Choosing quality childcare
Many parents begin looking for childcare before their baby is born because finding a place can be difficult. Fee paying nurseries, state nursery classes and schools often hold waiting lists as do many playgroups, after school clubs and holiday playschemes.
You will need to feel confident that your child will be happy and thrive in the place you choose. You also need to be sure that you can depend on your childcare while you’re at work or studying. Think about your child’s needs, not only next month when you start leaving her, but also next year and the year after that. Children can find it hard to adjust to frequent disruptions in their childcare. There may be unplanned changes somewhere along the way but if you select childcare which you expect to be suitable for the foreseeable future you will be minimising any disruption.
Always look for:
- trained and/or experienced staff, ready to learn and adapt
- safe and clean premises
- sensitivity to different cultures
- fun activities planned each day - toys, equipment and space for play and exploration
- a big welcome for you and your child
The people looking after your child are the most important factor to consider when you are choosing childcare. They should be enthusiastic about looking after children, and good at communicating with them, and with you.
The key worker scheme
Some nurseries, pre-schools and after school centres have a key worker assigned to each child, so that she and her family can develop a trusting relationship with one particular person. Each key worker will be responsible for the well-being of a small group of children in that setting.
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