Childcare providers offer a safe and stimulating environment for your child to enjoy and thrive in.

Children are encouraged to learn through play. Activities are planned to support their learning and development.

Early years settings include:

• childminders
• pre-schools
• nurseries

All early years settings follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This provides a structure of play-based learning and care for children from birth to five years.

Finding childcare providers

Find information on local childcare providers on:

• Bexley Family Information Directory
• The iChild Directory
• Childcare.co.uk
• or contact The Family Information Service, email fis@bexley.gov.uk

To find an Ofsted inspection report for any childcare setting go to Ofsted.

Becoming a childminder or setting up a new childcare setting

If you are looking to become a childminder or set up other forms of childcare (for example a nursery or pre-school), contact our Early Years team, email earlyyears@bexley.gov.uk

You will be sent an information pack which will detail the steps you need to take to get started.

Further information about setting up childcare can be found on Ofsted.

Our Early Years Support Officers can offer business advice. Information can also be found on GOV.UK.

View the PDF booklet - Bexley Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.