Early years and childcare

Information about childcare, providers and support available

Family information service

Information about our family information service

Find a nursery or childcare

Information about finding nurseries and childcare in the borough

Free early learning

Find out about various free early learning options.

Help with childcare costs

There are many ways in which the government can help you pay towards your childcare costs

Early years deaf service

The Deaf Service supports children aged from birth to 5 years old who have been diagnosed as having a hearing loss

Speech, language and communication support

Speech, language and communication are key skills for children as they learn to listen, talk, read and make friends.

Early years foundation stage (EYFS)

The early years foundation stage is the stage a child is in when they attend a setting, school or childminder between birth and the age of 5

Family Hubs

Discover the borough’s Family Hubs, local support for families with children aged 0-19.

List of children's centres

The borough no longer has children's centres. They have changed into community hubs.

Open a new childcare setting

Open a new childcare setting

Information and advice on starting a childcare setting

Become a childminder

Find out how to become a childminder in Barking and Dagenham.

Once you are registered as a Childminder with Ofsted

Barking and Dagenham has a knowledgeable and experienced Early Years Development team to support and advise registered childminders.

Check an Early Years Qualification Status Service

This simplified free digital service from the Department for Education (DfE) helps early years managers quickly check whether staff qualifications meet the requirements for staff: child ratios in England.

Work in Early Years and Childcare - Do something BIG campaign

Working in early years and childcare is unique and rewarding. You can be part of a child’s early education journey and help shape their future, giving them the best start in life.