Early Years and childcare

Find childcare, early learning support, funded childcare, and help with childcare costs in Somerset. Information and advice for families and providers

Introduction

Here you can access trusted information, services and resources for families with young children. Explore support for your child’s learning and development, find childcare options, and learn about financial help available to your family.

Childcare and family support

Finding childcare

Find childcare in Somerset, including nurseries, childminders, pre-schools and out-of-school care. Search for local childcare options

Early Help

Early help, including #Help4All, gives support to families when things feel hard.

Wraparound childcare

Information for families on childcare before and after school, and during school holidays

Complain about an Early Years or childcare provider

All early years settings (including childminders) must have a complaints procedure

Help with childcare costs

Help with the cost of childcare

Find the right funding and help towards childcare costs for your family

Funded childcare for working parents

Find out if you are eligible for up to 30 hours of free childcare per week

Early Years entitlement for parents

All 3- and 4-year-olds are entitled to up to 15 hours of funded early education or childcare a week

Early Years pupil premium information for parents

Information on the criteria and how to apply for the pupil premium

Early learning and development

Early Learning for 2-year-olds

Families with 2-year-old children who meet the criteria can apply for childcare funding

Home Learning Support for Parents

Information that can help you in supporting your child’s development at home.

Promoting equality and diversity in Early Years

English as an Additional Language, racial incidents and Special Educational Needs

Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

Childcare Sufficiency looks at the supply and demand of childcare in Somerset

Early Years information for professionals

Includes information about Early Years Entitlement, Pupil Premium, funded hours and the Disability Access Fund

Go to the professional section

Working in Early Years and childcare

Working in childcare makes a real difference every day by supporting children to learn, play and grow. From early years and childminding to wraparound and holiday childcare, this work supports Best Start in Life and helps children and families in Somerset to thrive from birth through school and beyond.

Find out more about working in childcare