Early Years Services

There are a range of services which fall into the term ‘Early Years’; these include Day Nurseries, Crèches, Childminders, Playgroups, After School Clubs and Nursery Schools. Below is a brief description of each service and a link where you can find out more.

[Links marked * are Adobe 'pdf' documents which will open in new window]

Day Nurseries

Day nurseries provide care, play and educational opportunities for children under compulsory school age. Some also provide separate after-school care. They are normally open all year and can provide care on a full or part-time basis. These nurseries are usually privately owned and operate on a fee paying basis. Some day nurseries have funded pre-school places under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme (PEEP).

For more information about day nurseries click here *

Crèches

Crèches can operate all day but provide flexible short-term care for children for up to 4 hours at any one time. Children are usually under compulsory school age. Staff must have appropriate Early Years qualifications and the same staff ratios apply as for a day nursery.

For more information about crèches click here *

Childminders

Childminders provide care for children in their own home for periods of more than 2 hours per day. They are self employed and negotiate fees and terms and conditions of their service with the childrens’ parents. These should be formalised in a written agreement or contract.

Childminders are registered for up to 6 children. There should be no more than 3 children under the age of 5 years or 6 children under the age of 12 (including the childminder’s own children) cared for at any one time. It is advisable that childminders have Public Liability Insurance.

If you are interested in becoming a registered childminder, you can find out about the registration process by contacting the Early Years Team in your area or for general information about Childminding, visit the Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA) web site.

Playgroups

Playgroups offer part-time care and educational opportunities through play. This is either during a morning or afternoon session of no more than 4 hours at any one time. Children attend usually between 3 years and compulsory school age. Playgroups are staffed by a minimum of 50% qualified Early Years staff and provide a ratio of 1 member of staff to 8 children.

Some playgroups offer free pre-school places under the Pre-school Education Expansion Programme (PEEP).

For more information about playgroups click here *

After/Out of School Clubs

After/Out of School Clubs offer care and play opportunities normally for 2 to 3 hours after school and in some cases for 1 hour before school. A minimum of 50% staff must have Early Years or Playwork qualifications. Staff ratios should be 1 member of staff to every 8 children. It is recommended that group sizes not exceed 10 children under 10 years.
For more information about after/out of school clubs click here *

If you are interested in setting up an After/Out of School club in your area, view the"Setting Up an Out of School Service" pdf in the Publications page.

The table above shows the number of registered services in the Eastern Area.

Coming soon: A live database of all registered services and contact details.