Child-minders are private individuals offering a home and family
environment for children. As well as looking after younger children
all day, they can take your children to school and collect them at
the end of the day. They are registered by OFSTED and attend
ongoing training in areas such as child protection / development
and health and safety.
For information on child-minding in general, call the NCMA
freephone information line, tel 0800 169 4486 or
visit the NCMA
website.
Download our child-minder
brochure (179k)
Nurseries and playgroups 0 - 5 years
Nurseries and playgroups provide care and education for children
from as young as three months to pre-school five year olds. There
are different types - private, local authority, registered charity
- but all are registered and inspected regularly by OFSTED to
ensure compliance with strict guidelines concerning children and
staff. Opening hours usually fit around the average working day of
8.00am - 6.00pm, although you should always check, as this is by no
means guaranteed.
Download an application form for the Fortune
Park Early Years Centre and the Cass Nursery Centre
PDF (76kb)
Admission criteria for education places at the
Fortune Park Childrens Centre (118kb)
Toy library
Toy libraries offer services to local families based on
regular toy loans for free. It provides carefully selected
toys to borrow, play sessions, and a friendly, informative meeting
place for parents and carers. For more details call the FYI on
020 7332 1002. Alternatively, visit the
National
Assocation of Toy and Leisure Libraries' website.