Nurseries in Chatham

Yes. Eligible working parents in Chatham can receive 30 funded hours a week for 38 weeks a year from the term after their child turns 9 months until school age. The entitlement can also be stretched across more weeks where the chosen childcare provider offers that arrangement.

No. Chatham is within Medway, which operates as its own unitary council and is responsible for local education and early-years services. Parents using nurseries in Chatham therefore come under Medway's childcare arrangements rather than Kent County Council's.

Medway uses term-based start dates. A child who turns 2 between 1 April and 31 August can start from September; birthdays between 1 September and 31 December qualify from January; and birthdays between 1 January and 31 March qualify from April. A valid eligibility code must be confirmed before the funded place begins.

Medway has a dedicated Early Years SEND Team for children with significant or complex additional needs. Support can begin before school, including where a child has significant delays in two or more areas of development, and a formal diagnosis is not always required. Nursery SENCOs can also raise a child's needs with Medway's Early Years SEND specialists with parental consent.

Yes. In Medway, health professionals have a legal duty to notify the council when they believe a preschool child may have SEND that could affect access to education. This allows support and planning to begin before the child reaches compulsory school age.

Nurseries in Chatham are primarily found across ME4 and ME5. ME4 includes central Chatham and areas around All Saints, while ME5 covers areas including Luton, Lordswood and Walderslade. Medway Council locations within Chatham confirm childcare and family facilities across both postcode districts.

Yes. Medway Council operates the Chatham Children and Family Hub at All Saints, in the ME4 area. It provides council-backed early-years and family support, including activities for babies and children under 5.