Choosing Childcare
Scientific evidence shows that a child’s brain in its earliest years develops at a phenomenal rate. These first few years represent a golden opportunity for us to give our children the best possible start in life. So choosing childcare and early education is a big step for you and your child. Early learning and childcare services can differ, as can individual childminders, nurseries, nursery classes, playgroups or out of school childcare services. Try and give yourself time to visit several possible options in your area to get a good idea of what could suit your child – trust your feelings. It can be a good idea to take your child with you when you visit to see how staff talk to him or her. Try to visit when children are there so that you can see if they are calm, happy and busy.
What to Look for When Choosing Childcare – Top Ten Quality Pointers
Good childcare staff expect you to ask questions and will be happy to answer them.
What to Look for When Choosing Childcare – Top Ten Quality Pointers
- Children appear happy, content and actively engaged with what they are doing
- Childcare 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 is easily accessible to children
- Adequate personal space for children to play
- Calm are 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 and 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.
