Nurseries should not be confused with nursery schools, which operate during school hours and only take children from the age of three (or two plus in some cases). A day nursery or a workplace creche normally operates for at least 50 weeks of the year and cares for children between the ages of approximately four months and five years.

The workplace creche caters for the babies and children of parents of a particular employee. It will probably be on site, and be run at a subsidy for the parents. In all other aspects it should be the same as a nursery.

Nurseries are generally privately run, and charges vary. There are state-run nurseries, but they are few and far between, and places may be limited to families with special financial needs. For details of what's available in your area, contact your social services department.

A good nursery should have a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of colourful displays on the walls, cheerful staff and happy children. The children and babies will be cared for by a combination of qualified and unqualified staff, but all nurseries must be registered under the Children Act, therefore both the ratios of qualified to unqualified staff, plus the number of children per carer, will be strictly laid down.

The ratios of children to carer are as follows:

• Under twos: 3 children per carer
• Two to three years: 4 children per carer
• Three to five years: 8 children per carer

Advantages

• It should offer a very reliable environment. Whereas a nanny or childminder may be sick on occasion, a nursery will be always open for business
• Nurseries are inspected regularly by the social services department, to ensure that they are keeping up the required standards
• Your child will be in a social setting with plenty of other children around
• A good nursery should arrange varied activities appropriate to age groups, as well as trips out and celebration of festivals

Disadvantages

• Some parents feel that the culture of nursery care is too institutional, particularly for babies
• Your child won’t have the advantage of bonding with one particular carer
• The hours are less flexible and may not fit in with your working day
• You may find that the nursery closes for one or two weeks a year and if you take your child out at other times you may still have to pay for the place
• If your baby is ill, he will not be able to go to the nursery

For further information contact the Daycare Trust, or the National Childminding Association.

Where to next?

• Choosing childcare - your options.
• How to spot a great nursery.
• How to choose a great childminder.
• Keeping it in the family - our article explores the issue of family looking after baby, further.

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