Choosing childcare: what to look
for
Top ten questions to ask
Choosing childcare and early
education is a big step for you and your child. You can find out about the
childcare and early education services in your area from your local Children’s
Information Service. The Childcarelink freephone service will provide details of
your local CIS on 08000 960296. Ask about opening hours, price, the age of
children provided for, and if there is a space for your child.
Early education and pre-school
services can differ, as can individual childminders, nurseries, nursery classes
or out of school clubs. Try and give yourself enough time to visit several
possible options in your area to get a good idea of what could suit your child.
You are the expert on your child – trust your feelings.
It can be a good idea to take your
child with you when you visit a setting to see how staff talk to him or her. Try
to visit when children are there so you can see if they are calm, happy and
busy.
Here are some questions you can ask
when you visit.
Add your own questions as well:
- How long have staff been
working in the setting?
Children need to develop stable relationships with the adults caring for
them. That is more likely to happen in settings where staff are not
continually coming and going.
- What training have staff had
for the job?
What qualifications do they have?
Better-trained staff provide better quality care and education for young
children. Ask how many staff have level 2 and level 3 qualifications. The
National Standards outline minimum qualification requirements for daycare
settings*, but staff training in many settings will go beyond minimum
requirements.
- Do you enjoy being with
children and why?
It is important that adults providing early education and care enjoy
their work. Theirs is the job of supporting parents in providing young
children with a variety of stimulating and exciting opportunities to learn
and develop to the best of their abilities.
- Can I look around the
building to see the rooms and outside play space?
If there is no outside play space – how will you make sure my child gets
the chance to play outside? Settings need to be safe, welcoming and
stimulating. Look for a variety toys and materials, stored so that children
can get at them easily; clean toilets with hand dryers or disposable paper
towels; and enough space so children can move around without falling over
each other.
- Where will my child rest?
Some young children need to rest during the day. Rest areas should be quiet,
dimly lit, and have soft furnishings.
- What kind of food and drink
will you give?
Look for evidence that children get some fresh fruit and vegetables, and
are able to access water when they need it.
- What will my child do all
day?
Children need access to interesting activities, both quiet and active. Daily
activities should be varied, and give children some opportunities to choose
what they want to do.
- How do you deal with
difficult and challenging behaviour?
Challenging behaviour needs to be dealt with sensitively.Settings should
have a written policy on how they deal with difficult behaviour. Strategies
for understanding rather than reprimanding children are a feature of
effective behaviour policies.
- Will my child be with a
regular group of children?
How old are they?
How will their timetable fit in with my child?
Friendships are very important to children. Being part of a regular group
can help. However children can also benefit from having some opportunities
to be with others older or younger than themselves. Timetables need to be
flexible enough to meet the needs of the whole group.
- How will you make sure I
know how my child is getting on?
You should expect regular meetings with your child’s carer. In group
settings, like nurseries, you should be in regular contact with your
child’s key worker, the member of staff with responsibility for collecting
and coordinating information on their development.
CHOOSING CHILDCARE – WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Top ten quality pointers
When you visit possible childcare options, look for these Quality Pointers. You
could add your own as well.
- Children appear happy,
content and actively engaged with what they are doing.
- Child care providers have a
genuinely caring and friendly relationship with the children; a calm
atmosphere with no raised voices.
- The setting is safe,
adequately lit and maintained to a good standard of hygiene.
- A broad range and generous
supply of toys and equipment easily accessible to children.
- Adequate personal space for
children to play.
- Calm area with subdued
lighting where very young children can rest and sleep.
- Comfortable area where
children can relax.
- Toys, books and displays
that represent and promote different cultures in a positive way.
- Clean, appropriately sized
toilets and hand basins with individual or disposable towels provided.
- A secure and safe outdoor
recreation area.
Good childcare staff expect you to
ask questions and will be happy to answer them.
Top Tips
Always take up references. You could
ask for names of other parents to talk to about your chosen service.
Listen to your child and find out
more if he or she seems unhappy.
Always trust your own feelings about
your childcare – you know your child best.
Copies of this factsheet can be
obtained from:
DfES Publications
PO Box 5050
Annesley
Nottingham NG15 0DJ
Tel: 0845 60 222 60
Fax: 0845 60 333 60
Textphone: 0845 60 555 60
E-mail: dfes@prolog.uk.com
Please quote ref: CCL7R
© Crown copyright 2004
Produced by Sure Start
This information is available in alternative formats
and is free of charge from the ChildcareLink website
and ChildcareLink information line:
Freephone and Textphone 08000 960296.
Visit www.Childcarelink.gov.uk
Extracts from this document may be reproduced for non-commercial or
training purposes on the condition that the source is acknowledged.
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