on 01752 307450.
If you're still not happy you can contact Ofsted who will investigate. Email [email protected] or call the Ofsted enquiry line on 0300 1231231. You can also contact Ofsted if you have concerns about a provider that's not registered.
Parent/Carer wraparound survey
We would like to hear your views about wraparound care. Wraparound childcare is before and after the school day, for example breakfast and after school clubs. Completing this survey will help us:
- understand the current demand for wraparound childcare
- your requirements
- support building capacity of places