Day nurseries deliver home comforts

For every member of staff in a nursery, there should be a set number of children. Local authorities set local figures based on the Children Act. This means there will be local variations in the rules, but the following ratios will give you an idea of what to expect:

• Under two, the child-to-carer ratio is 3:1.
• Over two and under three, the child-to-carer ratio is 4:1.
• Over three and under five, the child-to-carer ratio is 8:1.
• Over five and under eight the child-to-carer ratio is 8:1.

Benefits

• Day nurseries are registered and inspected by the local authority.
• A team of professional staff is on hand with training and experience.
• You can expect a child-friendly environment, with a good range of equipment and activities.
• The service is available all year round.
• The service are geared to busy parents.
• Meals are included.

• The hours are unlikely to be very flexible –so check that they suit you.
• Fees can be expensive.
• The service may not be available in your area.
• Workplace nurseries may require you to bring your child to the city centre and travel in the rush hour.

Advice and information on day nurseries is available from:

National Early Years Network
77 Holloway Road
London N7 8JZ
Tel: 020 7607 9573

Expert advice on workplace nurseries is available form:

Working for Childcare
77 Holloway Road
London N7 8JZ
020 7700 0281

For more information see the Daycare Trust website and Childcare Link website.