IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT CHILDCARE, PARTICULARLY IF YOU HAVE NOT USED IT BEFORE – SO MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE FACTS.” Says Liz Sewell of Belina
Registered childcare is checked and inspected
People who work in registered childcare have a DBS check. This a police check to make sure they have no criminal history or reasons why they can’t look after children. Everybody who is registered to look after children is inspected regularly by OFSTED, the government’s office for standards in Education and you can look up the reports online.
Childcare is good for children and they like it
Research shows that good childcare is good for children and helps their intellectual and social development. They get opportunities to be with other children, make friends and do the things they can’t do at home – maybe play outside, get messy, be physically active in space designed for them. For older children it can be an opportunity to get their homework done, or play sports.
Make sure you check out these Five important factors
Friends
Is there a stable group of children attending, so that your child can make good friends?
Food
Are mealtimes relaxed and fun? Can children help themselves to snacks and drinks?
Fun outside
Is the outside area well planned, spacious and safe?
Finding out
Are there lots of opportunities for kids to learn new things? Are activities varied and carefully planned?
Feeling safe and loved
Do staff respond to individual children’s needs and comfort and encourage them?
And Finally, Ask Questions! GOOD CENTRES AND CHILDMINDERS WILL BE PLEASED TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS
Here are ten to start with
- Are you registered?
- Can I see the latest Ofsted report?
- Do you have insurance?
- How many children do you care for?
- Do you have any connections with other providers
- My child is a fussy eater – how would you manage that?
- How often do the children go outside?
- Who else is here during the day?
- What happens if my child is sick?
- What happens if I am late?
Click if you want more information on choosing childminders
My wife and I just moved to a new area, and we wanted to make sure that we chose the right care center for our kids. One thing that really stood out to me is that you say to make sure they are giving your kids healthy meals. It would be nice to know that they are going to get the nutrition that they need.
It’s interesting that you mentioned how much children develop social skills in a daycare. I have been looking for a place to take care of my son while I’m at work, and I wasn’t sure how to choose a place. I can see how it would be nice to find somewhere that offers lots of social time, so my child will be better prepared for the future.