Day nurseries

• Private nursery – designed to cater for the children of working parents and the type you are most likely to find in your area
• Local authority nursery – run by the local authority for children in the local community. In Southampton, there is only one local authority day nursery, which is Startpoint Sholing
• Workplace nursery – some employers run childcare schemes for children of their employees

If you are looking for full-day childcare then you need a day nursery. A nursery is usually sessional care for children between 3 to 5 years old.

First of all, you know your child best, so look for a setting that you feel is suitable for your child.

Nurseries must be registered with Ofsted. This includes all staff having enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks. This means checks are carried out to make sure the staff are suitable to look after children. At least half of the staff in a nursery must be trained. A check on the nursery premises is carried out to make sure the building is safe and suitable for children. After the nursery is registered, a regular inspection is carried out to make sure the nursery is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service.

There should be a set number of staff at each nursery to work with the children:

• One member of staff for every eight children aged 3 to 5
• One member of staff for every four children aged 2 to 3
• One member of staff for every three children aged under 2

You can ask to see the nursery's registration certificate and latest inspection report, or you can look at the Ofsted reports online.

Most nurseries provide places for between 26 and 40 children, although some are smaller and others larger. Children are usually divided into much smaller groups based on their age.

Nurseries are for children aged up to 5. Some nurseries have places for babies and toddlers as well as for children aged three to five. Some nurseries are part of childcare schemes which also provide childcare for older children.

Most nurseries are open from about 8am to 6pm. Some offer different hours for the children of people working shifts. Most nurseries are open all year round except for public holidays.

Many nurseries are happy to offer you part-time places. These are often organised into morning and afternoon sessions.

Nursery charges vary. Most nurseries in Southampton provide early years education, and they receive a grant enabling them to give your child a free part-time place. Some nurseries offer a discount for longer stays. 

Your childcare provider or the Family Information Service can give you more information about fees and charges which may be charged for care outside of this free place.

You may also be eligible for Tax Credits to help you pay for the cost of childcare.

Day nurseries can provide 3- & 4-year-old funded places.

Day nurseries who have an 'Outstanding' or 'Good' Ofsted rating can offer 2-year-old funded places.

All Southampton day nurseries are different and what may be right for your child may not be right for someone else's child. We recommend that you visit several nurseries, ask lots of questions and see what you think as you know what is best for your child. 

Although we cannot recommend a particular setting, the Family Information Service (FIS) seek to supply sufficient information to enable you to make an informed decision.

Our directory holds lists of providers in Southampton and information to enable you to make an informed decision. We can advise you on the types of childcare that may be appropriate for your lifestyle or individual needs.

However, it is your responsibility as parent or carer to choose the most suitable childcare for your circumstances. It is important to visit some settings before you make a decision.