Choosing the right childcare for your child is a significant decision. This page provides an overview of the different types of childcare in Hackney and offers guidance to help you make an informed choice.
Types of childcare providers in Hackney
In Hackney, there are a variety of registered childcare options for children under five years old. All providers must be registered and inspected by Ofsted and must meet specific standards for care, learning, and development.
Here are the main types of early years childcare providers you'll find.
Nursery schools and classes (Local Authority maintained)
- What they are: A nursery school is a standalone school providing education for children under five. A nursery class operates out of an existing primary school. The nursery may operate independently from the school or be run by the school
- Key features: Some offer education for children aged three and four, and some may offer childcare to younger children. They only operate during school terms
- Good for: Parents with other children in that primary school for easier drop-offs and pick-ups. Parents seeking a school-based early education environment
Please note, reception school place admissions are totally separate from funded childcare. Where your child attends does not impact their school allocation and as such should not influence the childcare provider/type you choose for your child.
Day nurseries
- What they are: Independently run childcare settings in the private and voluntary sectors that cater for children from birth until school age. They offer a choice of either full-time or part-time care
- Key features: Offer full-day care, often with extended opening hours to accommodate parents who work or study
- Good for: Parents needing flexible or full-time care with consistent routines
Pre-schools and playgroups
- What they are: These settings usually offer sessional care, a few hours in the morning or afternoon during term-time. However, some may offer longer hours and days. Typically from 2 years old up to school age
- Key features: Focus on play-based learning and social development
- Good for: Parents who want part-time care focusing on socialisation and early learning before school
Children's Centre and Children and Family Hub nurseries
- What they are: Some Children’s Centres and Children and Family Hubs provide childcare to children aged from 12 weeks until they start school
- Key features: In addition to childcare, Children's Centres offer a range of support services, advice, and activities for families. They offer subsidised childcare to eligible parents who live or work in Hackney. Find out more about Children’s Centre and Family Hub Nurseries’ fees
- Good for: Parents who want to access a wider network of family support services in addition to childcare. Parents seeking advice and activities for their whole family
Childminders
- What they are: Self-employed individuals who provide childcare in their own homes for small groups of children. They can care for children of various ages, often including school-aged children for before/after school care. Some childminders may offer school holiday places
- Key features: Offer a home-from-home environment, flexible hours (sometimes including evenings and weekends), and often build strong relationships with families. Some childminders provide school drop-off and collection services
- Good for: Parents looking for a more personalised, family-like setting with greater flexibility
Children and Family Hubs
Children and Family Hubs bring together many council, health, voluntary and community organisations in one place. They offer a range of activities for young children, such as baby massage, stay and play sessions. At the same time, they offer a range of support to parents to balance parenthood, work, money, and the other demands of life.
There are three Children and Family Hubs that offer childcare: Ann Tayler, Linden, and Woodberry Down.
How to choose the best childcare for your child
Choosing the right childcare is a very personal decision. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Your child's needs: Think about your child's personality. Are they shy or outgoing? Do they thrive in smaller groups or larger, more stimulating environments?
- Your family's schedule: Consider your working hours, commute, and any other commitments. Do you need full-time, part-time, or flexible care?
- Location: How far are you willing to travel? Is it convenient for your home or work?
- Cost and funding: Understand the fees involved and explore eligibility for free childcare entitlements. Read more information on free childcare
- Ofsted reports: All registered childcare providers are inspected by Ofsted. You can view their latest inspection reports online to see how they are rated and read about their strengths and areas for improvement. Please note, if they are a newly registered provider, they will not yet have an inspection report
- Visit providers: Arrange visits to several different settings. This will give you a feel for the environment, allow you to meet the staff, and ask questions
- Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask about:
- Staff qualifications and experience
- Their key person system - they may assign a specific member of staff who will build a relationship with you and your child
- Daily routines and activities
- How they support children's development and learning
- Their approach to discipline and behaviour
- Food and nutrition
- Safeguarding policies
- Inclusion policies
- How they communicate with parents
Choosing childcare for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Early Years providers need to be inclusive of children with additional support needs, and emerging or identified SEND. Providers must promote equality of opportunity and make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of all children. They should not charge parents more for a child with SEND, as this would be discriminatory.
Parents of children with SEND may also be able to get advice from the Hackney Portage Service when they are deciding on a childcare provider.
Childcare providers can apply for extra funding to meet a child's specific needs, such as Disability Access Fund (DAF) and Early Years Inclusion Funding (EYIF).
Parents can apply for Disability Living Allowance to help with the additional costs that they might have because of their child’s needs and depending on their situation may be eligible for Carers Allowance.
The Disabled Children’s Service can undertake a Child and Family Needs Assessment which may result in a Care Package being agreed. Not all disabled children will be eligible for an assessment or a care package.
The Early Support Team (EST) works directly with children with SEND who are aged 0-5 years old and attending a Hackney Early Years settings, including Children's Centres, Family Hubs, and private, voluntary, and independent settings.
For children with higher levels of support needs, a larger setting or one of the Children and Families Hub nurseries might be more suitable.
The Hackney Local Offer website provides a wide range of information on services and support for parents and carers of children with additional needs and disabilities. On this website, you can find further guidance on choosing and paying for childcare for children with SEND.