🏠 Children’s Centres
There are 70 children’s centres in Leeds. They are run by Leeds City Council and offer support for families with babies and young children. Some free activities include:
- Parenting classes
- Baby massage
- Play sessions
- Health and wellbeing groups ⚕️
They also have family support workers who can help you with money, housing or other problems. A great place to meet parents, make friends and get support! 👨👩👦
👉 Find your local centre here: Family Information Centre
🌟 Day Nurseries
These nurseries care for kids from birth to 5 years old. Most are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Little Owls Nurseries (run by Leeds City Council) are a trusted choice. They offer:
- Full day care for ages 3 months to 5 years
- Term-time options for ages 2 to 5
- Links to parenting, health and maternity services
👉 More info: Little Owls Nurseries
🏡 Childminders
These are trained carers who look after small groups of children in their own homes.
- Flexible with times
- Good for young children
🏫 Out of School Clubs
These clubs run before and after school ⏰
- Great for working parents
- Some offer breakfast and dinner 🍽
🧶 Playgroups
- For children aged 3 to 5
- Last up to 4 hours per day
- Found in schools or community centres 🏫
🌾 Playschemes
Playschemes usually only care for children during school holidays and are in schools or community centres.
🏃 Crèche
These are short-term care options while you do an activity nearby. For example:
- During a fitness class 🏋️
- At a learning centre 🏫
🤔 How to Choose Childcare
Choosing childcare is important. Here’s how to get started:
- Compare options on the Money Helper website: Compare Childcare Options
- Use the Family Information Service to:
- Find local childcare
- Check costs, hours, and if they support special needs (SEND) with Family Information Service
- The website also includes a guide to help you choose: Choosing childcare
- Visit the childcare places in person:
- Do kids look happy? 😊
- Are the staff friendly and kind? 😍
- Is the space clean? 🪮
- Is there outdoor play? 🌿
- Is food included? Can they support diets? 🍽
- Do you need to bring nappies or baby milk?
- All staff should be checked for safety, and most childcare must be registered with Ofsted. You can check Ofsted reports online using your postcode: Ofsted Reports
👪 Using Family or Friends
Can a family member care for your child? Yes, that’s legal. If a friend watches your child for more than 2 hours per day, and your child is under 8, they must register with Ofsted.
👉 More info: Childcare Options
