What are the differences and simularities between private, statuary, indpendent and voluntary childcare settings?

Statutory nursery: provision varies and may take the form of a nursery school, a nursery unit or a nursery class within a school. They provide part or full time education for children aged 2-4 years and are run by Education & Library Boards. They deliver the Early Years curriculum as outlined by the Department of Education and are regulated by the Education & Training Inspectorate. Nursery schools are staffed by a minimum of 1 qualified teacher and 1 classroom assistant providing a ratio of 1 member of staff to 13 children.

Independent include: Parent and Toddler (P&T) groups provide informal opportunities for parents and their young children to socialise and share experiences through collective activities. Family support projects…There are a number of organisations providing advice and support to families with young children on health, social and educational matters. Support is also available to families and parents under stress or having difficulty coping with their young family. then there’s Nannies…A nanny is someone you employ to care for your children in your own home. You are responsible for carrying out interviews and checking references regarding the suitability of the individual and, as their employer, for paying their NIC and PAYE contributions. Unless a nanny is caring for more than 2 families in one home at any one time there is no registration or inspection required. It is not necessary, but preferable, that they have suitable Childcare qualifications.

Day nurseries:Can be private or government funded. provide care, play and educational opportunities for children under compulsory school age. Some also provide separate after-school care. They are normally open all year and can provide care on a full or part-time basis. These nurseries are usually privately owned and operate on a fee paying basis. Some day nurseries have funded pre-school places under the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme (PEEP).

Voluntary: offer care and play opportunities normally for 2 to 3 hours after school and in some cases for 1 hour before school. A minimum of 50% staff must have Early Years or Playwork qualifications. Staff ratios should be 1 member of staff to every 8 children. It is recommended that group sizes not exceed 10 children under 10 years. They are organised by charities and volunteers.

Also private childcare is more expensive than the ones run by the government.

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