The age your child can start will depend on the Paint Pots setting you choose. Our nurseries in Southampton and Hampshire care for babies and young children, with some welcoming babies from as young as three months, while our pre-schools cater for children approaching school age. You can check your nearest setting to see the age groups, sessions and availability offered there.

Both nurseries and pre-schools provide children with a caring environment in which to play, learn and develop, but the childcare they offer can be slightly different. At Paint Pots, our nursery settings are open throughout the year, while our pre-school settings operate during term time. The ages, opening hours and sessions available also vary by location.

Want to understand the differences in more detail? Read our blog: Nursery vs Preschool: What’s the Difference?

You don’t always need an Early Years qualification to start working in a nursery. The requirements depend on the role, and there are routes into the sector where you can learn, train and gain recognised qualifications while working. For some positions, particularly more experienced practitioner roles, a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years qualification may be required.

Want to understand the different routes into early years? Read our blog: What Qualifications Do You Need to Work in a Nursery?

Nursery and pre-school fees depend on the type of session your child attends and whether you receive funded childcare. Paint Pots offers a range of morning, afternoon, school-day and full-day sessions across our Southampton and Hampshire settings. You can see our current nursery fees, pre-school fees and funded childcare charges on our Fees & Funding page. View our nursery fees and childcare funding information.

Starting nursery or pre-school is a big change, so we take settling in at your child’s pace. Our team works closely with parents and carers to understand each child’s routines, personality and needs, helping them become familiar with their new surroundings, practitioners and key person. Through familiar faces, consistent routines and plenty of play, we help children feel safe, confident and happy as they settle into nursery life. Arrange a visit to your local Paint Pots.

It’s a good idea to start looking for a nursery or pre-school as early as you can, particularly if you need a specific start date, days of the week or funded childcare sessions. Availability varies between Paint Pots locations and age groups, so once you’ve found your preferred setting, simply get in touch and our friendly team can talk you through availability, arranging a visit and registering for a nursery place. Find your local Paint Pots.