There are several types of childcare available within Bournemouth. These are childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools and out of school care.

Childminders - Childminders are self-employed and registered by Ofsted to enable them to look after children in their own home. They can offer flexible hours to meet your needs while providing a wide range of learning opportunities, both in and out of the home environment. Registered childminders may care for up to six children under the age of eight. On average a childminder will cost between £3.50 to £4.50 per hour. 

For further information on registered childminders, please select the following link:

Childminder factsheet - word document (93kb)

Day Nurseries - The majority of day nurseries within Bournemouth are privately run. They provide care and early education for babies and children up to the age of five years. They are open from approximately 8am to 6pm and usually operate all year, including school holidays. Day nurseries have vacancies for full and part-time sessions. On average, the daily costs are £35 to £38 for a child under the age of two years and £32 to £35 for a child between the ages of two and five years.

For further information on day nurseries, please select the following link:

Day nursery factsheet - word document (89.5kb)

Pre-schools - Pre-schools are also known as playgroups or nursery schools. They offer a range of learning, play and social activities during term time, for children
between two and five years old. This sessional care is for periods between two and a half and four hours a day, mornings of afternoons. On average, pre-schools charge £7 to £9 per session.

For further information on pre-schools, please select the following link:

Pre-school factsheet - word document (89.5kb)

Out-of-school care - Out-of-school care is for school-aged children to play and is usually based in, or near schools. More out-of-school clubs are being set up to help families with working parents. They are run, outside of school hours, by a team of playworkers. Activities are planned to help children play, have fun and relax with their friends. Some out-of-school clubs offer children the choice of more educational activities such as completing homework.

Out-of-school care includes breakfast clubs which open in the morning before school to provide children with a healthy breakfast, after-school clubs which open in the afternoons between approximately 3pm & 6pm and holiday play schemes which open during school holidays between approximately 8:30am & 6pm.

For further information on out-of-school care, please select the following link:

Out of school care factsheet - word document (88.5kb)

If you would like to search for childcare in your area, please select the following link or alternatively, contact the Children's Information Service who will be happy to help you.

www.childcarelink.gov.uk/bournemouth

Ofsted regulates and inspects services that provide childcare. When you are
conducting a search for childcare we recommend that you check their Ofsted report to ensure that you child will be attending good quality provision.

These can be obtained from the Ofsted website:

www.ofsted.gov.uk

or Tel: 08456 4074040 

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