Childcare in York

An overview of the different types of childcare in and around York and what support is available.

When it comes to choosing childcare there are lots of options to think about. If you would like to speak to somebody about your options please contact York Family Information Service on (01904) 554444 or text "childcare" to 07624 802244 and we will call you back.

Reduce your childcare bill!

There are lots of different ways of reducing your childcare bill and we've put together all the best bits onto our Childcare Costs page!

What different childcare options are there? 

There are many different types of childcare you can use. York Family Information Service have produced a short factsheet on the different types of childcare.

• Parent and toddler groups—informal groups of parents and carers that meet locally with their children on a regular basis, usually including children who are under five
• Pre-schools and playgroups—provide play time and often early education to under fives
• Day nurseries—provide care for children from birth to four or five and beyond, often integrated with early education and other services
• Out-of-school clubs and Holiday Schemes—offer children aged four to twelve a safe and stimulating environment in which they can play and learn outside school hours
• Childminders—look after children in the childminder's own home and often collect school-aged children from a nearby school
• Nannies and Au-Pairs—provide childcare in your own home and can look after children of any age
• Crèches—provide occasional care for children under eight

How can I make sure I get good quality childcare?

Choosing childcare is an important decision to make. York Family Information Service has produced a guide to help you with choosing childcare.

Where childcare is registered with Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) this means that they are inspected against a set of national standards. You can get a copy of a childcare providers latest report through the Osfted website. You can also ask a provider if you want to see a copy of their latest integrated inspection report.

Some providers may also have achieved a quality assurance award or may be working towards an award such as ‘Steps to Quality’ or NCMA Quality First. Speak to the provider for further information on this.

Finding Childcare in York

If you would like a tailored list to match your needs then contact the York Family Information Service by calling (01904) 554628 or text "childcare" to 07624 802244 and we will call you back.

For more information look at the looking for childcare section.

Does childcare meet families needs?

City of York Council works in partnership with other agencies and childcare providers to make sure that childcare in York matches the needs of local families.

We do this in lots of different ways and you can find out more through the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment section.

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?

You may hear people talk about something called the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

To help people understand what it means we've produced a short guide to the EYFS.

Registered or not registered—what does it mean?

Some childcare is regulated and inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). This means that Ofsted have checked that a set of standards have been met and that a childcare provider is suitable to look after children. Some childcare is unregistered which means that checking how suitable the care is rests with the parent or carer.

York Family Information Service have a short guide to how Ofsted registered childcare works.

For more information see the Ofsted website.

What are Extended Schools?

Over the past few years, schools have been extending the services they offer. Many now open up their facilities outside school hours for pupils, their families and the local community.

Read the extended services in school section to find out what this might mean for you.