Children's & Young People's Services

Extended Services In and Around Schools

Registered Childcare

Registered childcare is where the provider has been police checked and there is a high standard of quality care. Premises are also inspected by OFSTED to meet the required standards. The setting's OFSTED report is a public document and providers should be able to show you their current report on request. Parents can also view OFSTED inspection reports on their website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

Who Provides Registered Childcare?

Please be aware that the Ofsted registration process and standards will be changing from 1 September 2008. Links for VCR and EYFS can be found in the 'Useful Links' section on this page.

Childminder: Is a self-employed person who looks after a small group of children in their own home. They are inspected and registered by OFSTED under the 1989 Children Act requirements for a specified number of children aged 0-8 years. Childminders may also collect children from school and therefore cater for older children.
Playgroup & Pre-School: Offer care, play and early education for children from 2yrs 9mths to statutory school age. They usually operate on a sessional basis for two or three hours in the morning or afternoon, during term time only. They must be inspected and registered by OFSTED.
Nursery: Providing care, play and early education for pre-school children. All offer full day care with some offering part time places. They must be inspected and registered by OFSTED.
School Nursery Classes: Classes for children during school hours and term time only. They run on a part time basis, are attached to schools and also provide care, play and early education. School nurseries are inspected by OFSTED.
Early Education Funding: 3 and 4 year old children in Bexley are eligible for a funded part-time pre-school or nursery place from the beginning of the term after their third birthday, comprising five sessions per week of 2.5 hours per session.
Out of School Club: Care and learning through play for children 4 to 14yrs (4 to 16yrs with special needs) out of school hours. They must be inspected and registered by OFSTED if they cater for children aged eight and under.
School Nursery Class: Classes for children during school hours and term time only. They run on a part time basis, are attached to schools and also provide care, play and early education. School nurseries are inspected by OFSTED.