Choosing a childcare provider

There are several important things to consider when selecting a childcare provider to look after your little charges.

First of all you need to consider the type of childcare provider who can meet your needs:

School Nursery - usually care for children from 2 but some only take from 3 up to school age. They might be privately run or be attached to a school. They are usually term time only and have shorter hours to match the school day.
Day Nursery - cater for children from babies up to school age. They are usually open all year and have longer opening hours than preschools. They can be privately run or attached to a school.
Childminder - care for children at their own homes, usually alongside a small group of other children. They look after children from babies up to school age and often beyond as they start school. They can usually be flexible with the care they offer to match your needs.
Nanny - care for children in your home and are employed by you.

Once you have decided on your preferred providers, it is advisable to visit them and ask questions about the care provided.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Is the setting welcoming and friendly?
Is there enough space for your child to move around and be active?
Do children have plenty of opportunities to access outdoors?
How is the setting arranged? Is there a quiet area and room for messy play etc?
Is it clean, safe and secure?
Do staff listen, talk and interact appropriately with the children and with each other?
Do children look engaged and happy?
How interested are the children in the activities and resources on offer?
Do the staff welcome your questions?
Do they appear to value your knowledge of your child?

QUESTIONS YOU COULD THINK ABOUT ASKING

General

Do you offer / plan to offer funded childcare from 9 months old / two / three and four year olds?
Do you offer funded childcare all year round or term time only?
What are your opening times and holiday dates?
What happens if my child is absent due to sickness / holiday etc. do I still pay?
What happens if the setting is closed due to sickness / bank holidays etc. do I still pay?
What happens if my child arrives late?
Do you accept same day bookings? If so is there a cut off time / additional charges?
How many children do you look after at any one time?
What is the adult to child ratio? (2 year old ratios in nurseries can be flexible so some settings may have 1:4 whilst others 1:5)
How are activities chosen?
Can children choose their own activities?
How will you keep me informed about my child's progress?
How will my child's individual needs be met?
How will you respond to my child's interests?
How does the key person system work in the setting?
What can I do to support my child's learning and development?
What qualifications and experience do staff have?

Children with additional needs

Who is the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)?
Is it possible to meet the SENCo today?
How will I be able to meet with / talk to the SENCo?
Could I have a copy of the SEN policy?
Does the SENCo have any additional qualifications?
Will staff be trained to meet my child's needs?
Is the building accessible, with wheelchair access, wide doors, ramps and toilets?
How will my child's diet be catered for?
How will my child be helped to settle in?

Costs

Do you require a deposit?
Is it refunded from the first month's fee?
What are the hourly / sessional / daily rates?
How do I pay?
Do you accept Tax Free Childcare / Childcare Vouchers / student finance?
Do you take payment in advance or in arrears? Is this weekly / monthly / half termly?
What happens if my child is absent due to sickness / holiday etc. do I still pay?
What happens if the setting is closed due to sickness / bank holidays etc. do I still pay?

Welfare