Childcare options
There are different types of childcare available in Leeds. Here is a summary of the main types and below that, some guidance on finding the right kind of childcare for your needs.
Children’s centres
There are 56 children’s centres across Leeds. They are run by Leeds City Council and offer services for families with babies and young children. Children centres run free groups and activities to support you and your child, for example:
- Parenting classes
- Baby massage
- Play sessions
- Health & wellbeing groups
Many children’s centres have family support workers who can help you with difficulties, for example, problems with money or housing.
Many (but not all) of the children’s centres in Leeds also offer childcare which costs £45 an hour.
Children’s centres are a really good place to meet other parents, make friends and get support. You can attend any children’s centre you like but it is a good idea to use your local one. Most have their own website but you can contact them all by phone too.
You can find your local Children’s Centre on Leeds City Council’s Family Information Centre website:
Find Your Local Children’s Centre
Day nurseries
Day nurseries care for children aged from birth to five years old and usually offer care from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for most of the year.
Childminders
Registered childminders are self-employed professionals who offer childcare in their own homes. They usually care for small numbers of children. Childminders can often be flexible to fit your schedule.
Out of school clubs
Out of school clubs run before and after school and are suitable for parents who have commitments such as work. The clubs allow you to take your children to school or pick them up before and after normal school times. Many offer meals such as breakfast or evening meal.
Playgroups
Playgroups are organised in the local area to care for children, between the ages of 3 and 5, for up to 4 hours per day. They are usually in local venues such as schools or community centres.
Playschemes
Playschemes usually only care for children during school holidays and are in schools or community centres.
Crèche
Crèches provide short term or occasional care, to support parents doing a particular activity in the same venue. For example, some education centres or leisure centres may offer a crèche.
How to choose childcare
Choosing the right childcare provider for your child is an important decision. Here is some guidance to help you:
The Money Advice Service website has a really helpful guide to the different types of childcare so you can compare them and find the type that is right for you:
Use the Family Information Service, run by Leeds City Council, to find childcare providers in your area. You can also find out if places are available, the opening hours, the costs, and any specialist care your child needs, for example support with special educational needs or disabilities (also called SEND).
The website also includes a guide to help you choose.
Next, you should visit the childcare providers you are interested in. This will help you get a feeling for the environment, the manager and the staff and you can ask questions. During your visit, you should consider:
- Do children play together well, do they seem happy?
- Do the staff seem friendly and caring?
- Is it clean?
- Is there a good outdoor play space?
- Is food included in the cost and can they provide for special diets?
- Do you need to provide your own baby formula and nappies?
There are lots of policies that childcare providers must follow to make sure they are safe and legal. For example all staff must have been checked for a criminal record.
Also, nearly all types of childcare providers must be registered with Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills). Ofsted is a government department which inspects childcare, schools and other children’s services) regularly to check the standard of care.
You can find the Ofsted report for any childcare provider on the Ofsted website. You can search using your postcode.
Using family or friends for childcare
If you are working and struggling to afford childcare, there are other options you can consider that are legal. For example, a relative would be allowed to look after your child.
If you ask a friend or group of friends to look after your child, there are rules you may need to follow. If your child is under 8, and your friend is looking after them for more than 2 hours a day, they must be registered as a childminder with Ofsted by law. Find out more:
Information on Family and Friends Childcare
