Articles on Early education and childcare (31)
3 and 4 year olds: 15 funded hours of early education and childcare
All three and four year old children in England are entitled to 15 hours of government-funded childcare or early education for 38 weeks (up to 570 hours per year), that you can use flexibly with one or more providers. Some providers will allow you to ‘stretch’ the hours over 52 weeks,…30 hours of funded early education and childcare per week
From September 2025, eligible children will be entitled to 30 hours government-funded early education and childcare per week (currently 15 hours) from 9 months old until they start school. These hours are intended to cover term time only (38 weeks per year). However, your childcare provider may be able…Babysitters
A babysitter is someone who temporarily cares for children on behalf of their parents or guardians. Babysitters are generally responsible for planning activities (games, sports, art) or supervising play dates. However, some babysitters will have other responsibilities such as cooking, feeding, transportation and helping with…Becoming a Childminder
To become a registered childminder you will need to hold a Level 3 or above in Childcare & Education and have worked with children under the age of 5 years in the past 2 years. If you do not have this qualification you will need to complete…Chidcare support if I am in receipt of income related benefits, OR if I do not have recourse to public funds
If you have a 2-year-old child and are not working, or are on a low-income and in receipt of certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit, your child may be eligible for 15 hours goverment-funded childcare per week. This is known in Kensington and Chelsea…Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA)
A Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) is an assessment of existing childcare provision in the borough, mapping supply of, demand for and gaps in the childcare market. The Childcare Act 2006 places a legal duty on local authorities to secure sufficient childcare (so far as is…Childcare support if I am working and meet certain criteria
Subject to eligibility, from 9 months old children may be now entitled to 30 hours (term-time) government-funded early education and childcare until they start school. To access these 30 hours, you (and your partner) must be working and meet the income threadshold set by the government. Find out if…Choosing a childcare provider
There are lots of different types of childcare to choose from. Some families use informal childcare, such as other family members, friends or neighbours. However you may also find that you need to make more formal childcare arrangements. Some childcare settings provide specialist services for…Different roles in early education, childcare and playwork
There are a number of different roles in the early years, childcare and playwork sector. Read more about some of them below: