Types of early years settings
Some parents or carers require childcare for their baby or child prior to them becoming eligible for early education funded places. Children become eligible for funded education at different ages according to circumstances.
Walsall Family Hubs can help you choose the right kind of childcare for you and your child.
Find out more about the different early education settings available in Walsall below:
Private, voluntary and independent (PVI)
Early years settings look after and teach children from about six weeks old up to five years old. These settings can be big or small, and they may take children of different ages. Some are open all year, while others only open during school term time. Some PVI settings may have their own website where you can find more information.
Childminders
Childminders care for children in their own homes. They help children learn and play through a mix of planned activities and free play. Some childminders can also take children to and from school. Childminders must be registered with Ofsted or a Childminder Agency, and they can care for children from six weeks old.
Maintained nursery schools
Nursery schools and nursery classes offer early education during school term time only. All children can get a nursery place from the term after they turn three. Some nurseries also offer funded places for children from the term after they turn two, if they are eligible.
Some infant and primary schools also have nursery classes. You can check your local school’s website to see if they offer nursery places: