Childcare can be fun for your child and they’ll learn a lot too. There are lots of benefits for both you and your child, including access to different play and learning opportunities; support for their social and emotional development including the playing with other children and getting ready for school.
Childcare can be delivered by a range of providers, from nurseries, preschools, childminders. If you are looking for a childcare place you can search Kent County Council’s online directory.
Children’s centres can also support families looking for childcare as well as support you and your child during that transition to childcare. Kent.gov provides useful information on what to look for and ask when choosing childcare as well as free early education and childcare entitlements.
The government provides different levels of funding for childcare to support you and your family and you may want to start investigating what you are entitled to.
All three- and four-year olds and some two-year olds are entitled to up to 15 hours of free early education and childcare over 38 weeks of the year. If you are a working parent, your three- and four-year olds may be entitled to another 15 hours of childcare.
Useful resources
- Childcare and pre-school – find local information on childcare options including entitlements to free childcare from Kent County Council.
- Family and childcare Trust – with guides to help you find, choose and afford childcare near you.
- Visit Childcare Choices for information on tax free childcare, tax credits for childcare and universal credit for childcare schemes.