Finding childcare in Brighton & Hove

Find childcare in Brighton & Hove 

To find childcare in Brighton & Hove, you can search the Brighton & Hove Childcare Directory.

You can search for childcare by:

• its distance from you
• the type you're looking for
• the age of your child

Brighton & Hove Childcare Directory 

All childcare on the directory is registered with Ofsted. Ofsted carries out inspections to make sure that the premises are safe and that staff are suitably qualified and trained to look after your child. 

You can ask to see the early years provider’s Ofsted report when you visit, or you can view Ofsted reports online.

Although it is important to look at Ofsted reports, it is equally important that you find out as much as you can about an early years provider before making a decision. 

How to choose a childcare provider

You should give yourself plenty of time, visit several early years providers, ask lots of questions, and talk to other parents and staff.

You can use a provider in a neighbouring local authority if that's what's best for you and your child, or if they are the vacancies available.

You also need to make sure you understand how the early years provider offers funded childcare support sessions and that they offer them at the time that suits you – look at the fees and funding section of their website for more details.

If you have any questions about finding childcare in Brighton & Hove, contact us.

Finding a good quality childcare provider

Good childcare should be registered with Ofsted. This applies to childcare that is before school, after school, and during the school holidays.

Choosing childcare that is registered with Ofsted gives you assurance that it is meeting appropriate standards of care and has suitably qualified staff. If you are eligible for Universal Credit Childcare or Tax-Free Childcare, you can reclaim childcare costs from Ofsted-registered providers.

Visit our Choosing Safely page for more advice on choosing high quality childcare.