Comment 2 on
this thread covers the idea.
Essentially:
Unlike other European countries, childcare in UK did not develop through government policies in pursuit of specific aims, but rather emerged in response to families requirement based on changing social and economic factors.
As a diverse country our families have different needs for the care of their children and as a result of this the early years sector consists of various forms of provision to meet the needs of the children and families in a variety of ways
- Some need children to be safe, participate in play and learning experiences for all or part of the day while parents work or study
- Some wish to stay with their children while they socialise
- Some want their children to spend time in a setting which offers services explicitly aimed at young children’s learning
- Some want their children to be in a small home based group
- Some families cannot afford to pay fees
Talk about why the different types of childcare exist:
Nurseries (with their own premises, some free hours)
Childminders (at their own house)
Pre-schools/playgroups (community run, free for 3-4)
Nursery classes (state run/private, free for 3-4)
Reception classes (state run/private, free)
Creches (maybe free)
Parent toddler groups (local community facilities, minimal costs)
Childrens centres (free)
Hope that helps