Where childminders shine
A childminder offers a home setting, a very small group and often more flexible hours. For some babies and for parents working unusual shifts, that consistency is exactly right.
Where a nursery has the edge
A nursery has a qualified team rather than one person, so there is no closure when someone is ill or on holiday. Children move through age-appropriate rooms, mix with a bigger peer group, and have access to specialist provision like our forest school in Newport and after-school and holiday club in Cardiff.
Questions to ask either way
Ask to see the latest Care Inspectorate Wales report, ask what the staff turnover has been in the last year, ask how food and allergies are handled, and ask what notice period applies. Then visit — the feel of a room tells you more than any brochure.
Related guides for parents
Proposed childcare funding changes in Wales
What the proposed expansion of funded hours could mean for Cardiff and Newport families.
How the Childcare Offer for Wales works
30 funded hours for 3 and 4 year olds in Cardiff and Newport, and how we split them across term time and holidays.
The Curriculum for Wales in the early years
The six areas of learning and how they look through play in a nursery room.
Flying Start childcare for 2 year olds explained
Who qualifies by postcode, the 12.5 free hours a week, and how a health visitor referral reaches us.
You may also want to see nursery fees and funded hours or read parents' most-asked questions.
Come and see us in person
Book a visit to our Cardiff or Newport nursery — we'll show you the rooms, the garden and the food.