Childcare Provider area

Contact us

If you cannot find what you are looking for please email: fyis@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Concerned about a child or young person? (Opens in New Window)

Please contact Childrens Services 0300 300 8585  (out of hours 0300 300 8123). If it's an emergency and a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Looking for Childcare

Go back to the Childcare and Early Education page

Search for a Childminder

  • Childcare provided in a home environment
  • Can be more flexible
  • Sometimes work weekends, and unsocial hours
  • Smaller group environment, up to 6 children if the childminder works alone, and more if working with an assistant.
Do they accept FREE childcare for 2 year olds?
Yes, most childminders accept free childcare for eligible 2 year olds.

Do they accept 30 hours for 3 and 4 year olds?
Yes, most childminders accept free childcare for eligible 2 year olds.

Can I pay for extra hours?
Possibly, you should talk to the individual childminder

School pick up/drop off

Search for childcare providers who drop off and/or pick up from local schools

Search for nurseries and pre-schools

  • Can be run by a school or privately
  • Morning and Afternoon sessions
  • Open term time only
Do they accept FREE childcare for 2 year olds?
Possibly, you should talk to the individual nursery or preschool

Do they accept 30 hours for 3 and 4 year olds?
Possibly, you should talk to the individual nursery or preschool

Can I pay for extra hours?
Possibly, you should talk to the individual nursery or preschool

Private Day Nurseries

  • Open longer hours than School Nurseries
  • Open 50 or 51 weeks of the year.
  • Care for babies from 3 months old up to 5 years
Do they accept FREE childcare for 2 year olds?
Possibly, you should talk to the individual nursery

Do they accept 30 hours for 3 and 4 year olds?
Possibly, you should talk to the individual nursery

Can I pay for extra hours?
Possibly, you should talk to the individual nursery

Out of School Clubs

Do they accept FREE childcare for 2 year olds?
No, out of school clubs are for school aged children.

Do they accept 30 hours for 3 and 4 year olds?
Yes some out of school clubs will accept 30 hours, please talk to the individual club.

Is there any more help towards the cost of out of school clubs? 
Yes, you can use tax free childcare which is equal to 20% off your childcare bill, and other government schemes depending on your circumstances. Find out what you are entitled to on the Childcare Choices Website (link opens in a new window)

Holiday Schemes

  • Provide Childcare during School holidays
  • For children aged 4-12
  • Full and half day sessions

Do they accept FREE childcare for 2 year olds or 30 hours for 3 and 4 year olds? 
No, holiday clubs are generally for school aged children - although if your child's nursery operates during the school holidays you can talk to them about a 'stretched offer'. A stretched offer means taking less hours over term time and 'stretching' hours to be used over the holidays.

Is there any help towards the cost of Holiday Clubs? 
Yes, you can use tax free childcare to pay for holiday clubs - speak to your setting about this. To find out if you are eligible visit the Childcare Choices website.

What about those FREE holiday clubs I've heard about?
You may have heard about FREE holiday clubs happening across Central Bedfordshire during the main end-of-term holidays; Easter, Summer, and Christmas. The Holiday Activities and Food Programme is available for those who are entitled to means-tested free school meals. 


Search for Childcare for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

All childcare providers must:

  • give children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) the same opportunities as any other child
  • not charge more money to look after children with SEND
  • make reasonable adjustments so that children with SEND can use their services

Local childcare providers for children aged 0 to 5 with SEND include:

  • day nurseries which are registered with Ofsted and offer morning to early evening care that is suitable for working parents,where your child is looked after with a group of children
  • preschools which are registered with Ofsted and normally follow school hours (for example, 9 am to 3 pm), but some run for longer hours and offer breakfast and after school clubs
  • childminders who are registered with Ofsted and care for your child in their home, often with a small group of children
  • Nursery classes in schools

School Term Dates

2024 - 2025 School Term Dates

Apply for 2 year old funding

National Wraparound Childcare Programme

Find out more about the National Wraparound Childcare Programme

Support to become a Childminder (Opens in New Window)

Come along to a drop-in session

Careers in Early Years

Find out more about working in Early Years and Childcare

SEND Local Offer (Opens in New Window)

Information about education, health and care services, voluntary agencies, leisure activities and support groups for children and young people with SEND

Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) (Opens in New Window)

Fun, free activities for children and young people aged 5 and upwards during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays. The programme is for children eligible for benefit related free school meals.

 

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this directory, we do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors that have occurred. It is recommended that you always check with providers that their service or organisation meets your requirements. We offer an impartial service and we cannot recommend or endorse any providers or services listed.