Toddler groups aren’t required to register with Care Inspectorate Wales (external link) as parents or carers must stay with their children while attending. Sessions allow children to mix with others and enjoy a variety of activities. Despite their name, groups aren’t just for toddlers – they’re often attended by a range of children from newborns to pre-schoolers.

Cylchoedd ti a fi allows parents and carers to play alongside their children and socialise in an informal Welsh setting. Non-Welsh speaking parents are welcome to attend and are encouraged to learn Welsh with their children by enjoying basic stories, songs and nursery rhymes.

Other groups which may be available locally for babies and toddlers include baby massage, story time, swimming groups, music and movement.

Nannies look after children in the family home. They aren’t currently regulated and don’t have to register with CIW unless they work for more than two families. 

Au Pairs are usually foreign students aged 17-27 years, who live as members of the family to learn English. Generally they don’t have childcare qualifications, so they shouldn’t have sole charge of pre-school children. They can work in the home for up to five hours per day in return for a room, an allowance and two full days off per week.

Babysitters typically look after children while parents go out for an evening or afternoon. There is no legal minimum age, but the NSPCC says they should be older than 16. If use a babysitter under 16 and the child is injured in their care, you may be held responsible. So, choose babysitters carefully and ask for references if you do not know the person well.