Types of childcare
You can choose from a range of childcare options in Thurrock. If you're looking for childcare, you should read about each type and choose one that's best for you and your child.
You can get help with your childcare costs if it's provided by a:
- registered childminder, nanny, play scheme, nursery or club
- childminder or nanny with a registered childminder agency or childcare agency
- registered school
- home care worker working for a registered home care agency
Childcare offered by registered childcare providers is known as 'approved childcare'. Read about registers for approved childcare.
Registered childminders
Childminders look after children in their own home. For information on childminders and childminder agencies, including registered local providers, go to registered childminders.
Registered childcare for early years children
Types of registered childcare provider for 'early years' children up to 5 years-old include:
- day nurseries
- pre-schools
- school nurseries
For more details and local providers, go to registered childcare for early years children.
Registered childcare for school-age children
Types of registered childcare provider for school-age children include:
- breakfast clubs
- after school clubs
- holiday schemes and clubs
For more details and local providers, go to registered childcare for school-age children.
Unregistered childcare
Types of unregistered childcare include:
- home childcare (nanny)
- parent and toddler groups
- activity or club-based childcare
For more details and local providers, go to unregistered childcare.