Overview
There are many types of childcare: early education or preschool services, childminders, nurseries, nursery classes or out-of-school clubs.
Here are some key questions to ask a childcare provider:
- How long have you been working with children, and what qualifications do you have?
- Can I look around the building to see the rooms and outside play space?
- Do the children have access to the outdoors?
- Are there suitable sleeping arrangements?
- Do you provide my child/children with healthy food and drinks?
- What will my child do all day?
- What kind of activities do you plan?
- Will you keep a daily record of what they have done?
- How do you encourage good behaviour?
- Will my child be with a regular group of children? How old are they? How will their timetable fit in with my child?
- How can I make sure my child is settling in well?
- Can I see how the security and signing-in books work?
Other things to look out for:
- Are the children calm, safe and happy?
- Do children play and talk together, and are they calm, safe and happy?
- Are the staff friendly, listening to children and answering them carefully?
- Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play, and do staff join in?
- Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use?
- Do parents have plenty of chances to say what they want for their children?
You should ask for their Ofsted Registration certificate and the most recent Ofsted Inspection report. Their registration ensures that they meet the 14 National Standards, that all staff have DBS checks and all staff have undertaken relevant training.
Benefits for your child
High-quality childcare and early education gives your child a head start in primary school; research shows that it improves their educational, emotional and social development.
The benefits of part-time attendance are just as good as those for full-time.