Nursery, Schools, Play Groups & Kindergarten

In England, every registered early years provider — nurseries, pre-schools, play groups, childminders and school reception classes — must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. It sets the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to age 5.^[1]DfE

The EYFS covers seven areas of learning: communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive arts and design.^[2]DfE

A nursery typically offers childcare and early education for children from around 3 months up to school age. Nurseries may be privately run, school-run, or run by a charity or local authority. A pre-school or play group usually takes children from 2 to 5, often part-time and term-time only.

Childminders are registered childcare professionals who look after children in their own home. They are inspected by Ofsted and must follow the EYFS.^[3]Ofsted

A parent-and-toddler or stay-and-play group is usually run by volunteers or charities. These are not formal childcare and may not be Ofsted-registered, but they can be a good way for children and parents to socialise.

The UK government offers help with childcare costs through several schemes. The rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.^[4]GOV.UK

In England, working families may be able to get:

• 15 hours free childcare for all 3 and 4-year-olds for 38 weeks a year.
• 30 hours free childcare for eligible working families of 3 and 4-year-olds.
• 15 hours for 2-year-olds if you receive certain benefits, or the child has SEND or is looked after by the local authority.
• Tax-Free Childcare — up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for a disabled child) to help with approved childcare costs.

You can use the government Childcare Calculator to see what support you are entitled to.^[5]HMRC

Children in England usually start reception class in the September after they turn 4. This is the first year of primary school.^[6]GOV.UK

Parents must apply for a primary school place, usually by 15 January for entry the following September. The application is made through your local council. You can name several preferred schools, but you are not guaranteed your first choice.^[7]DfE

Schools admit pupils according to their published admissions criteria. Common criteria include living in the catchment area, having a sibling already at the school, and faith or grammar-school tests where relevant.^[8]GOV.UK

The word "kindergarten" is more commonly used in other countries. In the UK, the equivalent is usually a nursery, pre-school or reception class. Some private schools and international schools may use the term "kindergarten" for their early years class.

In England, children do not have to attend school until they are 5, but they are entitled to start from the term after their 4th birthday. Parents can choose to defer entry until later, but they must still start school by the term after their 5th birthday.^[9]GOV.UK

If your child has additional needs, early years settings must make reasonable adjustments and support their learning. If they need more help than a nursery or school can normally provide, they may have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or equivalent in other parts of the UK.^[10]GOV.UK

Contact your local council's SEND team or a SENDIAS service for free, impartial advice. See the directory below.

• All registered childcare providers must be safe, meet the EYFS standards and have appropriate insurance.
• You can read Ofsted inspection reports and complain to Ofsted if you are worried about a setting.
• If you are refused a school place, you can appeal to an independent admission appeal panel.
• Local councils must publish a "local offer" explaining SEND services and support in your area.

For free advice on your rights, see our Solicitors page or contact Citizens Advice.

• GOV.UK — Childcare calculator
• GOV.UK — Find childcare
• Ofsted — Ofsted inspection reports
• GOV.UK — Find your local council
• Citizens Advice — Childcare advice
• PACEY — Choosing quality childcare
• Contact — Support for families with disabled children
• SENDIAS — Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support