Choosing Daycare for Under 8s
Are you looking for someone to care for your child?
- Why do you need daycare for your child?
- When do you need daycare?
- What type of provision are you looking for?
- Is it full time or part time?
- Do you know what to look for when choosing appropriate daycare
for your child?
Why do you need daycare for your child?
- For your child’s own benefit - to play with children of a
similar age group.
- For your child to extend his/her learning experiences.
- You and your child sometimes need a break from each other.
- You go to work.
- You want to find work.
- You want to take up further education.
- You want to meet other parents.
- You want extra help with the care of your child.
When do you need childcare?
- Full week
- Part week
- Sessions
- Occasional
- Before and after school
- School holidays
- Unsocial hours e.g. Early mornings or evenings
- To cover shift patterns
What type of provision are you looking for?
| Sector |
Age |
Open |
Fees |
| Childminders |
0-8+ |
All year |
Yes |
| Private Day Nurseries |
0-5 |
All year |
Yes |
| Preschool/Playgroups |
2-5 |
Term time |
Yes |
| Nursery Classes |
3-5 |
Term time |
No |
| Before and After School Clubs |
3-8+ |
Term time |
Yes |
| Holiday Clubs |
3-8+ |
Holidays |
Yes |
| Toddler Groups |
0-5 |
Varies |
Yes |
Do you know what to look for when choosing appropriate daycare
for your child?
Certain general principles are important for good practice in
daycare, education and related services for young children and
their families. These should include the following:
- Children’s well-being and development are most important.
- Children are kept safe and happy in a healthy, caring and
stimulating environment.
- Children are respected and treated as individuals, whose
particular needs, including special educational needs, are catered
for.
- Children and people working with young children value and
respect others no matter what their religion, culture, language,
racial origin, disability or gender.
- Children are encouraged to develop physically and emotionally,
with a sense of identity and self-awareness that inspires
confidence in themselves and others.
- Parents' responsibilities for their child are recognised and
respected.
- Parents and childcarers work in partnership.
- Information about services is available for parents to make
informed choices.
What do you need to do?
- Decide what type(s) of daycare will meet your needs.
- Always check that the daycare facility or childminder is
registered with Ofsted, and has public liability insurance -
contact Knowsley Childcare Information Service 0800 085 2022 Option
1.
- Take your time before you decide to start your child. Visit,
look around, feel the atmosphere - does it feel alright?
- Are you and your child made welcome?
- Do other children there look happy and well cared for?
- Go more than once - ask questions.
- Discuss your child’s needs, your needs.
- Always agree a contract. Have a copy of the agreement for
yourself.
- Find out about the facility, its day-to-day activities, hygiene
and safety, meals and snacks, holidays, how much it will cost.
Contact Knowsley Childcare Information Service for details of
registered childcare within your locality and discuss your
childcare needs in more detail.
