Top ten questions to ask

Choosing childcare and early education is a big step for you and your child. Find out about the childcare and early education services in your area by using our advanced search facility, or alternatively contact your local Children’s Information Service. 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 and 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

*You can find out more about the National Standards Ofsted inspect to by going to their website: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

Top ten quality pointers

When you visit possible childcare options, look for these Quality Pointers.
You could add your own as well.

1. Children appear happy, content and actively engaged with what they are doing.
2. Child care providers have a genuinely caring and friendly relationship with the children; a calm atmosphere with no raised voices.
3. The setting is safe, adequately lit and maintained to a good standard of hygiene.
4. A broad range and generous supply of toys and equipment easily accessible to children.
5. Adequate personal space for children to play.
6. Calm area with subdued lighting where very young children can rest and sleep.
7. Comfortable area where children can relax.
8. Toys, books and displays that represent and promote different cultures in a positive way.
9. Clean, appropriately sized toilets and hand basins with individual or disposable towels provided.
10. 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.