Question 1

How do I find a good nursery near me?

Accepted Answer

Enter your postcode above to find nurseries within your chosen distance. Filter by Ofsted rating to find Outstanding or Good settings. Each profile shows the latest inspection report, age range, and whether the nursery accepts funded hours. Visiting in person and speaking to other parents is also valuable.

Question 2

How many free hours is my child entitled to?

Accepted Answer

All 3- and 4-year-olds in England are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week for 38 weeks a year (570 hours annually). Eligible working parents can access 30 hours per week. From September 2024, funded hours are also being extended to children aged 9 months to 2 years for eligible working parents, being rolled out in phases.

Question 3

What age can my child start nursery?

Accepted Answer

Children can attend nursery from as young as a few months old in private daycare settings. For state-funded nursery education, the entitlement begins from the term after a child's second birthday for some funded 2-year-old places (subject to eligibility), and from the term after a child's third birthday for the universal 15-hour entitlement.

Question 4

What is the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

Accepted Answer

The EYFS is the statutory framework for the care, learning, and development of children from birth to age 5. It covers seven areas of learning: communication and language, physical development, personal/social/emotional development, literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, and expressive arts and design. All Ofsted-registered nurseries must follow it.

Question 5

How are nurseries inspected by Ofsted?

Accepted Answer

Ofsted inspects early years settings under the Early Years Inspection Handbook. Nurseries are rated on the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. Inspections are unannounced. Good or Outstanding settings receive less frequent inspections, while those Requiring Improvement face more scrutiny.

Question 6

What should I look for when choosing a nursery?

Accepted Answer

Start with the Ofsted rating and read the full inspection report. Visit in person to see the environment, staff interactions, outdoor space, and routines. Check staff-to-child ratios (1:3 for under-2s, 1:4 for 2-year-olds, 1:8 for 3–5-year-olds). Ask about settling-in procedures, key worker arrangements, and communication with parents.

Nurseries Near Me

What to look for

Ofsted Early Years

EYFS Framework

Free Hours Funding

Popular locations for nurseries near me

Hampshire

Essex

Kent

Hertfordshire

Lancashire

Surrey

Birmingham

West Sussex

Staffordshire

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Norfolk

Nottinghamshire

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