Choosing quality childcare

Choosing childcare is time consuming but don’t be tempted to go for the first arrangement that turns up. The Daycare Trust offers guidelines to help you find what you want

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
Trained and/or experienced staff

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.

Cultural sensitivity

All learning is based on previous experience and knowledge. The home and the family are very important sources of learning for young children. Anyone looking after young children needs to understand the child’s home experiences and to display respect, sensitivity and positively reinforce the child’s cultural identity.

Look out for:

  • a staff team that represents the range of ethnic and cultural groups in the local community
  • a mix of children that reflects the local ethnic and cultural groups
  • toys and books that positively reflect a range of ethnic and cultural groups
  • multi-cultural menu
  • celebrations of a range of festivals and special occasions
Ideas about what children can do in life start early. Children should not feel limited by their gender, race or by disabilities. Childcare facilities need to offer all their activities to boys and girls – so that boys can happily use the home corner and so that woodwork is fun for girls. Children with disabilities should also be able to take part in a full range of activities.

A child is an explorer – experimenting, persisting and succeeding through a range of activities which will support their learning at different stages. Look for:

  • planned activities made ready for children
  • time to play freely with a varied range of toys and equipment
  • pictures and equipment that reflect children’s lives – including children with disabilities
  • time to develop a close relationship with a keyworker or childcarer
  • time in small groups and time in larger groups
  • ‘quiet time’ for rest or sleep
  • time and space for ‘large muscle’ action – playing outside, climbing, dancing
Remember parents are their children’s first and most important educators and the home is the most important learning environment. Childcarers need to recognise this and welcome parents at any time. They should be able to listen to your ideas and views without feeling threatened and you should feel comfortable about asking questions and making requests.

More information is available on the The Daycare Trust website and you can see whatchildcare is available in your area via the Childcare Link website. .