The Different Types of Provision for Children and their Families and their Characteristics

A. State Funded Early Years Education

A key provider of early years education is the government, through state-funded nurseries and preschools.
These institutions are either part of a primary school or operated separately.
They provide services following the national Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework ensuring a standard curriculum is followed.
This provision is often free of charge for a certain number of hours per week.

B. Private Day Nurseries

Private day nurseries offer full day care services, typically for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
They are usually open throughout the year and offer flexible hours to match parents’ working schedules.
Though they follow the EYFS framework, they can adapt their curriculum and activities to better suit children’s individual needs and interests.

C. Childminders

Childminders provide care and educational activities in their own homes for a small group of children.
They can offer a more personal, family-like environment and can care for children of various ages together.
Like nurseries, they are regulated by Ofsted and have to follow the EYFS framework.
They offer flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings and sometimes weekends to suit parents’ needs.

D. Playgroups and Pre-schools

These cater for children aged 2-4 years and usually operate for a few hours each day during term-time.
Playgroups and pre-schools provide a supportive environment for children to learn through play, usually under the guidance of trained staff and volunteers.
As with other providers, they follow the EYFS curriculum and are inspected by Ofsted.

E. Family Centres

Family centres provide a range of services for families with children from birth to 5 years old.
They offer access to child health services, give parenting support and run early education classes.
Family centres also provide outreach and support services to families in need within the community.

F. Sure Start Children’s Centres

These are government funded and cater for children under five years old.
They aim to deliver the best start in life for every child by providing early education, childcare, health and family support.
Sure Start centres aim to improve outcomes for all children through better access to early learning, preventative health services, and early intervention.
They offer a holistic approach, aiming to address all needs of the child including health, education, and social development.