Preparing for Childcare

Luton Family Information Service can give you information on your local childcare providers.

Each type of provider has their own advantages and disadvantages. A nursery tends to be open all day e.g. 8am to 6pm and parents can access childcare for the whole time or just part time usually offered as a morning or afternoon sessions. Pre Schools rarely offer full day care and are normally open for morning or afternoon sessions. Childminders can usually offer more flexibility in their hours of care and work from their own home.

Every childcare setting that provides childcare and early education for children must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Every nursery and pre-school must be registered with Ofsted. Childminders can choose to register directly with Ofsted or an Ofsted registered childminder agency. For those that register with Ofsted you can view their latest inspection reports either by asking them directly for a copy or looking on the Ofsted reports website.

When contacting a provider to discuss your childcare needs, you may be offered an appointment to visit the setting.

At this appointment you should ask any questions you have and ask for a tour around the setting to see the areas your child will have access to in their care. For safety reasons you would not be allowed to walk around on your own, but if a staff member is available they would be able to accompany you.

Remember to also discuss any particular needs your child may have such as dietary needs, religious or cultural needs, allergies, medical needs or disabilities. Some early years settings have small pets such as hamsters, rabbits, African land snails etc. please check this with the setting if your child suffers from any animal allergies.

Some common questions that can be asked to any type of setting are

  • Asking to see parent references
  • How their fees are worked out
  • An estimation of how much you would be charged
  • If there are fees for sick days or holidays
  • What your child will do whilst in their care
  • How you will be kept informed of your child’s progress
  • Staff qualifications
  • To see copies of their policies and procedures

Help with childcare costs for 2 year old children

Some 2 year olds may be eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare depending on their circumstances or the benefits their family receives. For more information or to apply please visit our Time for Twos page.

Help with childcare costs for 3 and 4 year olds (universal hours)

Every child is eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare starting the term after their 3rd birthday. Your childcare setting will arrange for this on your behalf, you do not need to apply for it or a code.

Help with childcare costs for working parents (9 months to 4 years old)

You may be able to get free childcare for your child aged 9 months to 4 years old if you live in England.

The amount of free childcare you can get depend on:

Your child’s age and circumstances

  • Whether you’re working (employed, self-employed or a director)
  • Your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one
  • Your immigration status

For more information on help with childcare costs including Tax-Free Childcare please visit the Childcare Choices website.

Admissions into infant or primary school places falls under the School Admissions team who can be contacted on telephone number 01582 548016 between 9am and 4pm, email admissions@luton.gov.uk or you may find answers on the school admissions webpage.

It is advised that you register your child’s details at your local school in the run up to their 3rd birthday. The school will pass details onto the admissions team who will then send you an information pack explaining how to apply for a place a year before they are due to start school. Please note that registering at your preferred school does not guarantee a place at that school.

The school admissions website will tell you when your child would be due to start school based on their date of birth. You can also find out which school is your catchment area.

Starting Childcare

We understand that a first day in childcare is an important milestone for your child and also an anxious time for most parents. Below are a range of useful resources and links to websites, where you can find information on choosing childcare and also how to help your child to be ready for their first day.

Here are some helpful links listed below:

Aside from that, here are some helpful documents for you to have a look through:

Preparing for School? Visit our other webpage Preparing for School here