Nurseries in Southwark provide care, play and education for children up to 5 years old.
There are different types of nurseries: private, voluntary, community, independent or local authority.
Most offer part-time and full-time places (for example Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
All nurseries are registered with Ofsted and are regularly inspected. If they educate 3 and 4-year-olds they will have more Ofsted inspections.
You should visit more than one nursery and look at the facilities and activities on offer before choosing.
If possible talk to other parents at the nursery for their views.
There's often a heavy demand for full-time places and places for babies and younger children.
You may not always be able to get a place in the nursery of your choice.
You may get help with your childcare costs.
Nurseries must follow the early years foundation stage curriculum. Staff will aim to make sure your child reaches their early learning goals.
These include learning to read, write and count to 10. They also teach children to take care of themselves. This is so they have basic skills by the time they start school.
At a nursery your child can enjoy learning and playing in a small group.