Your Childcare Options

What are your options?

There are range of childcare options, although some settings will include children of all abilities.  You may contact us on 020 7361 3302 to obtain lists or further information on the options below.

Childminders

Childminders are trained, self-employed carers largely based in their own homes. They are registered with Ofsted and both the childminder and their home are regularly checked.

Some childminders have a flexible working day and may be able to meet your childcare needs.  Some of the childminders in the borough may have previous experience of caring for a child of special needs, therefore it would be advisable to ask about about their experiences and the equipment available.

A childminder will normally be able to look after up to six children under eight-years-old including their own, but only three of them can be under the age of five.

Day Nurseries

Nurseries, children's centres and pre-schools may be authority run, private or voluntary.  Your child will have the opportunity to socialise in this type of setting and there are often key workers responsible for activity planning assigned to your child.  Many children's centres have specialist speech and language therapist and a SENCO available.

Nursery schools and playgroups

Nursery schools offer early education and are for children between the ages of three and five. They are open during school hours, normally only in term time for full or half-day sessions. Nurseries are free if part of a state education system (excluding meals and trips). Independent schools charge fees. If you have chosen a nursery that you would like to enrol your child to, you will need to speak to the SENCO to discuss your child's needs or ask for specific training to be provided to staff if necessary.

It is advisable to call the nursery for details on vacancies.  Please see our list of nurseries and playgroups.  Ofsted reports and the admissions criteria for nurseries will be available soon.

At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, St Quintin Children's Centre is a dedicated centre for disabled children.  Click below to access more information:

St Quintin Children's Centre for disabled children.

Out-of-school care

Some clubs are open before and after school and all day during school holidays. They offer a quiet space for catching up with homework as well as plenty of fun activities for children. You can drop your child at a breakfast club or after school club at these schools.

Like other settings, you may need to speak to your SENCO to discuss your child's needs and to visit the centres to ensure that their provisions will give your child the same opportunities as the other children.

Home childcarers

Nannies or au-pairs may suit families with a disabled child because of their flexible hours.  Your child will be based in their own home where the equipment is readily available.

If you have a home carer, you will be responsible for:

  • the recruiting of the carer 
  • carrying out a criminal record check,
  • ensuring that they are trained
  • agreeing on terms and conditions
  • taking care of their National Insurance and tax contributions

There are also nanny and au-pair agencies where you can find a carer; however this may mean that you will have less control over who you employ.  Please see this list of nanny and au pair agencies in the borough.

Choosing the right childcare

Wherever possible, always choose childcare that is Ofsted registered. Taking the time to read through Ofsted reports may not only give you an idea of the school's rating, but also a feel of how the school operates.  Please see this list of nursery and playgroups with links to Ofsted reports.

If you visit a childcare setting, here are some questions that you may want to bear in mind:

  • do you get a warm welcome when you arrive?
  • is the setting child friendly with outdoor space?
  • do the children there seem happy and content?
  • are you able to meet other staff at the setting?
  • are they willing to show you around?
  • do the staff interact with your child?
  • are they comfortable around your child's disability?

You will also need to consider how well the setting accommodates your child's needs.  Each setting should have a SENCO, who you can speak to about your child's additional needs.  You may also want to find out:

  • what experience do they have of working with disabled children or children with additional needs?
  • what disability training do they have? Would they need more training?
  • what Early Years Action support do they offer?
  • how would they ensure that your child has the same play and learning opportunities as other children?
  • how would the setting approach your child's disability with other children/parents?
  • how will they communicate with you about your child's progress and needs?
  • are they trained to give medication or use specific equipment?